Higher octane from your existing isomerization unit.
Up to RON 93 and more than 20% extra capacity in light naphtha isomerization, by revamping the columns you already have.
More Octane, More Capacity, Same Columns
Three revamp routes raise octane, throughput and product value in an existing light naphtha isomerization unit — each one reusing the columns already installed.
- Debottleneck the upstream naphtha splitter to sharpen isomerization feed
- Lift isomerate octane by up to 6 RON without building a new column
- Add a fourth C6 product cut and more than 20% unit capacity
01Debottleneck the upstream naphtha splitter
The naphtha splitter prepares feed for the isomerization unit, so the quality of its C5/C6 split sets the ceiling on isomerate octane. A conventional revamp — swapping existing internals for high capacity trays or packing — tightens product specification and lifts throughput. Converting the splitter to a dividing wall column goes further, adding more than 40% capacity over what high capacity internals alone deliver.
Dividing wall technology in distillation columns, DigitalRefining →
Naphtha splitter revamp — more than 40% capacity
02Raise octane without building a new column
Isomerization converts low octane straight chain paraffins into high octane branched isomers. Because the reactions sit at equilibrium, product octane is set by how much separation the process performs — not by the reactor.
A unit with a deisohexanizer (DIH) column typically makes an isomerate of RON 87–88. Raising it conventionally means building a deisopentanizer (DIP) or a depentanizer (DP). DWC Prime retrofits inside the existing DIH shell and gives that one column the extra DIP or DP duty, so the same equipment gains 2 to 6 RON — reaching as high as RON 91–93 — depending on the starting configuration.
03Add a C6 product cut and unlock capacity
A conventional DIH column separates light and heavy isomerate and returns a side cut recycle to the isomerization reactor. Revamped to DWC Prime, that same column delivers a fourth cut of saleable C6 products — food grade hexane, polymer grade hexane, isohexane or special boiling point solvents — and lifts isomerization unit capacity by more than 20%.
Food grade hexane from an isomerization unit →
Maximizing margins in light naphtha isomerization →
Food grade hexane from an isomerization unit
When Octane Booster™ Makes Sense
Isomerate octane is too low
A DIH unit making RON 87–88 that needs more.
Isomerization capacity is tight
The DIH, recycle loop or naphtha splitter limits feed.
C6 products have a market
Food, polymer or specialty hexane commands a premium.
A new unit is hard to justify
You want a revamp inside existing shells instead.
Light Naphtha Isomerization: Questions Clients Ask
What is light naphtha isomerization?
A refinery process that converts low-octane straight-chain C5 and C6 paraffins into higher-octane branched isomers for gasoline blending.
Why is isomerate octane limited?
The reactions sit at equilibrium, so product octane is set by how much separation the unit performs. A unit with a deisohexanizer typically makes isomerate of RON 87–88.
Can octane be raised without a new isomerization unit or column?
Yes. DWC Prime™ retrofits inside the existing DIH shell and gives that column the duty of a deisopentanizer or depentanizer, gaining 2 to 6 RON and reaching as high as RON 93.
Can additional products be recovered?
Yes. A DWC Prime™ DIH can deliver a fourth cut of food grade hexane, polymer grade hexane, isohexane or special boiling point solvents.
What data do you need to evaluate our unit?
Feed composition, naphtha splitter and DIH operating data, current isomerate RON and your octane or capacity targets. We use them in a feasibility study.
Could your isomerization unit create more value?
Send us your operating data and objectives. We’ll tell you which revamp route raises octane, capacity or product value at the lowest cost.