Catalytic reforming is a conversion process present in petroleum refinery and petrochemical industries. In this reforming process, low octane naphtha is converted into a higher octane reformate products for gasoline blending and aromatic rich reformate for aromatic production.1 To accomplish this reformation, the hydrogen molecules are re-arranged and re-structured in a naphtha feedstock, while breaking some of the molecules down into smaller ones.1 The Naphtha feeds to the catalytic reforming are heavy straight run naphtha.1 it transforms low octane naphtha into high-octane motor gasoline blending stock, and aromatics rich in benzene, toluene, and xylene with hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas as a byproduct. 1 Due to the valuable nature and demand of these products, the catalytic reforming process is one of the most important processes in petroleum and the petrochemical industry.
In United States refineries we had limits on catalytic reforming capacity. For any given refineries can and do change operations of their refineries to respond to the continual changes in crude oil and product markets, but only within physical limits defined by the performance characteristics of their refineries and the prosperities of the crude oil they process.2 Currently in the US, the refinery Catalytic Reforming Capacity as of January 1st is 2,541,250 (Barrels per stream Day).3 This production is limited due current environmental regulations set by the government for the amount of aromatics gasoline can contain.3 This is because when reformed the benzene content becomes carcinogenic, which lead to the environmental regulations limiting its use and what further processing is needed. The economics of the process all plays a key role in the capacity produced.3 Where as this process may result in a desirable product that the public wants, and producing more would lower the price in the market, the environmental impact is the limiting factor. A cheaper made product could have adverse effects on the environmental, so there needs to be limits on production and quality. This result in less production and higher costs of production and sale; however it’s a more sustainable option as a result of the added costs.
- Lapinski, M.L., Baird L., James, “Handbook Petroleum refining”, Ed. Meyers, R.A., The McGraw Hill Companies , R. 4.32004.
- ICCT- AN INTRODUCTION TO PETROLEUM REFINING AND THE PRODUCTION OF ULTRA LOW SULFUR GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL, October 24, 2011