AUGMENTATION DU TAUX DE RECUPERATION DU PROPANE AU NIVEAU DE GAS_PLANT DE LA RAFFINRIE SKIKDA

Abstract

In this work we sought to study the possibility of increasing the amount of propane (C3) recovered from the total charge of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) where the latter is treated at the level of the distillation column (deethanizer), where we have devoted our study to the level of treatment and refining unit topping( U10), of the SKIKDA refinery. The gas separation unit faces a problem of low propane recovery rate. After checking the work of this unit. we have noticed that the propane recovery rate (43%) is largely low compared to the design. This is due to the malfunction of the heat exchanger (top condenser of the deethanization column), resulting in an increase in temperature at the top of the distillation column. To remedy this problem, we have checked the operating parameters of this unit and optimization of the operating parameters of column C1. The verification was carried out using a HYSYS 11 simulator, the result of which was very satisfactory, where the propane recovery rate increased from 43·90% to 64·8% with a gain in propane production of 43 tonnes per day.