Description
The Naphta catalytic reforming pilot plant is designed as a research and development tool to study and optimize catalytic reforming processes under controlled and representative operating conditions. Its primary purpose is to evaluate catalyst performance, including activity, selectivity, stability, and deactivation behavior, when processing naphtha and other light hydrocarbon feedstocks. The unit allows operators to simulate industrial reforming conditions at pilot scale, generating reliable data on product yields, hydrogen production, and changes in feed composition.By operating under high temperature and high pressure in the presence of hydrogen, the pilot plant supports detailed investigation of reaction severity and operating variables, enabling process optimization before scale-up to commercial units. It is also used to compare different catalysts, assess the impact of feed quality, and validate kinetic models. Overall, the pilot plant provides a safe, flexible, and cost-effective platform for developing and improving reforming technologies while reducing technical and economic risks associated with full-scale refinery implementation.
Features
Catalytic reforming unit for naphtha and light hydrocarbons under hydrogen.
High-temperature, high-pressure fixed-bed reactor in downflow operation.
Industrial operating range: up to 550 °C and 50 barg.
Small catalyst volume (up to 100 ml) for screening studies.
Three-zone heated reactor for precise temperature control.
Integrated gas–liquid separation downstream of the reactor.
Compact skid-mounted design with integrated utilities.
Accurate control and instrumentation for temperature, pressure, and flows.
Pilot-scale relevance for catalyst evaluation and process optimization
Benefits
* Catalyst screening: Enables reliable evaluation of reforming catalysts under realistic conditions.
* Process optimization: Supports optimization of operating conditions before scale-up.
* Cost and risk reduction: Uses small catalyst and feed volumes to minimize development cost and risk
