Impact of Fluids Distribution and Separation Systems on the Fluid Dynamics of a Resid Hydroprocessor

LC-FinerSM是一种重油加氢处理器，由Syncrude Canada Ltd用于将加拿大沥青升级为 催化加氢合成原油。LC-FinerSM的几何形状，特别是入口 （气-液分布器）和出口（液体再循环盘），影响反应器性能。一个均匀的空间 流体的分布对于适当的氢化和限制焦炭的形成是必要的， 沉降在反应器底部并有害地影响流体分布， 自我传播流体分布系统也影响气泡的形成，这反过来又影响床层 流体力学和运输现象。此外，由于气泡在床中不容易聚结， 原始气泡尺寸分布可能影响再循环盘中的相分离，并且夹带在再循环盘中的气体可能影响再循环盘中的相分离。 再循环的液体增加了通过分配系统的气体流量，导致在分配系统处的更大的床气滞留量。 液体滞留和最终产物产率的代价。此外，更高的产量导致更好的工艺 能量效率并因此减少对环境的影响（例如，温室气体排放）。 优化经济回报和环境影响是成功开发 加拿大油砂行业，这将导致原油供应从年的400万桶/天增长到2010年的2 2015年至2030年估计为550万桶/日。 该研究项目将包括多相计算流体动力学和实验活动， 利用现有的独特设备和专用仪器。反应堆的改进 性能，通过改变反应器内部几何形状和操作条件，增加持液量 和运行时间。研究生和本科生将参与高压操作 中试规模的设备、数学建模以及与工业合作伙伴的沟通/互动 进行全面而全面的培训。

The LC-FinerSM, a heavy oil hydroprocessor, is used by Syncrude Canada Ltd to upgrade Canadian bitumen to synthetic crude oil via catalytic hydrogenation. The LC-FinerSM geometry, in particular the entrance (gas-liquid distributor) and exit (liquid recycle pan), affects the reactor performance. An even spatial distribution of the fluids is essential for proper hydrogenation and to limit the formation of coke which, by settling at bottom of the reactor and detrimentally affecting the fluids distribution, can become self-propagating. The fluids distribution system also influences bubble formation, which in turn affects bed hydrodynamics and transport phenomena. Moreover, since bubbles do not readily coalesce in the bed, the original bubble size distribution likely impacts phase separation in the recycle pan, and gas entrained with the recycled liquid increases the gas flow through the distribution system resulting in greater bed gas holdups at the expense of the liquid holdup and ultimately product yield. Moreover, greater yields lead to better process energy efficiencies and thus reduced impact on the environment (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions). Optimization of economic return and environmental impact are central to the successful development of the Canadian oil sands industry, which will lead the growth in crude oil supply from 4.0 million barrels/day in 2015 to an estimated 5.5 million barrels/day in 2030. This research project will have both multiphase computational fluid dynamics and experimental campaigns, leveraged by existing unique equipment and specialized instrumentation. Enhancements in reactor performance, via changes in reactor internal geometry and operating conditions that increase the liquid holdup and run time, will be proposed. Graduate and undergraduate students will partake in operation of high pressure equipment at the pilot scale, mathematical modeling and communication/interaction with an industrial partner for complete and comprehensive training.