System of Interconnected Reactor Models of the Sulfur Recovery Unit with Hydrogen Extraction for Hydrogen Energy in a Fuzzy Environment

Abstract

The Sulfur Production Unit with Hydrogen Extraction (SPUHE) plays a critical role in oil refineries by converting hydrogen sulfide into high-quality sulfur and hydrogen. However, optimizing SPUHE operations is challenging due to the uncertainty in process parameters and qualitative assessments of sulfur properties. This study proposes a systematic modeling approach that integrates deterministic, statistical, and fuzzy logic methods to enhance process efficiency and accuracy. Mathematical models were developed for key SPUHE units, including the thermoreactor, Claus reactor, and Cold Bed Absorption reactors. The inclusion of fuzzy logic allows the incorporation of expert knowledge, enabling the assessment of non-measurable sulfur characteristics and improving model reliability. The proposed system accounts for interdependencies between process units, ensuring a comprehensive optimization framework. A comparative analysis with traditional deterministic models demonstrates that the proposed approach improves sulfur recovery efficiency by 11.94%, enhances hydrogen extraction, and reduces operational costs through energy-efficient process adjustments. The developed system provides a robust decision-support tool for refineries, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy optimization. This research offers significant implications for oil refining, hydrogen energy, and industrial process control, demonstrating the advantages of hybrid modeling in managing complex refinery operations under uncertain conditions.