PD-10-109 Valero Energy Memphis Refinery Reformer Optimization

Description:

With the pending MSAT II regulations on the near term horizon, the optimization of the reforming unit feed composition and the operating strategy of the unit become even more complex. The Valero Memphis refinery reforming unit is an example of one that no longer operates to satisfy octane demand for the refinery, but to satisfy the refinery hydrogen demand. The ability to fully model the sensitivity of feed changes to reformate composition in conjunction with modeling upstream and downstream fractionation capabilities allows optimization to be performed on a regular basis. This paper describes the process and effort required to create the system model in Petro-SIM, the benefits realized, and the lessons learned.