Reforming feed selection: Which stream is most commonly used as the primary feedstock to a catalytic reforming unit to make high-octane reformate and hydrogen?

Introduction:
Catalytic reforming increases octane by dehydrogenating naphthenes to aromatics and isomerising paraffins, while producing valuable hydrogen. The choice of feedstock is critical to yield and unit performance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Objective: produce high-octane reformate and hydrogen.
• Candidate feeds: naphtha-range vs much heavier/residual stocks.

Concept / Approach:
Reforming targets naphtha boiling range hydrocarbons (roughly 70–180°C) rich in naphthenes/paraffins. Straight-run naphtha from crude distillation is therefore the standard feed. Heavier oils are unsuitable for reforming and are instead cracked or hydroprocessed.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Typical refinery flow diagrams place hydrotreating before reforming, with straight-run naphtha as the routed feed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Heavy fuel oil / residuum: Too heavy; processed via cracking, visbreaking, or coking.
• Casing-head gasoline: Variable composition; not the standard reforming feed.
• Kerosene: Outside optimal reforming range; used for jet/kerosene pool or hydroprocessing.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing reforming (naphtha upgrading) with cracking (heavy oil conversion).

Final Answer:
Straight-run gasoline (naphtha)