ISOMERIZATION

Highlights

OBJECTIVE

Transformation of n-paraffins into iso-paraffins leading

to an increase of octane numbers and a decrease
of their sensitivity RON/MON.

TO SUM UP:
• Increase of the Octane Number of the light naphtha (C5 – EP = 80°C)

• Possible destruction of benzene, but the quantity is limited to 7% in the feed. The isomerate in
the gasoline pool is a good dilutant of the aromatic compounds, specifically of the benzene.

• Slight consumption of hydrogen, proportionally to the benzene quantity, about 0.05 kg/t of feed

• High yield of isomerate, about 95%; moderate consumption of energy, lower than 1%
of the feed flow rate

• High cost for the catalyst containing Platinum (0.3% in weight)

• The economic margin depends on the difference of price between gasoline and naphtha for
petrochemistry

• Two types of catalysts exist in the industry:

• - Pt/chlorinated alumina catalyst (5 to 10% of chlorine), very active, working at low temperature
but very sensitive to poisons (S, H2O (< 1ppm), organic nitrogen) and difficult to operate.
• - Pt/Zeolite catalyst (mordenite), less active, working at higher temperature but less sensitive
to poisons and easier to operate.

• The Octane Numbers obtained (RON between 83 & 90, MON between 82 & 88) depend on the type
of the process, the type of catalyst and the process used for the recycling of unconverted paraffins:
by distillation (ex : deisohexaniseur, deisopentaniseur) or by molecular sieves (TIP, IPSORB).

© 2014 - IFP Training