The IsoTherming® technology can offer unique advantages to a refiner when considering a revamp. Typically, in order to significantly increase capacity or to produce higher quality transportation fuels through an existing unit, additional catalyst volume is required. In these cases, the Elessent design entails installing an IsoTherming® reactor and recycle pump in front of the existing trickle bed reactor. This configuration enables the reactor to function as a pretreatment unit without interfering with the existing trickle bed reactor and recycle gas compressor loop, thus maximizing existing assets without further modifications.
Another significant advantage to the IsoTherming® technology is the energy savings associated with heat recovery. In revamp configurations, recycling the heat of reaction from the IsoTherming® reactor product to the inlet of the reactor greatly reduces the required charge heater duty needed to achieve the desired reaction zone temperature. Additionally, the large flow of recycle gas is no longer heated in the existing feed/effluent exchangers and charge heater which further reduces the duty requirements of these pieces of equipment.
Elessent anticipates refiners can achieve maximum utility savings and capital cost savings when implementing an IsoTherming® technology revamp when compared to conventional revamp solutions. Customers worldwide have chosen the IsoTherming® technology to meet their revamp objectives, including 30% capacity increase and producing ultra low sulfur diesel.
