Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then separated into fractions of different volatility, and the lowest boiling fraction is contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: The invention provides distillate fuel blend components with improved seal swell and lubricity properties obtained from Fischer Tropsch products. The blends contain a highly paraffinic distillate fuel component and distillate-boiling alkylcycloparaffins and/or distillate-boiling alkylaromatics. The invention further provides processes for obtaining such blends using the products of Fischer Tropsch processes. Finally, the invention provides methods for improving seal swell and lubricity properties for distillate fuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a high octane number gasoline pool comprises at least 2% of di-branched paraffins containing 7 carbon atoms, and a process for producing this gasoline pool by hydro-isomerising a feed constituted by a C5 to C8 cut which comprises at least one hydro-isomerisation section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerisation section comprises at least one reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lubricating oil basestock having good low temperature properties. The process includes a first amorphous isomerization catalyst having a pore volume less than 0.99 ml/gm (H2O), an alumina content in the range of 30-50 wt % based on isomerization catalyst and an isoelectric point in the range of 4.5 to 6.5. The isomerization step is followed by a catalytic dewaxing step using an intermediate pore crystalline molecular sieve.

Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then separated into fractions of different volatility, and the lowest boiling fraction is contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing gasoline with an improved octane number, optionally accompanied by oil and/or middle distillate production, by conversion-hydroisomerization of the paraffins in the feed using a catalyst containing at least one noble metal deposited on an amorphous acidic support. Isoparaffins are separated from the gasoline cut obtained, and normal paraffins and possibly monobranched paraffins contained in the resulting effluent are isomerized using a catalyst containing at least one hydrodehydrogenating metal and at least one acidic solid. The ensemble of the streams charged with isoparaffins with an improved octane number is sent to the gasoline pool. The residue undergoes catalytic dewaxing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating naphtha. The method comprises providing naphtha feed, and the naphtha feed comprises naphthene ring-containing compounds. The naphtha feed is contacted with a ring opening catalyst containing a Group VIII metal under conditions effective to ring open the naphthene rings to form a ring opened product. The ring open product can then be contacted with a catalytic cracking catalyst under effective cracking conditions to form an olefin product. The olefin product will be particularly high in ethylene and propylene content.

Abstract: A process comprises separating a naphtha feed into a fraction comprising C731 hydrocarbons and a heavy C8+ fraction, separating the C8+ fraction into a light fraction comprising C8 and/or C8-C9 which then is reformed to produce gasoline and/or a desired distribution of aromatics.

Abstract: The invention provides a high octane number gasoline pool comprises at least 2% of di-branched paraffins containing 7 carbon atoms, and a process for producing this gasoline pool by hydro-isomerizing a feed constituted by a C5 to C8 cut which comprises at least one hydro-isomerization section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerization section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerization section comprises at least one reactor.

Abstract: A process for making a lube base stock wherein a highly paraffinic feedstock is dehydrogenated to produce an olefinic feedstock. That olefinic feedstock is contacted with an oligomerization catalyst in an oligomerization zone to produce a product having a higher number average molecular weight than the olefinic feedstock. The product is separated into a light byproduct fraction and a heavy product fraction. The heavy product fraction comprises a lube base stock.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to selectively upgrade hydrocarbons in a manner to essentially eliminate olefins in product from the combination. Preferably the hydrocarbons comprise naphtha which is reformed to upgrade its octane number and/or to produce aromatic intermediates, followed by hydrogenation of olefins in the reformate. Olefin saturation optimally is effected by catalytic reaction on an olefin-containing reformate taken at an intermediate point from the effluent side of the reforming-process feed-effluent heat exchanger. Saturation is performed in a defined temperature range which results in selective hydrogenation.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing process includes a cocurrent flow liquid reaction stage, a countercurrent flow liquid reaction stage and a vapor reaction stage in which feed components are catalytically hydroprocessed by reacting with hydrogen. Both liquid stages both produce a liquid and a vapor effluent, with the cocurrent stage liquid effluent the feed for the countercurrent stage and the countercurrent stage liquid effluent the hydroprocessed product liquid. Both liquid stage vapor effluents are combined and catalytically reacted with hydrogen in a vapor reaction stage, to form a hydroprocessed vapor. This vapor is cooled to condense and recover a portion of the hydroprocessed hydrocarbonaceous vapor components as additional product liquid. The uncondensed vapor is rich in hydrogen and is cleaned up if necessary, to remove contaminants, and then recycled back into the cocurrent stage as hydrogen-containing treat gas.

