Platforming™ Technology Advances: CycleX™ System For Increased Hydrogen Production From A Fixed-Bed Reforming Unit

Description:

Refiners have a tremendous need for hydrogen due to the impending low-sulfur fuels regulations. Since catalytic reformers are often the main hydrogen-producing units in many refineries, these reformers will have to maintain, or even extend, the current catalyst cycle length under more severe operating conditions to meet new specifications for cleaner, reformulated fuels. The survival of smaller size refineries or refineries in niche markets, who tend to operate fixed-bed reforming units, may depend on a low-cost solution to meet the hydrogen demand. UOP has developed the CycleX™ system, comprising a new reactor, regenerator and interheater, as a revamp solution for these smaller capacity, 5,000 to 15,000 BPSD (33-99 m3/hr), fixed-bed, side-by-side or stacked reactor reforming units to achieve these new reforming needs. The key features of this system are: n Low capital and operating costs n Increased hydrogen and reformate yields n Increased fixed-bed catalyst cycle length