Isomerization Isocel process

The other vapor-phase butane isomerization process, developed cooperatively by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. and the Standard Oil Development Co., is somewhat similar to the Isocel process. In the AIOC-Jersey process (18), the reactor is initially filled with bauxite, and aluminum chloride is sublimed into the vaporized feed as necessary to maintain the desired catalyst activity. Upflow of vapor through the reactor is the customary arrangement. Since carry-over of aluminum chloride is not excessive at the usual rates of catalyst addition, about half of the commercial plants employing this process were not equipped with guard chambers. 

The Isocel process developed by the Shell Oil Company was the first isomerization process to reach commercialization and started operation... 

Fiq. 12. Vapor-phase butane isomerization. Shell Isocel process. 

The other vapor-phase butane-isomerization process was developed cooperatively by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and the Standard Oil Development Company. It is similar to the Isocel process, but it turns the volatility of aluminum chloride from a liability into an asset. The first plant was put into operation in October, 1942. This process is described (18) by the simplified flow diagram shown in Figure 15. 

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