Reforming

Reforming is the process whereby the octane content of the naphtha fraction of crude oil is improved, so that the product is suitable for blending into gasoline (petrol).

Reforming involves a conversion process and some distillation to separate the product streams. The conversion process is where the chemical structure of some of the compounds in the feed stream is altered. This process is done in a reactor, in the presence of a catalyst.

In order for this process to be effective, certain impurities must be removed from the feed stream. These impurities are present in the naphtha stream that has been separated from the crude oil. These impurities include water, sulphur and nitrogen.

The principal reaction in the reformer is known as dehydrogenation, ie. Hydrogen is liberated from the chemical compounds.

Reforming is also known as Platforming or Premiumforming. These terms come from the different licensors of the conversion process. These processes require different operating parameters, but the range is temperature 480° - 540° C and pressure 15 - 35 barg.