Abstract: A process for upgrading petroleum feedstocks boiling in the distillate plus range, which feedstocks, when cracked, result in unexpected high yields of olefins. The feedstock is hydroprocessed in at least one reaction zone countercurrent to the flow of a hydrogen-containing treat gas. The hydroprocessed feedstock is then subjected to thermal cracking in a steam cracker or to catalytic cracking in a fluid catalytic cracking process. The resulting product slate will contain an increase in olefins compared with the same feedstock, but processed in by a conventional co-current hydroprocessing process.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating pure aromatic compounds from a reformed gasoline which contains aromatic compounds, olefins, diolefin, and triolefins, which comprises the steps of:(a) selectively hydrogenating the olefins, diolefins and triolefins in the reformed gasoline to obtain a mixture of hydrogenated, non-aromatic compounds and aromatic compounds; and(b) separating the aromatic compounds from the hydrogenated, non-aromatic compounds in the mixture formed during step (a) by either extractive distillation, liquid--liquid extraction or both to obtain the pure aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing and enhancing the octane of cracked gasoline by first aromatizing the cracked gasoline and, second, hydrodesulfurizing the resulting intermediate product stream.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a liquid petroleum or chemical stream wherein said stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one reaction zone. The reaction vessel used in the practice of the present invention contains vapor and optionally liquid passageway means to bypass one or more catalyst beds. This permits more stable and efficient reaction vessel operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing vapor and liquid reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a first mixing zone into which a first reactant (e.g., vapor) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. The apparatus further forms a second mixing zone into which a second reactant (e.g., liquid) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. Additional amounts of either the first reactant, the second reactant or both may be added into or ahead of the first mixing zone or the second mixing zone as appropriate. The first reactant is directed radially to collide in crossflow with a thin sheet of the second reactant to provide intense mixing of the first and second reactants. Due to separate mixing zones for the two reactants, the mixing conditions for each can be tailored to best mix each reactant while minimizing pressure drop and minimizing the space and volume requirements for this mixing.

Abstract: A process for upgrading petroleum feedstocks boiling in the distillate plus range, which feedstocks, when cracked, result in unexpected high yields of olefins. The feedstock is hydroprocessed in at least one reaction zone countercurrent to the flow of a hydrogen-containing treat gas. The hydroprocessed feedstock is then subjected to thermal cracking in a steam cracker or to catalytic cracking in a fluid catalytic cracking process. The resulting product slate will contain an increase in olefins compared with the same feedstock, but processed in by a conventional co-current hydroprocessing process.

Abstract: A process for converting a Fischer-Tropsch light oil stream to jet fuel by reacting said stream with a hydroisomerization catalyst in a reaction zone where the stream flows countercurrent to upflowing hydrogen-containing treat gas.

Abstract: Low sulfur gasoline is produced from an olefinic, cracked, sulfur-containing naphtha by treatment over an acidic catalyst, preferably an intermediate pore size zeolite such as ZSM-5 to crack low octane paraffins and olefins under mild conditions with limited aromatization of olefins and naphthenes. A benzene-rich co-feed is co-processed with the naphtha to reduce the benzene levels in the co-feed by alkylation. This initial processing step is followed by hydrodesulfurization over a hydrotreating catalyst such as CoMo on alumina. In addition to reducing benzene levels in the combined feeds, the initial treatment over the acidic catalyst removes the olefins which would otherwise be saturated in the hydrodesulfurization, consuming hydrogen and lowering product octane, and converts them to compounds which make a positive contribution to octane. Overall liquid yield is high, typically at least 90 percent or higher.

