Reforming feed selection Which stream is generally used as the feed for catalytic reforming to produce high-octane reformate and hydrogen?
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AVacuum gas oil
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BNaphtha or straight-run gasoline
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CReduced crude (atmospheric residue)
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DAtmospheric gas oil
Answer
Correct Answer: Naphtha or straight-run gasoline
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Catalytic reforming boosts octane for gasoline blending and supplies hydrogen for hydrotreating. The choice of feed determines product quality, severity, and catalyst life.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Standard platforming/CCR reformer conditions.
- Focus on mainstream refinery routing.
- Goal is to name the normal feedstock.
Concept / Approach:Reforming targets naphtha-range molecules (C6–C8 mostly). Typical feed is straight-run or hydrotreated naphtha, not heavier distillates like AGO/VGO or residues, which are routed to FCC/hydrocracking/residue conversion instead.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall reformer chemistry (naphthenes → aromatics, paraffin isomerisation) best suits naphtha.Exclude heavy feeds (AGO/VGO/residue) that require cracking/hydrotreating pathways instead.Choose naphtha or straight-run gasoline.Verification / Alternative check:Typical refinery flow diagrams show naphtha splitter → hydrotreating → reformer → reformate + H2.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- AGO/VGO: Usually to FCC/hydrocracker.
- Reduced crude: To vacuum distillation/thermal or residue conversion units.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming “gas oil” is acceptable feed; reformers do not target those boiling ranges.
Final Answer:Naphtha or straight-run gasoline