Technology

The ISOMPLUS^® Technology processes C₄ Streams from Refinery or Petrochemical Units to produce Isobutylene.

Isobutylene is produced by the catalytic skeletal Isomerization of normal Butenes. A zeolite-based catalyst especially developed for this service provides near equilibrium Conversion of Normal Butenes to isobutylene at high selectivity and long Process cycle times.

Hydrocarbon Feed containing normal Butenes, such as MTBE Unit Raffinate, is vaporized and superheated prior to entering the skeletal Isomerization Reactor. The Hydrocarbon Feed does not require Steam or other Diluents nor the Addition of Catalyst Activation Agents to promote the Reaction. The Vapor Stream passes through the Fixed Bed Reactor where up to 44% of the contained normal Butenes are converted at greater than 86% selectivity to Isobutylene. The Reactor Effluent is cooled and compressed to a Heavy Ends Column where C₅⁺ is separated by Fractionation