Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for isomerizing a feed stream including one or more C4-C6 hydrocarbons. The process may include contacting the feed stream in an isomerization reaction zone with an isomerization catalyst at isomerization conditions to produce an isomerization zone effluent; passing at least a portion of the isomerization zone effluent to a stabilizer zone and recovering a stabilizer overhead stream, a bottom stream, and a stripper feed stream; passing the stripper feed stream to a stripping zone and separating the stripper feed stream into a stripper overhead stream and a stripper bottom stream; and recycling at least a portion of the stripper bottom stream to a deisopentanizer zone and passing a stream from the deisopentanizer zone to the isomerization reaction zone.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for isomerizing a feed stream including one or more C4-C6 hydrocarbons. Generally, the process includes contacting the feed stream in an isomerization reaction zone with an isomerization catalyst at isomerization conditions to produce an isomerization zone effluent; passing at least a portion of the isomerization zone effluent to a stabilizer zone and recovering a stabilizer overhead stream, a bottom stream, and a side-stream; passing at least a portion of the side-stream to a stripper zone; and sending a stripper bottom stream to a C5 splitter zone and passing a stream from the C5 splitter zone to the isomerization reaction zone. Generally, the stabilizer overhead stream can include one or more C5? hydrocarbons, a bottom stream can include at least about 85%, by weight, one or more C6+ hydrocarbons, and a side-stream can include at least about 85%, by weight, one or more C5+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for isomerizing a feed stream including one or more C4-C6 hydrocarbons. The process may include contacting the feed stream in an isomerization reaction zone with an isomerization catalyst at isomerization conditions to produce an isomerization zone effluent; passing at least a portion of the isomerization zone effluent to a stabilizer zone and recovering a stabilizer overhead stream, a bottom stream, and a stripper feed stream; passing the stripper feed stream to a stripping zone and separating the stripper feed stream into a stripper overhead stream and a stripper bottom stream; and recycling at least a portion of the stripper bottom stream to a deisopentanizer zone and passing a stream from the deisopentanizer zone to the isomerization reaction zone.

Abstract: The service life and deactivation rate of a paraffin isomerization catalyst is improved through use of a new sulfur guard bed containing a chloride additive. This sulfur guard bed, which contains supported CuO material having an increased resistance to reduction, shows such improvement. Thus, the danger of run-away reduction followed by a massive release of water and deactivation of an isomerization catalyst is practically eliminated. The fact that the guard bed material preserves the active metal phase-copper in an active (oxide) form is an important advantage leading to very low sulfur content in the product stream. The sulfur capacity per unit weight of sorbent is also significantly increased, making this sorbent a superior cost effective sulfur guard product.

Abstract: A method for producing adamantane includes isomerizing exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene into adamantane in an acidic chloroaluminate ionic liquid composed of aluminum(III) trichloride and a quaternary ammonium halide having a quaternary ammonium cation selected from a group consisting of tetraalkylammonium, dialkylpyridinium, and trialkylimidazolium.

Abstract: A process for the hydroisomerization of a waxy feed having a major portion boiling above 650° F. to produce a lubricating base oil having a lower pour point, said process comprising (a) passing the waxy feed along with hydrogen gas through a hydroisomerization zone maintained at a hydrogen partial pressure of between about 100 psia and about 400 psia, said hydroisomerization zone comprising a catalyst bed containing at least two active wax hydroisomerization catalysts, said catalysts comprising at least (i) a first catalyst comprising an active hydrogenation component and a 1-D, 10-ring molecular sieve having a maximum crystallographic free diameter of the channels equal to 6.2 ? units or greater and (ii) a second catalyst comprising an active hydrogenation component and a 1-D, 10-ring molecular sieve having a maximum crystallographic free diameter of the channels equal to 5.

Abstract: A process for the production of triptane, said process comprising: isomerising a hydrocarbon feedstock by containing said feedstock with an isomerisation catalyst at a reaction temperature of ?50 to 25° C., and a contact time of 0.01 to 150 hours, such that the triptane selectivety of the isomerisation reaction is at least 5% as a proportion of said hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising an alumina carrier, a Group VIII noble metal, and a halogen compound wherein the catalyst composition has total pore volume of more than 0.48 ml/g and wherein at least 50% of this total pore volume resides in pores with a diameter smaller than 12 nm. This catalyst composition has a higher activity in isomerization reactions, per gram of catalyst and per gram of Group VIII noble metal, than prior art catalyst compositions.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of linear and/or branched paraffins hydrocarbons, catalysed by an ionic liquid catalyst, in the presence of a cyclic hydrocarbon additive containing a tertiary carbon atom. The presence of the specific hydrocarbon additives influences the reaction mechanism by increasing the selectivity towards the formation of paraffin hydrocarbons with a higher degree of branching.

