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NRMRL-CIN-1531A Mata, T.M., Smith*, R.L., Young*, D., and Costa, C.A.V. "Simulation of Ecologically Conscious Chemical Processes: Fugitive Emissions versus Operating Conditions." Paper published in: CHEMPOR' 2001, 8th International Chemical Engineering Conference, Aveiro, Portugal, 9/12-14/2001, F.R. Ribeiro and J.J.C. Cruz Pinto (Ed.), 2001, p. 907-913. 07/13/2001 Catalytic reforming is an important refinery process for the conversion of low-octane naphtha (mostly paraffins) into high octane motor fuels (isoparaffins, naphthenes and aromatics), light gases and hydrogen. In this study the catalytic reforming process is analyzed under different operating conditions to calculate the octane number and amount of fugitive emissions. The fugitive emissions are accounted for by considering the existing methods in the literature, and the potential environmental impact leaving the process is evaluated using the WAR algorithm. By examining a range of operating conditions and performing environmental analyses with WAR, the most environmentally friendly process conditions are elucidated. The process conditions considered here, the reactor temperature and pressure, affect the products in terms of reformate and hydrogen yields, research octane number and reformate composition. The results indicate that more recycling is not always a better solution for waste minimization. In this case study increased recycling means more process equipment and larger stream flowrates through almost the entire process, which increases fugitive emissions and their potential environmental impacts.

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