A Techno-Economic Study of Catalytic Decarboxylation Process for Naphthenic Acids Utilizing Protonic Zeolite Socony Mobil Type 5 (HZSM-5) Catalyst

This paper represents a detailed techno-economic analysis of typical commercial-scale catalytic decarboxylation process naphthenic acids over HZSM-5 zeolite. Simulation the has been performed in ASPEN Plus®. The performance modeled unit was compared to experimental results data from similar plant. Two models were developed for proposed industrial plant based on continuous flow reactors; first is fluidized bed reactor, and it as stirred tank reactor (CSTR) unit, second semi-regenerative that consists three fixed-bed reactors with intermediate preheaters are plug (PFR). outcome economic two commercial scale capacity 11,000 bbl/day showed CAPEX, including total equipment cost plant, $44,319,362 $4,447,919, respectively. annual operating 45,269,180 $/year 1,771,839 $/year, Our demonstrated zeolite economically feasible using process, promising method removing acid. insight obtained this work can be used basis more comprehensive future financial risk modeling process. estimated Khartoum refinery acid corrosion mitigation system, saving $29,459,528.