Gasoline Production

The octane number is an important indicator for the antiknocking quality of motor gasolineGasoline (“mogasMogas”). To achieve proper octane rating for use, light naphtha (C5 and C6) is sent to isomerization unit and heavy naphtha (C7+) to reforming unit for octane enhancement. These processes do not alter carbon number. C3 and C4 olefins can be combined by alkylation or polymerization into gasoline carbon range. Excess amount of isobutane, which is produced from isomerization of nC4, is required for alkylation. Gasoline can also be produced from large molecules by cracking that will be discussed in the next chapter.