Penex

The Penex process is a continuous catalytic process used in the refining of crude oil. It isomerizes light straight run naphtha (C5/C6) into higher-octane, branched C5/C6 molecules. It also reduces the concentration of benzene in the gasoline pool.[1] It was first used commercially in 1958.[2] Ideally, the isomerization catalyst converts normal pentane (nC5) to isopentane (iC5) and normal hexane (nC6) to 2,2- and 2,3-dimethylbutane. The thermodynamic equilibrium is more favorable at low temperature.[3]

UOP Penex process[3]
Penex unit (simplified)

The Penex process uses fixed-bed catalysts containing chlorides.[4] A single pass of feedstock with an octane rating of 50-60 through such a bed typically produces an end product rated at 82-86. If the feedstock is subsequently passed through a DIH (deisohexanizer) column, the end product typically has an octane rating of 87-90.5. If the feedstock is subsequently passed through a Molex-technology column, the end product typically has an octane rating of 88-91. If the feedstock is first passed through a DIP (deisopentanizer) column to remove iso-pentanes, then through the Penex bed, and subsequently through the DIH column, the end product typically has an octane rating of 91-93.

The Penex Process is licensed by the UOP corporation and currently utilized at more than 120 units at petroleum refineries and natural gas liquids plants throughout the world.[5]

References
  1. "Isomerization HOT Penex Process by UOP - Oil & Gas Process Engineering". Retrieved 2023-03-05.
  2. "UOP Penex Process website" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-01. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
  3. "Isomerization Process". Hassan ElBanhawi. Retrieved 2023-03-05.
  4. Takao, Kimura (2003). "Development of Pt/SO 4 2−/ZrO 2 catalyst for isomerization of light naphtha". Catalysis Today. 81 (1): 57–63. doi:10.1016/s0920-5861(03)00102-0.
  5. Maples, Robert E. (2000). Petroleum refinery process economics. Penwell Books. p. 455. ISBN 9780878147793. Retrieved 13 April 2015.


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