improve the octane of pentane- and hexane-rich naphtha and to meet the clean fuel
specifications, including low-benzene-content gasoline. It has also been critical to
provide isobutane to produce motor fuel alkylate as a high-octane blending component. The discussion in this chapter has been based on technology development
and the relative performance of UOP’s catalysts, particularly since UOP was a
pioneer in this field and continues its technical leadership position today. Similar
conclusions could be drawn if using equivalent catalysts and process technology
from other suppliers.
Two process options are available via either chlorided alumina-type catalysts
(e.g., Penex process with I-82) or sulfated zirconia catalyst (e.g., Par-Isom process
with PI-244). Both provide excellent upgrading of light naphtha with respect to
octane number, yield, and total octane barrels. Addition of a recycle system with
DIH further increases the octane number and octane barrels, which is important for
meeting growing clean fuel specifications. A full techno-economic assessment is
required for final technology selection for a given application based on refinery and
market objectives.
Revamping existing fixed-bed isomerization, hydrotreating, or semiregenerative reforming units to Par-Isom-type process is an economical way to
repurpose existing assets to meet octane and clean fuel demand. In most cases, the
revamp can be accomplished with minimal changes to existing equipment. The
high activity of the PI-244 catalyst can result in up to 4 RON higher-octane
isomerate than can be achieved with zeolitic catalysts as well as higher throughput
in revamp situations.
References
IHS CERA. Annual Long-Term Strategic Workbook, Refining and Product Markets (IHS CERA,
Cambridge, MA 2014) Germany
Euro Fuel Specifications. Website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/fuel.htm
C.D. Gosling, R.R. Rosin, P. Bullen, T. Shimizu, T. Imai, Revamp opportunities for isomerization
units. Petroleum Techonology Quarterly, Vol. 3, pp. 55–59 (1998)
Physical Constants of Hydrocarbons C3-C10, ASTM Committee D-2 on Petroleum Products and
Lubricants and API Research Project 44 on Hydrocarbons and Related Compounds, American
Society of Testing Materials, (1971)
H. Pines, The Chemistry of Catalytic Hydrocarbon Conversion (Academic, New York, 1981),
pp. 12–18
C. Remsberg, H. Higdon, Ideas for Rent: The UOP Story, Library of Congress Catalog Card
No. 94-60759, (1994)
R. van Santen, in Catalysis: From Principles to Applications, 1st edn., ed. by M. Beller,
A. Renken, R. van Santen (Wiley-VCH, Germany 2012), pp. 139–143
D. Shecterle, Options for Gasoline Pool Benzene Management, AiChE Ch 16, (2008). Web: http://
www.aiche-fpd.org/listing/16.pdf
D.R. Stull, E.F. Westrom Jr., G.C. Sinke, The Chemical Thermodynamics of Organic Compounds
(Robert E. Krieger, Malabar, 1987)
US EPA MSAT program regulations, 40 CFR 80 subpart, (2014). Web: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/
fuels/gasolinefuels/MSAT/index.htm
496
D. Sullivan et al.
specifications, including low-benzene-content gasoline. It has also been critical to
provide isobutane to produce motor fuel alkylate as a high-octane blending component. The discussion in this chapter has been based on technology development
and the relative performance of UOP’s catalysts, particularly since UOP was a
pioneer in this field and continues its technical leadership position today. Similar
conclusions could be drawn if using equivalent catalysts and process technology
from other suppliers.
Two process options are available via either chlorided alumina-type catalysts
(e.g., Penex process with I-82) or sulfated zirconia catalyst (e.g., Par-Isom process
with PI-244). Both provide excellent upgrading of light naphtha with respect to
octane number, yield, and total octane barrels. Addition of a recycle system with
DIH further increases the octane number and octane barrels, which is important for
meeting growing clean fuel specifications. A full techno-economic assessment is
required for final technology selection for a given application based on refinery and
market objectives.
Revamping existing fixed-bed isomerization, hydrotreating, or semiregenerative reforming units to Par-Isom-type process is an economical way to
repurpose existing assets to meet octane and clean fuel demand. In most cases, the
revamp can be accomplished with minimal changes to existing equipment. The
high activity of the PI-244 catalyst can result in up to 4 RON higher-octane
isomerate than can be achieved with zeolitic catalysts as well as higher throughput
in revamp situations.
References
IHS CERA. Annual Long-Term Strategic Workbook, Refining and Product Markets (IHS CERA,
Cambridge, MA 2014) Germany
Euro Fuel Specifications. Website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/fuel.htm
C.D. Gosling, R.R. Rosin, P. Bullen, T. Shimizu, T. Imai, Revamp opportunities for isomerization
units. Petroleum Techonology Quarterly, Vol. 3, pp. 55–59 (1998)
Physical Constants of Hydrocarbons C3-C10, ASTM Committee D-2 on Petroleum Products and
Lubricants and API Research Project 44 on Hydrocarbons and Related Compounds, American
Society of Testing Materials, (1971)
H. Pines, The Chemistry of Catalytic Hydrocarbon Conversion (Academic, New York, 1981),
pp. 12–18
C. Remsberg, H. Higdon, Ideas for Rent: The UOP Story, Library of Congress Catalog Card
No. 94-60759, (1994)
R. van Santen, in Catalysis: From Principles to Applications, 1st edn., ed. by M. Beller,
A. Renken, R. van Santen (Wiley-VCH, Germany 2012), pp. 139–143
D. Shecterle, Options for Gasoline Pool Benzene Management, AiChE Ch 16, (2008). Web: http://
www.aiche-fpd.org/listing/16.pdf
D.R. Stull, E.F. Westrom Jr., G.C. Sinke, The Chemical Thermodynamics of Organic Compounds
(Robert E. Krieger, Malabar, 1987)
US EPA MSAT program regulations, 40 CFR 80 subpart, (2014). Web: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/
fuels/gasolinefuels/MSAT/index.htm
496
D. Sullivan et al.