Abstract: A procedure for the alkylation of isobutane by olefinic hydrocarbons, in which a first hydrocarbon charge (3) rich in isobutane is put in contact with a second hydrocarbon charge rich in light olefins (2), under conditions that will provoke the alkylation of the isobutane by the light olefins, the effluents that emanate from the reaction area in a fractionation column (6) are treated in order to extract therefrom at least a first cut rich in alkylate (7), a second cut rich in normal butane (8) and a third cut rich in isobutane (9), said third cut (9) is then recycled at the entry of the alkylation reaction area. The second cut (8) rich in normal butane is purified (12) so as to lower its content in compounds with 5 or more carbon atoms to a value that is less than or equal to 5% by weight, the cut thus purified (14) is treated in an isomerization reactor (16) of normal butane to isobutane, this cut is then recycled (21) at the entry of the alkylation effluents fractionation column (6).

Abstract: Deactivation of an isomerization catalyst is inhibited by charging a hydrocarbon feed having a concentration of an organic aluminum halide compound to an isomerization zone operating under isomerization conditions and containing an isomerization catalyst.

Abstract: The fractional distillation performed as part of the isomerization of C5-C6 paraffins is heat integrated. A portion of a sidedraw recycle stream is employed to cool the feed to a deisohexanizer column and then returned to a lower portion of the column. This reduces the reflux demand of the column and the operating cost of the process.

Abstract: A process and/or system is provided for isomerizing a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated C6 hydrocarbons by contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock, in the presence of hydrogen and optionally a chloride, with a first isomerization catalyst composition in a first isomerization reactor defining a first reaction zone operated at a first reaction temperature, withdrawing a first intermediate stream comprising cyclohexane and n-hexane from the first reaction zone, separating the first intermediate stream, via a first separator, into a first product stream comprising cyclohexane and a second intermediate stream comprising n-hexane, contacting the second intermediate stream, in the presence of hydrogen and optionally a chloride, with a second isomerization catalyst composition in a second isomerization reactor defining a second reaction zone operated at a second reaction temperature greater than the first reaction temperature, and withdrawing from the second reaction zone a second product stream comprising isoh

Abstract: A process for isomerising a feed comprising normal paraffins containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule as a major portion in the presence of hydrogen is characterized in that the sum of the amounts of normal paraffins containing 7 and 8 carbon atoms per molecule contained in the feed is in the range 2% to 90% by weight with respect to the feed, and in that said feed is treated in at least one reaction zone containing at least one catalyst in a fixed bed, said catalyst comprising a support, at least one halogen and at least one group VIII metal, the reaction being carried out at a temperature in the range 30° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: An improved catalyst is disclosed for the conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises an alumina support, a Friedel-Crafts metal halide, and a platinum-group metal component, wherein the support comprises primarily eta alumina and a small amount of gamma alumina and has a defined pore-size and acidity characteristics. An isomerization process also is disclosed which is particularly effective for the conversion of C4-C7 alkanes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst containing at least one halogen, at least one metal from group VIII and a formed support comprising gamma alumina and optionally eta alumina, the catalyst being characterized in that the smallest average dimension of said support is in the range 0.8 mm to 2 mm and in that the halogen content is in the range 4.5% to 15% by weight. The invention also concerns the preparation of said catalyst, preferably with chlorination (in the case where the halogen is chlorine) in the presence of CCl4 or CHCl3. The invention also concerns the use of the catalyst for the isomerisation of normal C4-C6 paraffins.

Abstract: An isomerization process for converting an isomerization feed stream containing alkanes having about 4 carbon atoms to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule and cycloalkanes having about 5 carbon atoms to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule to at least one product hydrocarbon isomer. The isomerization feed stream, which contains at least one feed hydrocarbon and hydrogen, is contacted in an isomerization zone at effective isomerization conditions with a catalyst where deactivation of such catalyst occurs in the isomerization zone. The isomerization process includes the presence of an additive in the isomerization feed stream. The concentration of the additive is sufficient to alleviate or diminish the deactivation of the catalyst and to maintain a substantially constant conversion of the at least one feed hydrocarbon to the at least one product hydrocarbon isomer at effective isomerization conditions.

