Federico Parkkulainen / Luis Baikauskas
Project Background
Catalytic Naphtha Reforming Unit
Expansion project targets:
Improve Naphtha RON
Increase capacity by 20%
Improve the purity of products
2
Project Background
Basic Design Package
(BDP)
• By Licensor
• Identify limitations and
recommend
debottlenecking basic
proposals
FEED and Detail
Engineering
Procurement &
Construction
• By local Engineering
Contractor
• Evaluate and validate
BDP proposals
• Development of
details of final
debottlenecking
strategy
3
Process Fractionation Zone
TARGETS
• Increase 20% the flow
rate of reformate
production
• Reduce the heavy
components in C3/C4
product
4
Licensor Revamp Proposal
• New condenser and
reboiler
✓
• Add a new column section
with 12 trays
?
• Increase operating
pressure above mechanical
design pressure
?
Conclusion:
The solution is dependent on getting
a successful mechanical rerate and
future constructability analysis
5
Final Revamp Integral Solution
Feed with high
vapor fraction
Capacity limitation:
Relatively small
diameter in the upper
section
Unable to increase
the top reflux
Idle capacity margin:
In the lower section
New feed charge
can be
accommodated in
the lower section
Use subcooled feed
Increases
internal reflux
Higher
capacity
Reduces C5+
flowing
upwards
Better
fractionation
6
Final Revamp Integral Solution
Higher C4
recovery
7
Conclusions
✓ Using minor modifications, it was possible to:
▪ Increase 20% reformate production capacity
▪ Improve column fractionation power (C4/C5)
✓ Simple design with low impact on existing facilities
▪ Current operating pressure can be maintained
▪ Minor mechanical/civil dependence
8
Thinking Outside the Box in Revamps
➢ Canned solutions are not always the best option
➢ Know your process & equipment: exploit hidden possibilities
➢ Small process changes can lead to cost-effective solutions
➢ Assure project construction viability
• Find rock-solid solutions from early conceptual stages
• Reduce the quantity of tie-ins
• Lower the impact on construction
• Get higher predictability
9
Many thanks for your time!
Federico Parkkulainen / Luis Baikauskas