Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Hydroisomerization

• Understand the purpose and importance of hydroisomerization in refining and petrochemicals.
• Identify feedstock types:
• Light naphtha isomerization for gasoline blending.
• Heavy naphtha isomerization for lube oil improvement.
• Normal paraffin isomerization for petrochemical feedstocks.
• Learn reaction chemistry and catalyst mechanisms for isomerization.

2. Hydroisomerization Process Flow and Unit Components

• Analyze process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Understand key equipment in a hydroisomerization unit:
• Feed preparation and pretreatment section (hydrotreaters, desulfurization units).
• Fixed-bed or moving-bed reactors with platinum/palladium-based catalysts.
• Heat exchangers and product cooling systems.
• Hydrogen recycle compressors and gas separators.
• Fractionation columns for product separation.

3. Catalyst Performance and Optimization

• Understand catalyst selection criteria (zeolite, platinum-based, bifunctional catalysts).
• Learn about catalyst deactivation causes:
• Carbon deposition and coke formation.
• Sulfur and nitrogen poisoning.
• Metal contamination from feedstocks.
• Implement catalyst regeneration and activity recovery strategies.

4. Operating Conditions and Performance Optimization

• Control temperature, pressure, hydrogen partial pressure, and space velocity for maximum conversion.
• Optimize hydrogen-to-hydrocarbon ratio to prevent coke formation.
• Balance reaction severity and product yield for high octane number.

5. Troubleshooting Common Hydroisomerization Unit Issues

• Identify and resolve:
• Low isomerization conversion and poor selectivity.
• High pressure drop across reactors due to catalyst fouling.
• Hydrogen deficiency leading to side reactions and coke formation.
• Excessive cracking leading to unwanted light gases.
• Temperature runaway conditions.
• Use analytical tools (gas chromatography, reactor effluent sampling) for performance diagnosis.

6. Hydroisomerization Unit Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure safe handling of high-pressure hydrogen systems.
• Monitor hydrocarbon leaks, emissions, and process upsets.
• Comply with refinery safety regulations (API, OSHA, EPA, and local environmental laws).

7. Process Control and Automation in Hydroisomerization Units

• Utilize Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Advanced Process Control (APC) for optimization.
• Implement real-time monitoring of product quality and catalyst activity.
• Integrate data analytics and predictive maintenance for reliability improvements.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world refinery case studies on hydroisomerization unit failures and optimizations.
• Participate in interactive troubleshooting scenarios and process simulations.
• Develop a customized unit optimization plan based on feedstock and refinery objectives.

Target Audience

• Refinery and petrochemical process engineers
• Plant operations and production personnel
• Process control and instrumentation engineers
• Maintenance and reliability engineers
• Technical service and quality control professionals