Abstract: Low sulfur gasoline is produced from an olefinic, cracked, sulfur-containing naphtha by treatment over an acidic catalyst, preferably an intermediate pore size zeolite such as ZSM-5 to crack low octane paraffins and olefins under relatively mild conditions, with limited aromatization of olefins and naphthenes. This is followed by hydrodesulfurization over a hydrotreating catalyst such as CoMo on alumina. The initial treatment over the acidic catalyst removes the olefins which would otherwise be saturated in the hydrodesulfurization, consuming hydrogen and lowering product octane, and converts them to compounds which make a positive contribution to octane. Overall liquid yield is high, typically at least 90 percent of higher. Product aromatics are typically increased by no more than 25 weight percent relative to the feed and may be lower than the feed.

Abstract: A processing step is added to an existing catalytic reforming unit to increase the yield of aromatic product. The additional processing comprises separation of product from the reforming unit into an aromatic concentrate and a low-octane recycle stream which is upgraded by aromatization. The separation preferably is effected using a large-pore molecular sieve, and the aromatization with a nonacidic L-zeolite contained within the hydrogen circuit of the existing catalytic reforming unit.

Abstract: A process for the production motor fuel components from isoparaffins by dehydrogenation, oligomerization and saturation uses a combination of low severity dehydrogenation, first and second feed input locations and a primary separation column that receives feed and effluent components to deliver a dehydrogenation zone feed and a motor fuel products. A separation column receives the an isobutane input stream and a product containing effluent stream to distill a dehydrogenation zone input steam. The dehydrogenation zone operates at low severity conditions to produce the effluent stream that compliments the operation of an oligomerization zone by delivering an effluent stream that is higher in pressure and contains inert paraffinic diluent materials. The oligomerization effluent passes to a saturation reaction zone that provides a saturated effluent stream.

Abstract: A processing step is added to an existing catalytic reforming unit to increase the yield of aromatic product. The additional processing comprises separation of product from the reforming unit into an aromatic concentrate and a low-octane recycle stream which is upgraded by aromatization. The separation preferably is effected using a large-pore molecular sieve, and the aromatization with a nonacidic L-zeolite contained within the hydrogen circuit of the existing catalytic reforming unit.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to selectively upgrade naphtha in a manner to obtain an aromatics-rich, low-olefin product from the combination. Preferably the naphtha is subjected to aromatization to obtain an aromatics concentrate which is upgraded by hydrogenation of olefins in the aromatics-rich stream. Olefin saturation is effected following separation of the major portion of hydrogen from the aromatics concentrate and before fractionation/stabilization for removal of light ends, with concomitant low saturation of aromatics and with removal of light ends in a fractionator which would be associated with the aromatization in any case.

Abstract: Acidic halides, especially chlorides, are removed from dry process vapor and liquid hydrocarbon streams by contact with solid caustic, such as a bed of NaOH. Salt deposits from form on the solid caustic, which are periodically removed by passing a liquid hydrocarbon continuous phase containing a minor amount of dissolved or entrained water over the solid caustic. Salts may be removed from the liquid hydrocarbon by extraction with water, which also saturates the liquid hydrocarbon so that it may be used to remove additional salt deposits.

