(143h) Indalin+: A New Process for Production of Auto Lpg and High Quality Gasoline

Under the emerging scenario of increasingly stringent fuel specifications, some of the streams such as visbreaker / coker naphtha, straight run naphtha etc. no longer qualify for blending into gasoline pool. In addition, the demand of straight run naphtha is declining due to its substitution by natural gas in fertilizer and power sectors.

On the other hand, the demand of LPG as cooking gas is in increasing trend in countries like India, China, Philippines, etc. LPG (rich in C3 & C4 paraffins) is emerging as a popular automobile fuel due to its several advantages. In such situation, a process for conversion of low value naphtha streams to LPG and high-octane gasoline is highly attractive proposition to the refiners.

In view of the above, Indian Oil R&D Centre has developed a new process ?INDALIN+' for conversion of naphtha / light gas oil streams of any origin including straight run naphtha and natural gas liquid to high yield of auto grade LPG and high quality gasoline and lower olefin content. The sulfur content in gasoline is significantly lower compared to the feed sulfur. The process can also be integrated with BTX plant for production of aromatics and further increase in LPG yield. INDALIN+ employs circulating fluidized bed reactor and regenerator hardware and proprietary catalyst formulation without requiring any external source of hydrogen and feed pre-treatment.

This paper discusses the INDALIN+ technology in details. This papers outlines the wide spectrum of operating conditions, feed streams, catalysts can be used in the novel process. This paper also presents the different aspects of technology along with extensive pilot plant data.