*4.1.1 Optimum energy retrofit of a catalytic reformer*

A project was undertaken to convert an existing Platformer unit to a Continuous Catalytic Reformer (CCR). The newly established Energy Systems unit of the company (Saudi Aramco) was tasked to assess the energy efficiency of the licensor's heat recovery design (**Figure 18**).

An optimized HEN (**Figure 19**) for the process was developed by Aramco, with estimated utility cost savings of 16%. A patent was applied for the same and deemed


**Figure 18.** *Licensor's proposed design and costs.*

to be qualified by the patent attorneys, but later with-drawn by the company for certain commercial and legal considerations, it was never implemented.
