An overview of naphtha isomerization process catalysts

Improvement of fuel quality to decrease the impact of environmental and health effects are an important issue all around the world. Increase the octane number of light naphtha is one of the most important processes in modern refineries due to benzene limitation, aromatics, and olefins. Nowadays in refineries, the octane number of hydrocarbon blend is enhanced with components such as 2, 2-DMB, and isopentane. So the purpose of light naphtha isomerization process is the production of these isomers and increase it to hydrocarbon blend with low benzene and finally octane enhancement. In this review, different kinds of naphtha isomerization catalyst are investigated which is included chlorinated alumina, zeolite and sulfated zirconia.