Refining Processes Handbook - 2020 - 270

2020 REFINING PROCESSES HANDBOOK
PROCESS CATEGORIES

COMPANY INDEX

ISOMERIZATION

Isomalk-2℠

Description: Isomalk-2 is a vapor-phase isomerization technology with benzene
reduction. Light naphtha is hydro-desulfurized and routed to a feed vaporizer, and
then sent to the isomerization reaction section. Normal paraffins are isomerized into
an equilibrium mixture of iso-paraffins to increase the octane value. Any benzene in
the feed is saturated in the first of two reactors. The second reactor completes the
isomerization reaction. Isomalk-2 does not require bone-dry feed or HC feed dryers.
Process feeds include light straight run (LSR), but could also be applied to a reformate
stream, and LSR/reformate combinations hydrocracker naptha, among others. Control
of isomerate RVP and LPG production is possible with GT-LPG Max technology in lieu
of a conventional stabilizer.
Operating conditions: 120°C-180°C, 30 kg/cm2g-33 kg/cm2g
Yields: 98 wt%+
Advantages:
*	 All versions are optimized for high conversion rate, while producing a close
approach to thermal equilibrium
*	 Catalyst exhibits superior physical activity and stability
*	 Commercially used in all configurations of recycle
*	 Process capability to produce up to 93 RON with full recycle
*	 Regenerable catalyst with superior tolerance to process impurities and water
*	 No chloride addition required, no caustic section
*	 Operating temperature range of 120°C-180°C
*	 Mass yield is more than 98%

n-pentane recycle
H2 dryer

Compressor

C1-C4 gas

Deisohexanizer

Makeup H2
Stabilizer

H/T feed

Depentanizer

Reactor section
Deisopentanizer

Application: Isomalk-2 is used to isomerize light naphtha, along with benzene reduction.
It is a low-temperature isomerization technology licensed in partnership between Sulzer
GTC Technology and NPP NEFTEHIM, which has been commercially proven in all process
configurations to produce isomerate from 80-93 RON. This flexible process, having a
simple process flow, utilizes a robust platinum-based mixed metal oxide catalyst that
works effectively at low temperatures, while delivering greater stability against the
influence of catalyst poisons. Isomalk-2 is a competitive alternative to the three most
commonly used light gasoline isomerization processes: zeolite, chlorinated alumina
and sulfated oxide catalysts. This technology has been demonstrated in grassroots
and revamp units, including revamps of all the previously mentioned technologies,
semi-regenerative reforming units and diesel HDT, among others.

Product RON 91-93

Isopentane fraction

n-hexane recycle
Full recycle of C5 and C6.

*	 Expected cycle length is more than 6 yr; expected catalyst life
is more than 12 yr.
*	 Reduced hydrogen (H2 ) consumption.

Economics: Feedrate: 325 Mtpy (10 Mbpd) for a once-through unit;
erected: $15 MM (ISBL, 2016 US Gulf Coast Basis).
Investment: $1 MM-$2.5 MM/1,000 bpd
Utilities: Overall energy requirement is 0.45 MMKCal/mt of feed-0.65 MMKCal/mt of feed
Installations: 31 units licensed
Licensor: Sulzer GTC Technology US Inc.
Website: www.gtctech.com; www.sulzer.com
Contact: inquiry@gtctech.com

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Refining Processes Handbook - 2020

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