1. Total system pressure.

2. Makeup hydrogen purity.

3. Recycle gas rate.
4. HP gas bleed rate.
5. HP separator temperature.

Hydrogen partial pressure in the hydrocracker reactor is a basic oper-

ating parameter that provides the driving force for hydrocracking reac-
tions. Also, the hydrogen partial pressure has an important effect on the
catalyst fouling rate (Figure 3-8). An increase in the hydrogen partial
pressure serve to suppress the catalyst fouling rate. In an operating unit,
the hydrogen partial pressure is maximized to operate the unit at the
lowest possible temperature. This increases the run length and minimize
light ends production.
FOULING RATE T/Hr

HYDROGEN PARTIAL PRESSURE (psia)

Figure 3-8. Effect of H2 partial pressure on catalyst fouling rate (schematic).