Computational fluid dynamics simulation of four lumped reaction dynamics of FCC gasoline hydrodesulfurization

Four lumped kinetic model, Eulerian multiphase flow model, the heat transfer model in porous zone, and laminar finite rate model were used to simulate the FCC gasoline hydrodesulfurization, such as multiphase flow within the porous media, reaction and heat transfer in reactor. The velocity field in the porous media bed, the temperature distribution in reactor, desulfurization efficiency and the operating parameters affecting desulfurization efficiency were mainly studied. The results showed that the state and distribution of three-phase flow and the temperature distribution in reactor could be more accurately described by the selection of multiphase flow and the heat transfer model, the solution of lumped parameter model and the equivalent reaction mechanics settings in reaction model. Four lumped kinetic model integrate with laminar reaction finite rate model can be used to more accurately simulate the higher deep desulfurization process with desulfurization rate of up to 94%. Based on the better fit and extrapolation of the model, the effects of operating parameters, such as liquid hourly space velocity, reaction pressure and volume ratio of hydrogen to oil, on the desulfurization rate of FCC gasoline were investigated.