AROMATIZATION OF n-HEPTANE

Abstract

The conversion of heptane to aromatics, mainly benzene, toluene and xylenes has been studied. This reaction converts some of the lowest octane number components into aromatics having very high octane numbers. As there are troubles with the addition of tetraethyl lead to gasoline. The octane number can be enhanced by this reaction. Greater research has been done in this field with a number of catalysts (oxides of metals) with alumina as carrier. In the present work the catalyst selected for n-heptane aromatization include ionic exchange ZSM-5 zeolite using metals such as Cu, Zr, Zn, Ni, Fe, Co, and Mo. The experiments were conducted in a mixed bed, vapour phase, down flow reactor. The reaction is studied in the temperature range of 300-600°C. The reaction products were analyzed using a gas chromatograph. Percent n-heptane conversion, selectivity of Benzene, Toluene, and xylenes in the product, selectivity as well as the yield of total aromatics in the product were studied as a function of reaction temperature. The results indicate ZrZSM-5 to be the best catalyst in respect of giving highest aromatic selectivity and yield. A maximum aromatic selectivity in the product of the order of 73% and aromatic yield of the order of 56% can be obtained using ZrZSM-5 at 600°C.