Optimization of H2 Production in a Hydrogen Generation Unit

This article presents the results of the use of advanced process control algorithm to optimize the H2 production of Henrique Lage Refinery (REVAP) located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The control methodology is applied to the second Hydrogen Generation Unit (HGU) of the Refinery and consists of optimizing its production in order to guarantee the hydrogen supply for the refinery's header without production loss. The designed controller had the support of dynamic simulation for disturbances modelling and identification which contributed for the improvement of the control strategy. The results in this paper represents the application of the control methodology in the real plant.