The_Catalyst_Review_February_2024 - 13

SPECIAL FEATURE
The Gasolfin Process - Olefinic
Feedstock Conversion
The Gasolfin naphtha-to-olefins process will also
convert olefinic feedstocks from the FCC, delayed
coker, pyrolysis naphthas, and other sources.
Olefinic feeds typically consist of up to 50% olefins
and up to 25 wt% aromatics with the remainder
consisting of paraffins and naphthenes. The olefins
in these feeds are significantly more reactive than
paraffins and require lower reaction severity for
complete conversion.
The aromatics present in olefinic feedstocks are
inert in the Gasolfin process. These aromatics will
first be extracted using state of the art aromatic
extraction solvents which are not deactivated by
the presence of olefins. One such commercially
proven aromatics extraction process is the Sulzer
GT-BTX-PluS technology.
The olefinic feed is then preheated in a reactor
feed effluent heat exchanger network and
then further heated to rection temperature in a
sectioned fired heater. The first section of the
radiant zone heats reactor #1 feed while section
PFD #2. Gasolfin product recovery section PFD.
Source: Author
#2 of the radiant zone heats reactor #2. Reaction temperatures are lower than for paraffin conversion. The reactor effluent from
reactor #1 is routed directly to the second radiant section of the fired heater and returned to reaction temperature. The olefins and
unsaturated naphthenes will be fully converted after reactor #2.
The olefins and unsaturated naphthenes are fully converted in the olefin reactors, while the paraffins and saturated naphthenes
remain unconverted. Avoiding paraffin conversion prevents hydrogen production in the reactors, thereby eliminating hydrogen
transfer reactions. In this manner, the maximum value from these olefins is achieved by maintaining the maximum light olefin yield.
Additionally, the series operation of these reactors limits the fired heater duty requirement in the olefin conversion section.
The remaining paraffins and saturated naphthenes will be converted in paraffin reaction section under increased severity. The
standard Gasolfin operation is to first convert the olefins and unsaturated naphthenes at low severity followed by paraffin and
saturated naphthene conversion at higher severity. The paraffins and saturated naphthenes exiting the Olefin conversion section
may be combined with additional low valued paraffins present in the refinery or petrochemical plant such as pentane or LSR
naphtha.
PFD #3. Olefin conversion reactor PFD.
Source: Author
The Gasolfin Process - Butylene Conversion
Many refineries in Europe and Asia are not equipped with Alkylation plants and therefore place low value on the butylene
produced in the Gasolfin process. Additionally, some refiners may not possess the capacity to process additional butylene
into alkylate. Gasolfin offers an optional reaction system for the conversion of butylene into additional ethylene and propylene
Gasolfin butylene conversion.
The Catalyst Review
February 2024
13

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