Abstract: A process and/or system is provided for isomerizing a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated C.sub.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst composed of at least one halogen, at least one metal from group VIII and a formed support of gamma alumina and optionally eta alumina, the catalyst being characterized in that the smallest average dimension of said support is in the range 0.8 mm to 2 mm and in that the halogen content is in the range 4.5% to 15% by weight. The invention also concerns the preparation of said catalyst, preferably with chlorination (in the case where the halogen is chlorine) in the presence of CCl.sub.4 or CHCl.sub.3. The invention also concerns the use of the catalyst for the isomerisation of normal C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 paraffins.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a first solid material comprising activated carbon and at least one carburized transition metal; and a second solid material comprising at least one halogen component and alumina, and a method of preparing such catalyst system which comprises mixing a first solid material comprising activated carbon and at least one carburized transition metal and a second solid material comprising at least one halogen component and alumina are disclosed. The thus-obtained catalyst system is employed as a catalyst in the isomerization of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising alumina, at least one carburized transition metal, and at least one halogen component, and a method of preparing such catalyst system which comprises incorporating at least one transition metal compound into alumina thereby forming a transition metal-alumina compound; carburizing the transition metal-alumina compound thereby forming a carburized transition metal-alumina compound; and incorporating at least one halogen component into the carburized transition metal-alumina compound, are disclosed. The thus-obtained catalyst system is employed as a catalyst in the isomerization of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of a high octane product from a feed mixture comprising C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 normal paraffins in which an equilibrium reaction to produce mono and dimethyl branched paraffins is achieved by conducting the reaction and the product separation in a pressure swing adsorption and reaction zone containing a uniformly distributed adsorbent for the selective adsorption of normal paraffins and a catalyst for the equilibrium conversion of normal paraffins to mono and dimethyl branched paraffins. More specifically, the process achieves the isomerization of the normal paraffins by the reaction of the normal paraffins in the presence of hydrogen with the simultaneous removal of the mono and dimethyl branched paraffin product at the same temperature and pressure. In one embodiment, the passing of the feed mixture to the bed is terminated and the bed is purged with one of the reactants which in turn further reacts to displace heavier paraffin and enhance the overall product octane.

Abstract: A process to isomerize at least one normal or mono-methyl-branched alkane containing from about 6 to about 8 carbon atoms to form at least one multi-methyl-branched alkane has been developed. The normal or mono-methyl-branched alkane is introduced to a reaction and adsorption zone operating under conditions effective to isomerize the normal or mono-methyl-branched alkane and containing a catalyst effective to isomerize the normal or mono-methyl-branched alkane and an adsorbent effective to selectively adsorb normal and mono-methyl-branched alkanes relative to multi-methyl-branched alkanes. Hydrogen and a desorbent comprising at least one alkane having from about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms is introduced to a first portion of the reaction and adsorption zone and an effluent containing at least one multi-methyl-branched alkane is withdrawn from a second portion of the reaction and adsorption zone.

Abstract: A process for the continuous isomerization of an alkane to produce an isomerized product through contacting the alkane with a simulated moving bed acting as a catalyst for isomerization and an adsorbent for the alkanes has been developed. The alkane may be n-butane and the isomerized product 2-methylpropane, the alkane may be n-pentane and the isomerized product 2-methylbutane or 2,2-dimethylpropane, the alkane may have from 6 up to about 8 carbon atoms with no more than one methyl branch and the isomerized product having the same number of carbon atoms and at least two methyl branches, or the reactant may be a mixture of the foregoing alkanes with the corresponding isomerized products being formed. In a zone of the simulated moving bed, the alkanes are catalytically isomerized to form the isomerized products. The unreacted alkanes are adsorbed, and the isomerized products are collected.

Abstract: A method of isomerizing n-paraffins into isoparaffins in a cut of hydrocarbons with four carbon atoms or of hydrocarbons with five and/or six carbon atoms. The cut being processed enters at least one reactor containing a stationary catalyst bed. The charge travels over the bed. Either the rate of isomerization in the effluents or a parameter directly dependent thereon (such as the octane number) is preferably continuously measured. Some of the upstream catalyst, specifically between 1/3 and 2/3, is replaced with fresh catalyst once that rate has decreased 10 to 30% below a prescribed point. The charge is redirected through the reactor once the catalyst has been replaced.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing a mixture of alkanes containing pentanes and at least one alkane having from 6 to about 8 carbon atoms and no more than one methyl branch has been developed.

