Catalytic Reforming

Overview

Catalytic reforming is one of the most important processes in a modern refinery. It converts low-octane naphtha into high-octane reformate for gasoline blending and produces aromatics for petrochemicals, while also generating much of the hydrogen needed by hydrotreaters and hydrocrackers. Reformers operate at high temperatures with expensive platinum-based catalysts that are sensitive to contaminants such as sulphur, nitrogen, water and metals. Optimising severity, catalyst performance, hydrogen yield and run length has a direct and significant effect on refinery margins, product quality and the hydrogen balance of the whole site.

This course provides a practical understanding of catalytic reforming technology, chemistry, operation and optimisation. Participants learn naphtha feed properties and pretreatment, reforming reactions and their thermodynamics, catalyst types and the effect of process variables such as temperature, pressure, hydrogen-to-hydrocarbon ratio and space velocity. The course covers semi-regenerative and continuous catalyst regeneration units, reactor and heater operation, recycle gas compression, product separation and stabilisation, and chloride and water balance. It also explains catalyst deactivation and regeneration, contaminant management, troubleshooting, safety and environmental issues, and case studies from operating reformers.

Objectives

• Explain the role of catalytic reforming in gasoline, aromatics and hydrogen supply
• Evaluate naphtha feed quality and the requirements of feed pretreatment
• Describe reforming reactions, thermodynamics and their effect on yields
• Understand catalyst types and the effect of key process variables
• Compare semi-regenerative and continuous catalyst regeneration units
• Manage catalyst deactivation, chloride and water balance and regeneration
• Troubleshoot and optimise reformer operation for margin and run length

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course combines explanation of reforming chemistry and technology with calculations and analysis of real unit data. Participants evaluate naphtha analyses, estimate the effect of severity on reformate yield and hydrogen production, interpret reactor temperature profiles and delta temperatures, and assess catalyst performance from operating trends. Chloride and water balance data are analysed to identify catalyst problems. Case studies of feed contamination, catalyst poisoning and regeneration problems are discussed in groups. Each day ends with a short quiz and discussion of reformer issues at participants' own refineries.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions