Simulation of Hydrodynamic and Heat Transfer Phenomena in Catalytic Reforming Reactors via CFD

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Modeling and Process Control Department, Engineering and Process Development Division, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, (RIPI)

Abstract

The simulation of hydrodynamic and heat transfer phenomena in a catalytic reforming reactor is performed with the help of computational fluid dynamics. The governing equations of mass, momentum, and energy conservation are simultaneously solved together with turbulence equations through finite volume elements. The residence time distribution of each reactor is obtained using step tracer injection technique. Dispersion parameter for every reactor is evaluated and reported. By modifying geometry and reactor internals, we are successful to gain uniform flow distribution and to enhance the reactor capacity. It is found that capacity enhancement and an increase in the resistance of fluid distributors can improve uniformity. To take into account the amount of heat generated or consumed by the catalytic reactions, some volumetric heat sources are defined in the energy equation. The results show that the majority of temperature fall occurs through the first reactor because of endothermic rigorous reactions. It is also found out that heat dissipation decreases up to 35%, if the insulation thickness increases twofold.
 

Keywords

References

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Journal of Petroleum Research
Volume 23, Issue 73 - Serial Number 73
July and August 2013
Pages 25-44

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