Abstract: A process for the continuous isomerization of an alkane to produce an isomerized product through contacting the alkane with a simulated moving bed acting as a catalyst for isomerization and an adsorbent for the alkanes has been developed. The alkane may be n-butane and the isomerized product 2-methylpropane, the alkane may be n-pentane and the isomerized product 2-methylbutane or 2,2-dimethylpropane, the alkane may have from 6 up to about 8 carbon atoms with no more than one methyl branch and the isomerized product having the same number of carbon atoms and at least two methyl branches, or the reactant may be a mixture of the foregoing alkanes with the corresponding isomerized products being formed. In a zone of the simulated moving bed, the alkanes are catalytically isomerized to form the isomerized products. The unreacted alkanes are adsorbed, and the isomerized products are collected.

Abstract: In a process for isomerizing C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 alkanes and/or C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cycloalkanes which is carried out in the presence of hydrogen gas, a chloride additive (e.g., CCl.sub.4 or C.sub.2 Cl.sub.4) and a supported platinum and chlorine-containing catalyst (e.g., Pt/Cl/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), the catalyst is intermittently reactivated in two steps: first, the hydrogen to feed hydrocarbon ratio is raised (while the chloride level in the feed is either not changed or lowered), and thereafter the chloride level in the feed is increased. Preferably, the fresh catalyst is also preactivated by contacting it with the hydrocarbon feed wherein the hydrogen to feed hydrocarbon ratio is higher and/or the temperature is lower than what is employed in the subsequent isomerization production cycle.

Abstract: A process for the isomerization of hydrocarbons using a chloride promoted catalyst wherein an adsorption zone arrangement operates to maintain chloride compounds in the reaction zone and to prevent contamination of product streams with chloride compounds removes normal paraffins from the desorbent stream to extend the capacity and life of a clinoptilolite molecular sieve. The invention preferably uses isoparaffins recovered from the isomerization zone as a desorbent. A gaseous fraction of the isomerization zone effluent can be recovered to provide a desorbent containing a low concentration of normal paraffins.

Abstract: Described is a novel method by which the activity of a deactivated or partially deactivated paraffin isomerization catalyst is enhanced or reactivated. The isomerization catalyst undergoes a deactivation period followed by a reactivation period during which isomerizable hydrocarbons are simultaneously isomerized during the catalyst reactivation.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is prepared by a method comprising impregnating alumina with at least one platinum compound, followed by calcining, reducing treatment, and heating with gaseous aluminum chloride and gaseous titanium tetrachloride. The thus-prepared catalyst composition is employed in the isomerization of saturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 hydrocarbons (alkanes and/or cycloalkanes), preferably n-butane.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for reducing the benzene content of petrol fractions, in which hydrogenation is carried out on a feed with the following composition by weight: 40% to 80% of paraffins, 0.5% to 7% of cyclic hydrocarbons and 6% to 45% of aromatics, and with a maximum distillation temperature of between 70.degree. C. and 90.degree. C., followed by isomerisation of the effluent from the hydrogenation step, mixing said feed and/or said effluent with a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cut; said process being characterised in that an isomerisation catalyst is used which contains chlorine and at least one group VIII metal deposited on a support composed of a mixture of specific proportions of eta alumina and gamma alumina.

Abstract: A process for the continuous isomerization of an alkane to produce an isomerized product through contacting the alkane with a simulated moving bed acting as a catalyst for isomerization and an adsorbent for the alkanes has been developed. The alkane may be n-butane and the isomerized product 2-methylpropane, the alkane may be n-pentane and the isomerized product 2-methylbutane or 2,2-dimethylpropane, the alkane may have from 6 up to about 8 carbon atoms with no more than one methyl branch and the isomerized product having the same number of carbon atoms and at least two methyl branches, or the reactant may be a mixture of the foregoing alkanes with the corresponding isomerized products being formed. In a zone of the simulated moving bed, the alkanes are catalytically isomerized to form the isomerized products. The unreacted alkanes are adsorbed, and the isomerized products are collected.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing a mixture of alkanes containing pentanes and at least one alkane having from 6 to about 8 carbon atoms and no more than one methyl branch has been developed.

