Spring 2017 IDE Project: Ethane to Aromatics from Shale Gas

This report details an IDE project focused on the production of aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylene, or BTX) from shale gas ethane. The project involves a comprehensive process design, including a steam reformer reactor, separation systems (compressors, flash, and distillation columns), and recycle streams. The report presents a process overview, methods of implementation using Aspen Plus simulation software, and detailed results, including tables and graphs. The economic analysis highlights the sensitivity of the project's profitability to catalyst costs, equipment costs, and catalyst lifespan, recommending the project's execution only under specific market conditions. The project explores the reaction kinetics, equilibrium constants, and pressure drop considerations within the reactor. The simulation uses the Peng-Robinson equation of state. The document analyzes the design and performance of various unit operations, including the reactor, distillation columns, and membrane separation, providing a complete overview of the ethane-to-aromatics process.