Hydrogen Management Optimization at Luján de Cuyo Refinery

Abstract

A proper hydrogen management in a refinery is very important for the profitability of the business. The hydrogen network is composed of production units, consumer units, purification units, compressors and piping.
The optimum network configuration is the one that minimizes the hydrogen production requirements to satisfy the refinery needs, maximizing the profits.
Given the great physical complexity of this type of network, the optimum configuration is not evident at first sight. The present work describes the network optimization study for Lujan de Cuyo Refinery, performed through the application of non-linear programming.
With this advanced optimization technique, it is feasible to analyze virtually every possible connection, taking into account the resulting benefits and costs.
The optimization alternatives that were identified are presented, with their corresponding technical-economic feasibility analysis.