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In the isomerisation of light naphtha, how often dp you regenerate or replace the catalysts (Pt/chlorinated alumina, Pt/zeolite and Pt/sulfated-zirconia) in the reactor and the adsorbent (Zeolite Beta) in pressure swing adsorption?
 
Answers
04/03/2020 A: Jake Gotham, InSite Technical Services, jake.gotham@insitetechnical.com
Typically isomerisation catalyst has a long life, ten years is not unusual. The life is limited by small continuous amounts of water and other poisons in the feed, but often the real problem is occasional shocks to the system from a drier upset or feed contamination incident. More catalyst life can be lost in a short upset than a year of steady operation.
Similarly, PSA adsorbent can have a long life. Twenty years is possible, though some units may need to reload after four years. Feed quality and frequency of PSA cycle are factors. If there is a high temperature regeneration step, the adsorbent life is more likely to be 2-5 years.