Optimization Model for Refinery Hydrogen Networks Part I

Abstract

Petroleum refineries have many process units that consume hydrogen.These process units are distributed in different places everywhere in the refinery.In order to feed them, it is necessary to have sources capable of supplying, in amount and quality, the hydrogen that every consuming unit needs.It is also needed to have a distribution network that it is correctly designed and which operation is adjusted in an optimal manner to the changing conditions of the refinery.This involves the minimization of the cost of installation and operation of the hydrogen network.The installation cost is dominated by the amount of pipelines, compressors and purifying units; while the cost of operation is dominated by the amount of fresh hydrogen that the plant consumes.In this work a mathematical model is developed for a hydrogen network,which is adapted to the different information levels available in the different stages of design of that system.The model is currently in use in the YPF Luján de Cuyo refinery (Mendoza, Argentina). In this first part, the basic model is presented; whereas in a second part, the model is enlarged to accommodate the incorporation of purifying units and new compressors.