AM-00-21 GULF COAST REFINER'S CCR REFORMER EXPANSION PIVOTS AROUND CATALYST CHANGE

Description:

Valero, Texas City wanted to restore regenerator capacity and increase the feed rate capacity of their CCR reformer. The program consisted of two pronged attack. The first was to change catalyst and the second was to return the unit hardware to its rated capacity or higher. The catalyst was changed to PS-40 which promised to provide reduced coke make and higher yields. In addition, PS-40 came from a family of catalysts that had proven surface area stability, low fines generation and excellent chloride retention. These properties provided reduced concerns about screen plugging. Following the catalyst change out, the feed rate was increased. Coke on catalyst remained within the coke burning capacity of the regenerator. Mechanically, increased capacity burners were installed in the furnaces and the blowers on the regenerator were upgraded to the original specifications. Upgrades and improvements in instrumentation provided better control and more information about unit performance. The unit improvement project has been successful.