This DWC Innovations whitepaper explains how dividing wall column (DWC) technology can boost octane and throughput in light-naphtha isomerization units. Conventional once-through isomerization typically yields a RON near 85, while adding recycle columns like a deisohexanizer, deisopentanizer, or depentanizer raises RON further but usually needs costly new columns. Revamping the existing deisohexanizer into a dividing wall column lets one vessel take on this added duty, lifting RON without new equipment.
Up to 93Isomerate RON achieved
+5-20%Throughput increase
1Revamped DWC vessel
0New columns needed
Revamp scenarios
Results delivered
✓
The revamp
Revamping the existing deisohexanizer into a dividing wall column lets one vessel take on hexane recycle plus deisopentanizing or depentanizing duty — lifting isomerate RON (up to 91–93) and throughput by 5–20%, at lower capital cost and footprint than new columns.