Total isomerization process and apparatus

摘要

Disclosed are a process and apparatus for virtually complete isomerization of normal paraffin hydrocarbons which reduces recycle rates and enables operation of reactors and adsorbers at more favorable conditions and otherwise improve operating efficiencies based on constant quantities of adsorbents and catalysts. Also, and according to a preferred embodiment, a process and apparatus are provided for utilizing reformer offgas as a hydrogen makeup in such a process wherein the offgas is first purified by a pressure swing adsorption apparatus. Reactor and adsorber pressures and recycle rates can be lowered due to higher concentration of hydrogen in the recycle stream and higher reactant concentrations in the reactor. Recycle capital and operating costs are greatly reduced.