Optimization of crude oil hydrotreating process as a function of operating conditions: Application of response surface methodology

CATEGORY: HYDROTREATING
Optimization of crude oil hydrotreating process as a function of operating conditions: Application of response surface methodology

Type	Journal Article
Author	Ahmed A. Bhran
Author	Abeer M. Shoaib
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0098135416300886
Volume	89
Pages	158-165
Publication	Computers & Chemical Engineering
Date	June 9, 2016
Abstract	Recent research has focused on upgrading of heavy crude oil as unconventional oil recovery rises. Catalytic hydrotreating of crude oil is an important upgrading option that is rarely discussed in literature. The main aim of crude oil hydrotreating is to reduce adverse environmental effects caused by the concentration of contaminants, increase productivity and improve the quality of middle distillate cuts. Researchers used Response surface methodology (RSM) to examine the influence of various process parameters, including hydrogen partial pressure, temperature and liquid hourly space velocity on the hydrotreating performance. They assessed the significance of these parameters by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. The resulting correlations are capable of predicting sulfur, vanadium, nitrogen and nickel conversions that are in excellent agreement with experimental data. The operating parameters were optimized with LINGO optimization software to achieve maximum conversions of contaminants during hydrotreating processes.