Applications and Development of Catalytic Reforming Processes

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Catalytic reforming is an important method for improving gasoline quality and producing petrochemical feedstocks, and it is one of the most common units in modern oil refineries and petrochemical complexes. Most catalytic reforming units abroad are used to produce high-octane gasoline components. Existing facilities in China are mainly used for the production of aromatics, and facilities for producing high-octane gasoline components are also under development. To address the problem of catalyst coking caused by intensive operation, in addition to improving the performance of the catalyst, three approaches have been developed for catalyst regeneration: ① Semi-regeneration, which involves stopping the reforming unit after one cycle of operation and regenerating the catalyst on-site. ②Cyclic regeneration: several reactors are used, with each one able to be taken out of the reaction system for regeneration without disrupting the continuous production of the facility. ③In continuous regeneration, the catalyst can flow between the reactor and the regenerator; under normal operating conditions of catalytic reforming, a portion of the catalyst is sent to a dedicated regenerator for regeneration. The regenerated catalyst is returned to the reactor.