This paper introduces a revamped octane barrel recovery technique by employing a Deisopentanizer column (DIP). The conventional Penex process includes the application of isomerization with the use of reactors where long chain hydrocarbons are isomerized and broken down to reform it into high octane gasoline and obtain other light components. In the reactor from the Isomerization unit, the major product is isopentane. Once the reaction attains equilibrium, if isopentane is removed from the product stream (or if less amount of isopentane is present in feed), the tendency of the reaction is to shift the equilibrium towards the product side.
This paper contains the design of a DIP column along with its process and instrumentation diagram having a capacity of 120 tons/hr. It involves the calculations of the number of trays, side reflux ratio, operating conditions, economics and health-safety aspects. Conventionally, the focus is on maximizing the Research Octane Number (RON) but with the proposed idea, octane barrels will be increased keeping the RON constant. To optimize the octane barrels, the effect of operating conditions are studied. For this, the temperature of input feed and trays, side tray reflux are varied. Accident prone areas will be discussed with appropriate solutions. On the whole, the performance of DIP assisted ISOM unit will be compared with the conventional unit.
