CC-03-147 Model Based Continuous Performance Monitoring and Nonlinear Optimization of Catalytic Fluid Cracking Operations

Description:

UOP has developed state-of-the-art technology for implementation of critical models in various simulation and optimization environments to facilitate the use of such studies. The implementation is based on modular technology that allows users, to link their models to any simulation environment, to perform modeling, data reconciliation and optimization studies. Additionally, this modular approach allows the use of modern statistical estimation theory to be used in order to tune adjustable parameters from pilot plant and/or commercial data. This is necessary to establish the ground rules for model performance and fidelity. In this paper we will present our results from a complex optimization study of three Fluid Catalytic Crackers (FCC) in the BP Texas City refinery. We will describe in some detail the FCC and optimization models, as well as the criteria that established the objectives of the study. The major focus of the optimization was the optimal selection of FCC feed flows and types, as well as of the cracker severity in order to minimize cost of operation and meet sulfur specifications by selecting whether to pre-treat with an FCC feed hydrotreater or to post-treat through FCC naphtha desulfurization