What are the Key Catalytic Processes in Hydrocarbon Refining?
Several catalytic processes are fundamental to hydrocarbon refining:
1. Catalytic Cracking: This process breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more valuable ones like gasoline and diesel. The catalyst used is typically a solid acid, such as zeolites.
2. Hydrotreating: This process removes impurities like sulfur, nitrogen, and metals from crude oil fractions. Catalysts used are usually composed of a metal like cobalt or molybdenum on an alumina base.
3. Catalytic Reforming: This process converts low-octane hydrocarbons into high-octane gasoline and aromatic compounds. Platinum-based catalysts are commonly used in this process.
4. Isomerization: This process converts straight-chain hydrocarbons into their branched isomers, which have higher octane numbers. Zeolite or platinum-based catalysts are often employed.
