Powerforming process selection

There are many factors to be considered in selecting the type of Powerformer to use. It largely depends on the local situation and includes such things as feed stock, octane level, the value of gasoline yield, the use for by-product hydrogen, plant size, etc. While we can not completely generalize, we can mention some of the more important considerations. 

A low pressure semi-regenerative unit provides yields that approach those obtained in cyclic Powerforming but with savings in investment. For smaller units and moderate severities, the low pressure semi-regenerative unit would likely be the most attractive alternative if selectivity improvement credits are sufficiently high. 

For aromatics production, similar considerations apply. Maximum yields of xylenes and other heavy aromatics can be obtained in cyclic units, but, again, at somewhat higher investments. The process selection, thus, again requires the balancing of process credits versus debits for the specific application. For light aromatics (benzene-toluene) production, however, the situation tends to favor a 

There are several versions of the two-step process. One involves the use of 5A molecular sieves in conjunction with Powerforming. In this combination process, the 5A sieves may be used to remove n-paraffms from the feed to improve feed quality. Alternatively, the Powerformate may be sieved to remove the low octane n-paraffm components. Extraction of aromatics from Powerformate is another interesting two-step process. 

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Powerforming is basically a conversion process in which catalytically promoted chemical reactions convert low octane feed components into high octane products. The key to a good reforming process is a highly selective dual-function catalyst. The dual nature of this catalyst relates to the two separate catalyst functions atomically dispersed platinum to provide... 

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