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Abstract : |
Available methods to reduce the amount of refinery residues by physical separation, carbon rejection, or hydrogen addition, produce heavier residues of their own that need to be utilized or disposed of. One alternative that totally converts the residue and at the same time complies with environmental restraints is the gasification or partial oxidation process. Practically, all types of refinery high-sulfur heavy residues may be utilized to produce hydrogen, syngas, or power. This study briefly describes the gasification process for heavy residues and commercial projects in its application in refinery power generation. The economics of three options, namely, for hydrogen production, for power generation, and for coproduction of hydrogen, power, and syngas, are examined and compared. All three options provide reasonable payback periods of 3.3, 4.7, and 4.9 years, respectively. However, each refinery must determine its own needs and export potential in its configuration for coproduction and final implementation of heavy residue gasification., |
