Processes for the Improvement of Properties

1 Property Improvement Processes Using Molecular Rearrangement  

A key process in the production of gasoline, catalytic reforming is used to increase the octane number of light crude fractions having high paraffin and naphthene contents (C7-C8-C9) by converting them to aromatics. 

The modern reforming process operates with continuous regeneration of the catalyst, at low pressure (2 to 5 bar) and high temperature (510-530°C). 

In addition to reformate, reforming provides hydrogen, an important byproduct, and a small quantity of gas and LPG. 

The main feedstock for catalytic reforming is heavy gasoline (80 to 180°C) available from primary distillation. If necessary, reforming also converts byproduct gasoline from processes such as visbreaking, coking, hydroconversion and heart cuts from catalytic cracking. 

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