Abstract: An adsorption arrangement in combination with a catalytic hydrocarbon conversion process suspends non-hydrocarbon materials that act to enhance the operation of the conversion zone by using an adsorption zone arrangement to keep the compounds in recirculation about the reaction zone. The process of this invention is particularly useful for the isomerization of hydrocarbons wherein the adsorption zone arrangement operates to maintain chloride compounds in the reaction zone and to prevent contamination of product streams with the chloride compounds. This invention can be used in combination with traditional adsorptive methods of removing contaminant from feedstreams that enter reaction zones. The invention is also useful for sulfided catalysts where it is desirable to maintain sulfur within the reaction zone and keep sulfur contamination from entering product streams.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is prepared by a method comprising impregnating alumina with at least one dissolved titanium compound (preferably a triethanolamine titanate) and at least one platinum compound, followed by treatment (at specific temperature conditions) with at least one organoaluminum chloride (preferably ethylaluminum dichloride), hydrogen chloride and at least one chloroalkane (preferably carbon tetrachloride). The thus-prepared catalyst composition is employed in the isomerization of saturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 hydrocarbons (alkanes and/or cycloalkanes), preferably n-butane.

Abstract: A process for reactivating a used n-alkane (preferably n-butane) isomerization catalyst comprising platinum, chlorine and a support material comprises contacting the catalyst with flowing hydrogen gas for at least about 1 hour at a temperature of below about 440.degree. F. Preferably, this reactivation process is carried out as an intermittent step in the hydroisomerization of at least one C.sub.5 -C.sub.7 normal alkane (preferably n-butane).

Abstract: A catalyst is provided based on chlorinated eta alumina incorporating platinum and germanium and tin, as well as chlorine. This catalyst can be used in a process for the isomerization of a charge rich in normal C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 -paraffins, without hydrogen recycling.

Abstract: There is provided a process for ring opening of aromatics or cycloaliphatics, as well as isomerization of aliphatics. The feedstream to this process comprises hydrocarbons having 6 carbon atoms. The process involves the use of a recycle stream containing a source of chlorine, such as carbon tetrachloride, and this process involves the use of at least two reactors connected in series. The first reactor comprises a ring opening catalyst and is operated under conditions which particularly promote ring opening. The catalyst in this first reactor may comprise zirconia modified with tungstate and platinum. A second, downstream reactor is operated under conditions to promote isomerization of aliphatics. The catalyst in the second reactor may comprise alumina, platinum and a chloride component. The catalysts in both the first and second reactors are chlorine resistant.

Abstract: An adsorption arrangement in combination with a catalytic hydrocarbon conversion process suspends non-hydrocarbon materials that act to enhance the operation of the conversion zone by using an adsorption zone arrangement to keep the compounds in recirculation about the reaction zone. The process of this invention is particularly useful for the isomerization of hydrocarbons wherein the adsorption zone arrangement operates to maintain chloride compounds in the reaction zone and to prevent contamination of product streams with the chloride compounds. This invention can be used in combination with traditional adsorptive methods of removing contaminant from feedstreams that enter reaction zones. The invention is also useful for sulfided catalysts where it is desirable to maintain sulfur within the reaction zone and keep sulfur contamination from entering product streams.

Abstract: There is provided a process for ring opening of aromatics and cycloaliphatics, as well as isomerization of aliphatics. The feedstream to this process comprises hydrocarbons having 6 carbon atoms. The process involves the use of at least two reactors connected in series. The first reactor contains a zeolite catalyst and is operated under conditions which particularly promote ring opening. The catalyst in this first reactor may comprise zeolite Beta and platinum. A downstream reactor is operated under conditions to promote isomerization of aliphatics. The catalyst in the second reactor may comprise alumina, platinum and a chloride component.

Abstract: An isomerization process maximizes the production of 2,3-dimethylbutane by using an arrangement of two reaction zones that operate at low conversion conditions to maximize the production of a methyl pentane containing intermediate and limit the interconversion of 2,3-dimethylbutane to 2,2-dimethylbutane. The process converts a feed comprising normal hexane in a first reaction zone. The effluent from the first reaction zone has a high concentration of methyl pentanes which is separated from normal hexane and passed to a second separation section that receives the effluent from a second reaction zone. Methyl pentanes from the first and second reaction zone effluents enter the second reaction zone for conversion to dimethylbutane in a high 2,3-dimethylbutane to 2,2-dimethylbutane ratio. In this manner the process produces a principally dimethylbutane product having a relatively high octane rating as a result of the high 2,3-dimethylbutane concentration.

