Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University are developing unique mathematical models of oil refining chemical processes. The models will form the basis for domestic software for the design, modeling, and optimization of the processes of hydrocarbon raw materials conversion into high-quality, environmentally-friendly fuel. The School of Earth Sciences & Engineering conducts the research within the framework of the Priority 2030 program and with the support of the Russian Science Foundation.
The octane number is one of the main characteristics of gasoline. The higher it is, the higher the ecological class of the fuel is. A higher octane number can be reached by changing the fuel composition, using catalysts to convert the original oil hydrocarbons into other more environmentally-friendly compounds.
The technology development for obtaining new fuel is a science-intensive process. It is impossible to carry out the necessary experiments at oil refineries, which are large-capacity facilities. Mathematical models are a reliable tool for calculating the process of raw materials chemical processing without experimental studies on real installations. The modeling allows us to pre-calculate the facility operation options, select the best one before implementing it.
“The TPU project is part of a global effort to create an import-substituting modeling system for the oil refining industry. On the basis of the mathematical models, we will design software that is indispensable for modern oil refineries using various fuel production technologies.
Today, mainly foreign application software packages are in use. We are developing a basis for creating their Russian analogue,” Elena Ivashkina, head of the project, professor of the Division for Chemical Engineering at TPU, says.
Obtaining a new type of fuel involves a set of processes for refining raw materials. Each of them requires a model, developed to ensure the use of different technologies, equipment, catalysts and operating conditions. The model is based on laboratory experimental data, which makes it possible to establish the process patterns.
The project of Tomsk scientists has been underway since 2019 with the support of the Russian Science Foundation. This year, the research team has received a grant to continue the study.
“At the first stage of the project, we developed mathematical models for two main methods of deep oil refining: catalytic cracking and alkylation technologies. At the next stage of the research, we are going to improve the models, taking into account new important factors such as sulfur content, which affects the environmental friendliness of the final product. We also intend to model other fuel obtaining processes,”
Elena Ivashkina notes.
Advanced models will help improve the production of gasoline and diesel fuel. In particular, they will enable a more rational use of raw materials and catalyst resources at refineries, which will ultimately have a positive effect on the cost of fuel.