Catalytic Reforming of Iraqi Naphtha over Pt-Ti / HY Zeolite Catalyst

Abstract

In the present work, zeolite Y has been synthesized successfully by sol-gel method.Zeolite was synthesized by crystallization of the final gel which consist from seeding and feed stock gels at  85 ^oC. HY zeolite was prepared by an ion exchange process with ammonium chloride solution and then loaded with different percentages of  platinum and titanium by the wet - impregnation method.

X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Florescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), BET surface area and, Crushing strength were used to characterize the synthesized and prepared catalysts . Results showed high crystallinity  90%  with silica to alumina ratio 5 for HY, high surface area of 600 m²/g and pore volume of 0.38 cm³/g.

The activity of the prepared zeolite was investigated using a pilot plant unit for the catalytic reforming of Iraqi heavy naphtha. All prepared catalysts were investigated at temperatures of 490,500 and 510^oC ,pressure of 20 bar, H₂ /HC  ratio 3 and LHSV 1.4.hr^-1.

Reformate was produced with 86 RON and 94% yield at 510ºC and 20 bar using 0.13 wt.% Pt - 0.75 wt.% Ti  loaded on synthesized HY.