A Comparative Study between Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) Technologies and Plants in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Hisham A. Maddah Department of Chemical Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia

Keywords:

Propane dehydrogenation, CATOFIN, OLEFLEX, Propylene, PDH.

Abstract

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is a promising catalytic technology utilized for the conversion of propane into propylene which is involved in many petrochemical applications. A comparison between current PDH plants and technologies (CATOFIN and OLEFLEX) in Saudi Arabia was discussed to analyze propylene production capacity, reactor type/configuration, reaction catalyst, operating conditions, performance, advantages, disadvantages and other design specifications/considerations of PDH technologies. CATOFIN and OLEFLEX chemical processes have been critically reviewed and explained for better understanding. CATOFIN uses chromium-oxide catalysts in horizontal fixed-bed parallel reactors, while OLEFLEX uses platinum catalysts in vertical moving-bed series reactors. There are four PDH plants in Saudi Arabia: NATPET and Al-Waha (CATOFIN plants), APC and SPC (OLEFLEX plants); with a propylene production capacity of 420, 450, 455 and 455 KTA, respectively. Both technologies have a similar operating temperature of > 600 °C, operating pressure of ~ 1 bar; and propylene selectivity of ~ 90%. Propane/propylene conversions in CATOFIN and OLEFLEX are ~ 50% and ~ 40%, respectively.

References

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Published

2018-07-28

How to Cite

A. Maddah, H. (2018). A Comparative Study between Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) Technologies and Plants in Saudi Arabia. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 45(1), 49–63. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/4244

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Articles