Reforming 101

Reforming is a process used to convert full range naphtha (C6 to C11) into high-octane blend component for gasoline, called Reformate.

Other products of Reforming are:
- Hydrogen
- Fuel Gas (mostly C1 and C2)
- LPG (mostly C3 and C4)

Some refineries rely on their Reformers as their primary source of hydrogen for other processes such as hydroprocessing and isomerization.

Fuel gas and LPG are much lower value than the C5+ reformate. Therefore, it is preferred to maximize reformate yield.

Operators adjust the "severity" of the Reformer to target octane (RON, Research Octane Number) based on blending needs.

The tradeoff is that as severity is increased, the liquid volume yield of reformate decreases. (see image below)

The liquid volume yield decreases for two main reasons:
1) Increased production of fuel gas and LPG.
2) The density of high octane reformate is higher because of the increased aromatics.

The predominant reformer technology is CCR Platformer (Continuous Catalyst Recirculation) licensed by UOP.

As of 2015, there were more than 250 CCR platforming units in operation worldwide with an average unit capacity of ~23,000 BPD. [1]

[1] Meyers, "Handbook of Petroleum Refining Processes" 4th Ed.