Simulation and optimization of sulfur separation unit in Ilam refinery by response surface methodology

The purpose of this research is to optimize the sulfur separation unit to increase sulfur production and simultaneously reduce the production of carbon dioxide based on the information of the unit for the separation of sulfur in the Ilam refinery. The input variables of the sulfur separation unit are the feed flow rate, airflow, furnace temperature, furnace pressure, first catalytic reactor temperature and the first catalytic reactor pressure. The mathematical model of the process was obtained using the surface response method (RSM) and the accuracy of the model was analyzed by analysis of variance. Finally, the operating conditions of the sulfur separation process were performed with numerical optimization method. The results showed that the most effective parameters are furnace temperature, air flow rate, and feed rate. The optimum points for the furnace temperature of 1039 °C, the airflow rate 469.38 kmol/h, and feed flow rate 1110.38 kmol/h were obtained which increased the sulfur production from 30% to 89% and decreased the production of dioxide Carbon from 55% to 8%.