In catalytic reforming, reformate is a high-octane gasoline component. For unleaded reformed gasoline, select the typical upper-end research octane number (RON) value achievable.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 90

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Catalytic reforming upgrades naphtha by dehydrogenation and aromatization, creating high-octane reformate used in gasoline blending. Understanding typical octane ranges helps in product slate optimization and compliance with gasoline specs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Unleaded reformate (no TEL/lead additives).
  • RON basis considered for comparison.
  • Modern Pt/bi-metal catalysts under standard severity.


Concept / Approach:
Reforming boosts octane substantially, with reformates commonly in the upper 80s to 90+ RON depending on feed severity and constraints (hydrogen balance, coke formation, aromatics limits). For a general upper-end typical value in an exam context, 90 is a reasonable benchmark for unleaded reformate blending quality.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Recall that straight-run naphtha has modest octane.2) Reforming increases aromatics/isoparaffins, elevating RON markedly.3) Choose 90 as a representative upper-end value for unleaded reformate.


Verification / Alternative check:
Plant data often show reformate pools at ~88–95 RON; precise values depend on severity and feed quality.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

60/70/80: too low for typical reformate outputs under normal severity.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing motor octane number (MON) with RON; RON values are higher.


Final Answer:
90

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