Development of Vacuum Residue Hydrodesulphurization–​Hydrocracking Models and Their Integration with Refinery Hydrogen Networks

In recent years, there has been an increase in vacuum residue hydroprocessing due to the decrease in fuel oil demand and an increase in distillate demand. This work characterizes vacuum residue hydrodesulphurization and hydrocracking processes and their integration with hydrogen networks to evaluate holistic interactions between hydrogen consumers and the hydrogen distribution system. Conversion models for sulfur, conradson carbon residue, asphaltenes, and vacuum residue have been developed based on the feed quality, catalyst properties, and process operating conditions. A five-lump yield model is derived incorporating a feedstock characteristic index and true boiling points. The results of the proposed model show reasonable accuracy with experimental data [Yang et al. <i>J. Fuel Chem. Technol. (Beijing, China)</i> <b>1998</b>, <i>5</i>]. A simultaneous optimization of hydrogen consumer models and the hydrogen network model is executed using the CONOPT solver in the General Algebraic Modeling System environment. Sensitivity analysis is carried out on the integrated framework to demonstrate the influence of varying operating conditions on product yields. As expected, the outcomes validate attainable trends in the industry