Catalytic naphtha reforming is a major process in the petroleum refinery that converts low

value naphthas into high-octane reformate product for gasoline blending and into high-
value aromatics for petrochemical processing. It is a process in which petroleum naphthas,
rich in paraffins and naphthenes, are contacted with a platinum-containing acidic catalyst at
elevated temperatures and pressures for converting to a product that is rich in aromatic
hydrocarbons. Catalytic reforming also provides valuable hydrogen for hydroprocessing
units to produce clean fuels.

In order to prevent contamination and deactivation of a reforming catalyst, most naphtha

feeds must be hydrotreated to remove several types of contaminants. Common poisons for
reforming catalysts include sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen compounds

• Approximately one-third of reforming capacity is used for the production of aromatics.

• Process units make benzene, toluene, and xylenes, particularly para-xylene.
 Benzene is primarily used in the production of ethylbenzene, cumene, and cyclohexane.
Plastics and polymers are produced from styrene, which is made from ethylbenzene.
 Toluene is a common solvent used in paints, lacquers, rubber, ink, adhesives, silicone
sealants and polyurethane foam.
 Para-xylene is the primary C8 aromatic of interest, since it is used to make polyesters.
• Approximately one-third of reforming capacity is used for the production of aromatics.
• Process units to make benzene, toluene, and xylenes, particularly para-xylene.
 Benzene is primarily used in the production of ethylbenzene, cumene, and cyclohexane.
Plastics and polymers are produced from styrene, which is made from ethylbenzene.
 Toluene is a common solvent used in paints, lacquers, rubber, ink, adhesives, silicone
sealants and polyurethane foam.
 Para-xylene is the primary C8 aromatic of interest, since it is used to make polyesters.