ABSTRACT
Naphtha is transformed into reformate by catalytic reforming. This process involves the reconstruction of low-octane hydrocarbons in the naphtha into more valuable high-octane gasoline components without changing the boiling point range. Naphtha and reformate are complex mixtures of paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics in the C5-C12 range. Naphthas from catalytic or thermal cracking also contain olefins. Naphthas of different origin contain small amounts of additional compounds containing elements such as sulfur and nitrogen. These elements affect the performance of the bifunctional noble metal catalyst used in catalytic reforming and must be removed to low levels prior to entering the reformer unit. The composition of hydrocarbons and the concentration of additional elements determine the quality as reforming feedstock or as a gasoline blending component.