Abstract: A process for the isomerization of C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 paraffins that separates a low boiling or overhead fraction from a stabilizer in a stripping zone and provides a low RVP isomerization product and simplifies the recovery of LPG components. The process also lowers energy costs and capital investment for recovery of LPG components that are otherwise lost with the production of low RVP isomerization products. When used with a chloride promoted catalyst, the arrangement of this invention permits recovery of a low RVP isomerate product while reducing or eliminating corrosion problems associated with a condensation of overhead products to produce stream containing liquid HCl.

Abstract: Materials which have been prepared by a method which includes the steps of (1) impregnating alumina with a sulfate of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, zinc and magnesium, (2) calcining the thus-obtained impregnated alumina materials, and (3) heating the calcined materials with AlCl.sub.3 and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at a temperature of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C. are employed as catalysts in the isomerization of C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkanes (preferably methylcyclopentane). A select group of the thus-prepared materials are employed as catalysts in the isomerization of C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alkanes (preferably n-pentane and 2-methylbutane). Preferably, the catalyst preparation method also includes a step of treating the calcined impregnated alumina materials with gaseous hydrogen chloride before they are heated with AlCl.sub.3 and the chlorinated hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: Isomerization catalyst compositions are prepared by heating aluminum chloride, at least one of several metal salts (preferably CuSO.sub.4), at least one of several inorganic support materials (alumina, silica, aluminum phosphate and combinations thereof) and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at a temperature of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C. The dried catalyst compositions are used for the isomerization of C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkanes and/or C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alkanes.

Abstract: An isomerization zone process is disclosed that combines a deisohexanizer with a PSA separation section to provide a product stream comprising methylbutane and dimethylbutane. The process combines a methylpentane and normal hexane recycle stream, a normal pentane recycle stream and a fresh feedstream to provide a combined feedstream that is charged to an isomerization zone. The effluent from the isomerization zone is stabilized and passed to a deisohexanizer. A sidecut stream carries the methylpentane and normal hexane recycle stream from the deisohexanizer. Hydrocarbons having a higher boiling point than the sidecut stream are withdrawn as a bottoms stream from the deisohexanizer. An overhead carries normal pentane, methylbutane and dimethylbutanes to the PSA separation section. An extract stream is recovered as the normal pentane recycle stream. The raffinate from the PSA provides a high octane isomerate stream comprising mainly methylpentane and dimethylbutanes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alkanes and/or C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkanes are isomerized in the presence of a catalyst which has been prepared by heating AlCl.sub.3, at least one aluminum sulfate-containing support material and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., followed by separating the formed solid from the chlorinated hydrocarbon.In another embodiment, C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkane(s) are isomerized in the presence of a catalyst which has been prepared by heating AlCl.sub.3, at least one sulfur-containing acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and/or ClSO.sub.3 H and/or FSO.sub.3 H and/or CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H) and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., followed by separating the formed solid from the chlorinated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is prepared by mixing at least an aluminum halide (preferably AlCl.sub.3), at least one copper(II) salt (preferably CuCl.sub.2), calcium aluminate and at least one alcohol (preferably ethanol), shaping the mixture, and drying the shaped particles. The thus-obtained catalyst composition is employed in the isomerization of alkanes and/or cycloalkanes.

Abstract: An isomerization zone process is disclosed that combines a deisohexanizer with a PSA separation section to provide a product stream comprising methylbutane and dimethylbutane. The process combines a methylpentane and normal hexane recycle stream, a normal pentane recycle stream and a fresh feedstream to provide a combined feedstream that is charged to an isomerization zone. The effluent from the isomerization zone is stabilized and passed to a deisohexanizer. A sidecut stream carries the methylpentane and normal hexane recycle stream from the deisohexanizer. Hydrocarbons having a higher boiling point than the sidecut stream are withdrawn as a bottoms stream from the deisohexanizer. An overhead carries normal pentane, methylbutane and dimethylbutanes to the PSA separation section. An extract stream is recovered as the normal pentane recycle stream. The raffinate from the PSA provides a high octane isomerate stream comprising mainly methylpentane and dimethylbutanes.

Abstract: A combination process for the conversion of C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbons into easily transportable hydrocarbons of greater molecular weight. The combination process comprises converting the C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbons to aromatic hydrocarbons in a dehydrocyclodimerization reaction zone after which the aromatic product is isomerized in the presence of hydrogen from the dehydrocyclodimerization reaction step to produce transportable aliphatic hydrocarbons.