FInal-Draft
The application of loop-seals for the catalyst transfer from the Regenerator to the Riser on pilot-plant scale FCC applying gas-particle simulation
Abstract
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is robust in predicting and analyzing complex multiphase flow hydrodynamics, especially on fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) phenomena in fluid-solid reaction. This study presented the replacement valve as a regulator of the catalyst's distribution from the Regenerator to the Riser in a pilot-scale fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). On a large scale, FCC applies Slide valves/plug valves as a regulator of the catalyst rate from the Regenerator to the Riser also stops nitrogen flow Riser. However, Slide valves are carefully designed with abrasion-resistant protection for improving the reliability of the valve. Internal insulation allows using of carbon steel for the body of the valves. It is impossible on a pilot plant scale because the dimeter pipe is small, making the catalyst often stuck in the valve and nitrogen escapes to the Riser. The solution is loop-seal pipe by flowing the air below to regulate the catalyst and solve the Riser nitrogen leakage. This study uses the CFD approach, specifically the MMPIC applying CFDSOF, including the preliminary validation with catalyst dimension based on the Geldart group A and A ' Miyauchi.
1. Introduction
During 2019 Indonesia reached 51.8 million tons of CPO. From this source, it is processed into green fuel. Before becoming Green Fuel, CPO is processed first to become Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) next processed utilising the Fluid Catalytic Cracking method ( FCC). The FCC unit process consists of the feed injection system, Riser, riser outlet separator system, disengager/stripper, regenerator, catalyst cooler (optional), catalyst withdrawal well, catalyst transfer lines, and control systems. The main processing products for RBDPO using the FCC are Gasoline, LCO (light cycle oil) and LPG.
The FCC process is a hydrocarbon reaction between crude oil (RBDPO) and a catalyst based on Particles' Geldart Classification. The proper selection of catalyst is essential to successful residue cracking operations. The importance of magnifies as the percentage of residual oil increases in the feedstock. Several properties of the catalyst should be examined for a particular feed. The properties are, Zeolite content, Micro-activity, Rare earth content, Unit cell size, Coke selectivity, Particle size distribution, Bulk density, Thermal stability, Surface area, Pore volume and pore distribution (strippability), Attrition resistance, Metals resistance, Gasoline octane properties. Regenerator and Riser are equipment that determines the FCC's product yield. This paper describes the transport of catalysts from the regenerator to the Riser.
Hydrodynamics through the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) depicts the phenomenon of catalysts in the FCC. There are several types of gas and particle simulation approaches Eulerian, MPPIC, and DEM. Each type of method has its characteristics in solving gas-particle problems. MPPIC is an approach with the parcel in cell where the solids model tracks the position and trajectory of computational parcels, statistical groups of particles that share the same physical characteristics (e.g. diameter and density). Different diameter particles of the same material must be defined as separate solid phases in the present formulation, each with its statistical classification. This paper applies CFDSOF as a tool to calculate the catalyst phenomenon in the FCC.
