AM-99-08 IF YOU’RE BURNING H2, YOU’RE BURNING MONEY USE NEW H2 MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE REFINERY MARGINS AND MEET NEW FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Description:

A methodology has recently been developed for systematically analyzing the refinery hydrogen balance as a network problem. This methodology provides a means of setting minimum consumption targets and getting some direction on where network improvements can be made. It can lower refinery operating costs or new hydrogen plant capacity by reducing overall hydrogen needs. UOP has found that combining this methodology with a detailed understanding of the role that hydrogen plays in hydrogen-consuming processes can increase refinery profitability far beyond the benefit realized by simply reducing hydrogen costs. Hydrogen, specifically hydrogen partial pressure, has such a strong impact on profitability because of its effect on throughput, product quality, conversion, yield, and catalyst life. This paper uses commercial examples to demonstrate the great potential to increase refinery margins by optimizing, rather than minimizing, the use of hydrogen in the refinery.