Abstract: Reforming is effected with a combination of a primary supported noble-metal catalyst and a catalyst containing one or more medium pore non-zeolite molecular sieves (MP-NZMS). The latter reforming and dehydrocyclization comprise a Group VIII metal and at least one bound MP-NZMS characterized in the calcined form by an adsorption of isobutane of at least 2 percent by weight at a partial pressure of 500 torr and a temperature of 20.degree. C. and characterized by an adsorption of triethylamine less than about 5 percent by weight at a partial pressure of 2.6 torr and a temperature of 22.degree. C., The MP-NZMS catalyst binder preferably is alumina and/or silica, and the Group VIII metal preferably is platinum.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous replacement of a first catalyst by a second catalyst which first catalyst is circulating as a moving bed of solid particles in a hydrocarbon treating unit, which unit comprises at least one processing reactor. The first catalyst is withdrawn downstream of the reactor, or of each reactor, in the direction of catalyst circulation. The second catalyst is simultaneously injected upstream of the reactor or of each reactor. The bulk density of the material withdrawn downstream of the reactor, or of each reactor, is measured continuously. The withdrawal of the first catalyst and the injection of the second catalyst into the reactor concerned are interrupted when the bulk density so measured is equal to that of the second catalyst.

Abstract: Aliphatic feeds are converted to olefins and/or aromatics in a multi pressure reactor system. A high pressure first stage reactor generates much or all of the hydrogen needed to reduce catalyst coking in lower pressure downstream reactors. High pressure operation protects catalyst stability in the first reactor, while produced hydrogen helps protect downstream catalyst. Low pressure downstream operation improves yields.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock. The feedstock is contacted with molecular hydrogen under reforming conditions in the presence of a less sulfur sensitive reforming catalyst to convert trace sulfur compounds to H.sub.2 S, and to form a first effluent. The first effluent is contacted with a solid sulfur sorbent to remove the H.sub.2 S and form a second effluent. The second effluent is then contacted with a highly selective reforming catalyst under severe reforming conditions. Also disclosed is a method using a potassium containing sulfur sorbent made from nitrogen-free potassium compounds.

Abstract: A process for upgrading low octane naphthas to produce gasoline products with low levels of benzene and aromatics while retaining a high pool octane uses a paraffinic naphtha reformer feed which is dehexanized to provide a C.sub.7 + fraction which is fed to the reformer and a C.sub.6 fraction which is fed together with the C.sub.6 fraction from the reformer effluent to a catalytic upgrading step where the low octane components from the naphtha and the benzene from the reformate are converted to a low benzene, high octane gasoline by alkylation of the benzene and other aromatics present in the reformate. The process has the advantage that benzene make in the reformer is reduced by the partial by-passing of the C.sub.6 benzene precursors around the reformer; in addition, improved benzene alkylation results from the presence of additional light olefins generated by the cracking of paraffins from the paraffinic naphtha. the reaction is preferably carried out in a turbulent fluidized bed reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously converting benzene to predominantly methylbenzenes and reducing the concentration of C.sub.10 + alkyl aromatics in a naphtha boiling range refinery process stream containing both benzene and C.sub.10 + alkyl aromatics by contacting the stream at effective temperatures and pressures with a 12-ring zeolitic material.

Abstract: A process for producing a low benzene content gasoline is disclosed. Catalytic reforming produces a benzene rich reformate which is fractionated to yield a benzene rich C6 fraction which is then over-alkylated, preferably with C2/C3 olefins from an FCC, to produce heavy alkylate having too high an end point for use as gasoline. Heavy alkylate is charged to an FCC reactor, along with a conventional heavy FCC feed, and converted back into a gasoline boiling range product. Heavy alkylate also produces reactive alkyl fragments in the cracking reactor which react with benzene produced during cracking of FCC heavy feed.

