2. Isomalk-4SM
Engineered to Innovate
Technology Licensing
Isomalk-4SM: C7 Isomerization Process
Isomalk-4 is a low-temperature isomerization technology
for processing C7 paraffins contained in wide-range
naphtha streams. In a conventional refinery configuration,
C7 paraffins are distributed to the C5-C6 isomerization unit
and the reformer. These components have a high X-factor
that reduces the overall yield of the liquid products, lowers
RON of the gasoline, and forms unwanted amounts of
benzene. GTC’s innovative process allows isomerization
of this hydrocarbon stream to achieve a low-RVP gasoline
component with 84-86 RON, while improving the
operation of the other naphtha processing units. By
applying Isomalk-4, the wide-range naphtha can yield over
90 wt% liquid having a 95-98 RON, with benzene content
<0.6 vol.%. This meets required gasoline specifications
without any additional blending.
With Isomalk-4, refiners can realize the maximum value
of the naphtha molecules, and minimize cracking and
benzene formation. The naphtha stream is split into
three streams. The lightest one, with <1% C7 is sent to the
C5-C6 isomerization unit to yield 98-99 wt.% of 91.5-92.5
RON component. The C7 mid-cut stream is sent to the
Isomalk-4 unit to achieve the equilibrium amount of diand trimethylbutanes, having very high octane. The feed to
the reformer is controlled to minimize benzene precursors,
cracking, and hydrodealkylation reactions, thereby
improving the octane and yield.
Hydrocarbon Gas
IBP - 70˚C
(C7<1%)
Naphtha
Splitter
23%
Isomerization Unit
Aromatics: 0%
ISOMERATE
(Isomalk-2SM Process)
Yield: 98%
RON 91.5
22.5%
Blending
Section
Hydrocarbon Gas
Feed
Hydrotreating
Unit
IBP - 180˚C
100%
70 - 105˚C
(C7 Rich Cut)
11%
Isomerization Unit
(Isomalk-4SM Process)
Yield: 93%
Hydrocarbon Gas
105 - 180˚C
(C6<0.3%)
Aromatics: 0%
Reforming Unit
Yield: 88%
66%
RON 95.5
ISOMERATE
Benzene: 0.60%
Aromatics: 33.8%
RON 86
10.2%
Yield: 90.85%
Benzene: 1.2%
Aromatics: 62%
REFORMATE
RON 98
58.0%
GTC Technology 1001 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Houston, Texas 77077 USA Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free +1-877-693-4222
inquiry@gtctech.com | www.gtctech.com
3. GTC Technology
Engineered to Innovate
Advantages
The table below shows the comparison of key parameters of the conventional naphtha processing configuration
(C5-C6 isomerization and reforming) and a plant with Isomalk-4:
Configuration
Conventional
With Isomalk-4sm
Benefit
88.7%
90.8%
2.1%
Octane Number, RON
94.0
95.5
1.5
Benzene in the gasoline pool, vol.%
1.5%
0.6%
0.9% less
Aromatics in the gasoline pool, vol.%
37.0%
33.5%
3.5% less
Overall gasoline yield, wt.%
The inclusion of Isomalk-4 in the refinery configuration gives a 2.1% wt. gain of liquids, a higher 1.5 RON value,
and lower overall benzene and aromatics. The SI-4TM catalyst provides high conversion rates and approaches thermal
equilibrium at low temperatures. The SI-4 catalyst exhibits superior activity alongside stability, simplicity, and safety in
operation. Features of the Isomalk-4 technology include:
• Process capability to produce 84-86 RON from the standalone unit
• Low operating costs
• Regenerable catalyst with superior tolerance to process impurities and water
• No chloride addition or caustic treatment needed; no wastes produced
• Mass yield > 93%
• Service life of SI-4TM catalyst: 8-10 years
Engineered to Innovate
To learn more about GTC Technology’s leading-edge technology solutions and the many ways we can help improve
your operations and profitability, call us today at +1-281-597-4800, e-mail us at inquiry@gtctech.com, or visit our
Web site at http://www.gtctech.com.
GTC Technology 1001 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Houston, Texas 77077 USA Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free +1-877-693-4222
inquiry@gtctech.com | www.gtctech.com
