Butamer isomerization process

Isomerization. Stmctural isomerization of / -butane to isobutane is commercially useful when additional isobutane feedstock is needed for alkylation (qv). The catalysts permit low reaction temperatures which favor high proportions of isobutane in the product. The Butamer process also is well known for isomerization of / -butane. 

Figure 6-8. The UOP Butamer process for isomerization of n-butane to isobu-...

Butamer [Butane isomerization] A process for converting n-butane into iso-butane conducted in the presence of hydrogen over a dual-functional catalyst containing a noble metal. Developed by UOP and licensed worldwide since 1959. In 1992, more than 55 units had been licensed. 

Penex [Pentane and hexane isomerization] A process for converting n-pentane and n-hexane and their mixtures into branched-chain pentanes and hexanes of higher octane number by catalytic isomerization. The catalyst is similar to the Butamer catalyst. The product is used in high-octane gasoline. First commercialized by UOP in 1958. More than 75 units were operating as of 1996. 

Isobutene, the main feedstock, is obtained in the form of raffinate from steam crackers, which make up an estimated 40% of MTBE feedstock throughout the world. Isobutene in the form of butene-butane fractions from fluid catalytic crackers represents 28% of MTBE feedstocks isobutene from dehydrogenation of isobutane represents 12% of MTBE feedstocks and isobutene by dehydration of tert-butanol represents 36% of MTBE feedstocks. The Butamer process is often used for the primary butane isomerization, while the Catofln and Olefex processes are commonly used for the isobutane dehydrogenation. 

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