Abstract: A method of operating a continuous process employing solid catalyst particles by means of charging a feedstock to a reactor and contacting the feedstock with a dense-phase moving bed of catalyst particles at conversion conditions in a reactor. A hydrogen-rich gas containing unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds is recovered from the reactor effluent and at least a portion is contacted with a hydrogenation catalyst to hydrogenate the olefins. The resulting hydrogenated hydrogen-rich gaseous stream is heated and used to supply heat to a vessel containing solid catalyst particles which are preheated and subsequently introduced into the reactor.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for upgrading reformate and/or light FCC gasoline by substantially reducing the amount of benzene in the gasoline product while simultaneously reducing the gasoline ASTM distillation End Point. The process comprises the fractionation of reformate to recover that fraction, C.sub.7 -C.sub.8 hydrocarbons, directly useful in gasoline without further conversion. A heavy bottom fraction comprising C.sub.9 + aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons is recovered and a C.sub.6 fraction rich in benzene. The total C.sub.6 fraction and a portion of the C.sub.9 + fraction are converted by alkylation, transalkylation and cracking in contact with acidic metallosilicate catalyst particles to gasoline boiling range materials rich in alkylaromatics. Following debutanization or depentanization of the conversion product, the fraction containing unconverted benzene is recycled to the reformate fractionator.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to reduce the aromatics content of a key component of gasoline blends. Paraffins contained in catalytic reformates are conserved and upgraded by separation and isomerization, reducing the reforming severity required to achieve a given product octane with concomitant reduction in paraffin aromatization and cracking. Light reformate may be separated and isomerized, and heavier paraffins are separated from the reformate by solvent extraction or adsorption; the recovered heavy paraffins are isomerized, optionally at a substoichiometric hydrogen ratio. A gasoline component having a reduced aromatics content relative to reformate of the same octane number is blended from the net products of the separation and isomerization steps.

Abstract: A staged process has been discovered for the selective conversion of paraffins in naphtha to aromatics and conversion of naphthenes in naphtha to olefins. In a first stage, n-paraffins in naphtha are converted to aromatics over modified non acidic zeolite catalyst particles with a low conversion of naphthenes in the feedstream. The effluent from the first stage is cascaded to a second stage reactor containing acidic zeolite catalyst wherein naphthenes are converted to light olefins. Advantageously, the process of the invention results in a reduction in the production of light C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 paraffins compared to the prior art. The preferred catalyst for the first stage is a platinum modified zeolite containing tin.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated catalytic reforming/hydrodealkylation process that maximizes benzene recovery by incorporating refrigeration and pressure swing adsorption separation units. In the refrigeration separation unit, liquid reformate is used as a sponge oil to recover benzene from a hydrodealkylation purge gas stream, which in the past has been vented. The pressure swing adsorption unit remove impurities from a hydrogen-rich gas stream prior to use in the hydrodealkylation unit.

Abstract: A process for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock is disclosed. The feedstock is contacted with molecular hydrogen under reforming conditions in the presence of a less sulfur sensitive reforming catalyst, thereby converting trace sulfur compounds to H.sub.2 S, and forming a first effluent. The first effluent is contacted with a solid sulfur sorbent, removing the H.sub.2 S and forming a second effluent. The second effluent is contacted with a highly selective reforming catalyst under severe reforming conditions.

Abstract: A substantially benzene-free product suitable for gasoline blending is formed from a benzene-containing refinery stream. At least about 30% of the benzene initially present in the stream is catalytically alkylated with C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 olefins to form alkylated products. Most preferably, the alkylation zone is present in the distillation column and the alkylated products drop to the lower portion of the column and are recovered with the heavy fraction. Alternatively, the alkylation zone is downstream of the distillation column and a secondary distillation column removes the heavier alkylated products. The remaining light fraction is hydrogenated to convert substantially all of the remaining non-alkylated benzene to cyclohexane and is isomerized to boost the octane of C.sub.5 -C.sub.7 paraffins, preferably in a single reactor.

