Reformulation of FCC gasoline

FCC gasoline obtained from an Indian refinery was analyzed for its quality improvement through catalytic processes. The analysis indicated the presence of high amount of sulfur, olefin and iso-paraffins in the feed that are not suitable for processing through the hydro treatment or hydro-isomerization. Detailed studies indicated that majority of iso-paraffinic and olefinic compounds in the feed boil below 60 °C. The entire range of gasoline is fractionated into light fraction (IBP-60 °C) and heavy fraction (60 °C-FBP). Heavy hydrocarbon fraction exhibited more aromatics and sulfur with comparatively low olefins and iso-paraffins. HDS followed by hydro-isomerization of the heavier fraction resulted in the formation of C6–C9 iso-paraffins through the saturation of olefins and aromatics. Overall, the processed FCC gasoline exhibited more iso-paraffins with low olefins, low aromatics and sulfur, without any loss in octane number.