Isomerization of Light Naphtha using a De-isopentanizer

Abstract

The requirement for high-octane gasoline fuel and limitation on gasoline benzene, aromatic and olefin content has given much significance to isomerization process of light naphtha as it upgrades the RON, by converting straight chain paraffins into branched chains, as well as saturate the benzene content present in it. This process is favored for its simplicity and costeffectiveness compared to other processes in the petroleum industry . The feed flows through a fixed bed catalytic process, after passing through a DIP which removes all the isopentanes and lighter compounds. It then isomerizes in the presence of hydrogen and metal-based alumina. The given design is based on the 7000 barrel per day flowrate of pretreated naphtha where it goes through a DIP column, two effluent heat exchangers, two reactors, a stabilizer column and a DIH column. RON of the product increases from 70 to 90 along with complete elimination of benzene.