Abstract: The benzene content of hydrocarbon gasolines is accomplished by (a) fractionating at least one hydrocarbon gasoline into a light fraction A, with an increased benzene content, and a heavy fraction B, with a reduced benzene content; (b) contacting the light fraction A at a temperature below room temperature with a gas containing at least a fraction of olefins in which the number of carbon atoms is from 2 to 5 per molecule so that at least a fraction of said olefins is absorbed in light fraction A; at the end of stage (b), separating a residual gas with a reduced olefin content from a liquid fraction C, with an increased olefin content; (d) passing the fraction C from stage (c) into an alkylation reactor so that at least a fraction of the benzene is alkylated by at least a fraction of the olefins; (e) fractionating the mixture emerging from stage (d) so as to produce, firstly, a gas phase chiefly comprising gases which were not converted during stage (d) and, secondly, a liquid phase, at least partly containing

Abstract: Process for upgrading a sulphur-containing feedstock consisting of a hydrocarbon mixture substantially boiling in the gasoline range which process consists of subjecting the feedstock to a reforming step and subsequently to a hydrotreating step, and recovering from the hydrotreating step a product substantially boiling in the gasoline range and having increased aromaticity and decreased sulphur content.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to reduce the aromatics content of a key component of gasoline blends. Paraffins contained in catalytic reformates are conserved and upgraded by separation and isomerization, reducing the reforming severity required to achieve a given product octane with concomitant reduction in paraffin aromatization and cracking. Light reformate may be separated and isomerized, and heavier paraffins are separated from the reformate by solvent extraction or adsorption and isomerized. A gasoline component having a reduced aromatics content relative to reformate of the same octane number is blended from the net products of the separation and isomerization steps.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of high octane gasoline rich in aromatics but containing a relatively low concentration of benzene. The process comprises the separation of C.sub.6 fraction of the gasoline feedstock into n-hexane and C.sub.6 isomers. The n-hexane and C.sub.7 + streams are catalytically reformed to produce a reformate with a diminished yield of benzene. The reformate is separated and the C.sub.6 - reformate fraction containing benzene is alkylated employing acidic metallosilicate catalyst such as ZSM-5 as the catalyst and preferably methano or propylene as the alkylating agent. The alkylate comprises C.sub.7+ alkylaromatics. The C.sub.6 isomers are blended into the gasoline pool.

Abstract: The process disclosed is for the improved reforming of petroleum fractions by catalytic conversion to a mixture of hydrocarbons rich in aromatics. In the process, naphtha fraction is contacted with two types of catalysts (1) a conventional reforming catalyst and (2) an acidic reforming catalyst containing a crystalline iron silicate. Splitting the reformate into two fractions and recycling the same to the two different reaction zones containing the two types of catalysts. The fraction recycled to the acidic reforming catalyst is rich in aromatics.

Abstract: A process for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock is disclosed. The feedstock is contacted with molecular hydrogen under reforming conditions in the presence of a less sulfur sensitive reforming catalyst, thereby converting trace sulfur compounds to H.sub.2 S, and forming a first effluent. The first effluent is contacted with a solid sulfur sorbent, removing the H.sub.2 S and forming a second effluent. The second effluent is contacted with a highly selective reforming catalyst under severe reforming conditions.

Abstract: An improved method for processing the effluent of a hydrocarbon conversion zone. The invention is particularly useful in a catalytic reforming reaction, wherein practice of the invention results in an increased recovery of butane and propane. The effluent is separated into vapor and liquid components, which are then recontacted at a higher pressure. Several recontacting steps may be employed. Liquid product is then subjected to fractionation. Overhead vapor from the fractionation zone is recycled back to a recontacting step in order to recover a portion of the hydrocarbons contained therein, instead of routing the vapor to the plant fuel gas system.

Abstract: A process for converting the naphtha fractions distilled from crude oil into greater volumes than heretofore of a gasoline product having higher octane number and a distillate stream of improved cetane number and smoke point by sending the lower boiling naphtha fraction directly to the gasoline pool and subjecting the higher boiling naphtha fraction to a mild reforming treatment, extracting the reformate to separate two streams, aromatics which are directed to the pool and paraffins which are sent to a splitter to separate the paraffin stream into fractions greater than C.sub.8 and a C.sub.8 or less fraction. The C.sub.8 or less fraction is cracked, thermally or catalytically and alkylated and/or polymerized before being directed to the gasoline pool. The fraction from the splitter containing hydrocarbons greater than C.sub.8 can be used in the distillate pool.