(2b) Methaforming, Novel Zeolite Catalyst That Converts Naphtha and Alcohol to Gasoline at 1/3 the Current Cost

Methaforming removes sulfur and converts naphtha and methanol into a high-octane gasoline blendstock with low benzene, releasing hydrogen, with yields and octane comparable to isomerization + CCR reforming. Methaforming uses a proprietary zeolite catalyst in a process flow similar to hydrotreating.

This one-step process replaces naphtha desulfurization, reforming, isomerization, and benzene removal, thereby reducing capital and operating costs to 1/3 of the best alternative.

Main applications:

• Instead of new reformer
• Converting semi-regen reformer
• Instead of isomerization
• Upgrade raffinate from aromatics extraction

The Methaforming catalyst and process were developed, and the operating parameters optimized, in 3 laboratory pilot plants with over 7,000 hours of processing. Our latest and largest pilot plant has a 2 liter reactor and capacity of 38 l/d (0.23 BPD).