Advisor: Professor Gilbert F. Froment
CoAdvisor: Professor Rayford G. Anthony

Motivation:

Catalytic reforming is one of the most important processes in the refining industry. The main objective is the transformation of low-octane straight run naphtha into high-octane gasoline by increasing concentration of aromatics and isoparaffins. The development of a comprehensive model can help to take decisions with respect to catalyst performance, product yields, mechanical processes changes, and control and optimization of the process. Thus higher economical and environmental profits are expected.

Methods:

[1] Single-Event Approach.
[2] Non-Linear Optimization Methods, e.g. Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm.
[3] Use of proper orthogonal collocation on the determination of intraparticle phenomena.

Publications:

1. Ancheyta J.J., Sotelo B. R., Estimation of Kinetic Constants of a Five-Lump Model for Fluid Catalytic Cracking Process Using Simpler Sub-models. Energy & Fuels; 2000; 14(6); 1226-1231.

2. Ancheyta J.J., Sotelo B. R., An easy methodology for estimating kinetic constants in complex kinetic models, Studies in Surface Science and Catalysts 133, G.F. Froment and K.C. Waugh (editors). Elsevier Science B.V., 2001.