Modeling of Primary Reformer Tube Metal Temperature (TMT)

• Main Author: Patel, Vishal Nanji
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi Petronas 2009
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/7977/1/2009%20-%20Modelling%20of%20primary%20reformer%20tube%20metal%20Temperature%20%28TMT%29.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/7977/

This report discusses the research done on the chosen topic, which is Modeling of Primary Reformer Tube Metal Temperature (TMT). The objective of the project is to develop a model that can predict the temperature of the reformer tubes. The scope of study focused on the modeling of the primary reformer TMT of PETRONAS Ammonia Sdn. Bhd. (PASB) plant. The primary reformer in PASB plant is used to crack hydrocarbons such as natural gas into its constituents which are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Pressurized feed (30barg) of hydrocarbon and steam is fed into the reformer tubes and heated by the burners at about 800-1 000°C to facilitate the hydrocarbon conversion. The temperature of the tubes is an important parameter to determine the life-time of the tubes. Operating the reformer beyond the TMT design limits can cause premature failures on the tubes which lead to production losses and higher downtime. Based on the literature survey, it shows that mathematical modeling and simulation approaches are used to determine the behavior of the reformer tubes. For this project, empirical model developed by integrating the process variable will be used to predict the reformer tubes temperature. Empirical model is developed based on the real-time data obtained from P ASB plant. There is none journals or papers that have used this approach of modeling in predicting the primary reformer tubes temperature. Robust Quality Estimator (RQE) and MATLAB (System Identification Toolbox and Neural Network Toolbox) software are being used in developing models. Four types of model are developed and compared; those are RQE Linear model, RQE RBF model, MATLAB ARX model and MATLAB Neural Network model. Proper modeling techniques are discussed and being implemented in developing each models. Neural Network model is the best model developed in predicting the reformer TMT.