Isomalk-4 is a low-temperature process for isomerizing C7 paraffins in naphtha streams. It allows refiners to maximize the value of naphtha by improving yields, octane ratings, and reducing benzene and aromatics formation compared to conventional processing. The process splits naphtha into three streams, sending light C7 to another unit and the C7 mid-cut to the Isomalk-4 unit to produce high-octane products. This results in over 90% liquid yield meeting gasoline specifications with less than 0.6% benzene.

1. C7
Paraffin Isomerization Technology
Exclusively Licensed for Optimum Naphtha Management
Engineered to Innovate®
Isomalk-4
SM

2. Isomalk-4SM
TechnologyLicensing
Engineered to Innovate
Isomalk-4SM
: C7
Isomerization Process
Isomalk-4 is a low-temperature isomerization technology
for processing C7
paraffins contained in wide-range
naphtha streams. In a conventional refinery configuration,
C7
paraffins are distributed to the C5
-C6
isomerization unit
and the reformer. These components have a high X-factor
that reduces the overall yield of the liquid products, lowers
RON of the gasoline, and forms unwanted amounts of
benzene. GTC’s innovative process allows isomerization
of this hydrocarbon stream to achieve a low-RVP gasoline
component with 84-86 RON, while improving the
operation of the other naphtha processing units. By
applying Isomalk-4, the wide-range naphtha can yield over
90 wt% liquid having a 95-98 RON, with benzene content
<0.6 vol.%. This meets required gasoline specifications
without any additional blending.
With Isomalk-4, refiners can realize the maximum value
of the naphtha molecules, and minimize cracking and
benzene formation. The naphtha stream is split into
three streams. The lightest one, with <1% C7
is sent to the
C5
-C6
isomerization unit to yield 98-99 wt.% of 91.5-92.5
RON component. The C7
mid-cut stream is sent to the
Isomalk-4 unit to achieve the equilibrium amount of di-
and trimethylbutanes, having very high octane. The feed to
the reformer is controlled to minimize benzene precursors,
cracking, and hydrodealkylation reactions, thereby
improving the octane and yield.
GTCTechnology 1001 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Houston,Texas 77077 USA Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free +1-877-693-4222
inquiry@gtctech.com | www.gtctech.com
Hydrocarbon Gas
Aromatics: 0%
ISOMERATE
REFORMATE
RON 91.5
RON 98
23% 22.5%
100%
66% 58.0%
RON 95.5
Benzene: 0.60%
Aromatics: 33.8%
Benzene: 1.2%
Aromatics: 62%
Yield: 90.85%
Blending
Section
Hydrocarbon Gas
IBP - 70˚C
(C7
<1%)
(C6
<0.3%)
Naphtha
Splitter
Feed IBP - 180˚C
105 - 180˚C
11%
Hydrocarbon Gas
10.2%
Aromatics: 0%
Isomerization Unit
(Isomalk-2SM
Process)
Yield: 98%
ISOMERATEHydrotreating
Unit
70 - 105˚C
RON 86
Isomerization Unit
(Isomalk-4SM
Process)
Yield: 93%
Reforming Unit
Yield: 88%
(C7
Rich Cut)

3. GTCTechnology Engineered to Innovate
Advantages
The table below shows the comparison of key parameters of the conventional naphtha processing configuration
(C5
-C6
isomerization and reforming) and a plant with Isomalk-4:
GTCTechnology 1001 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Houston,Texas 77077 USA Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free +1-877-693-4222
inquiry@gtctech.com | www.gtctech.com
The inclusion of Isomalk-4 in the refinery configuration gives a 2.1% wt. gain of liquids, a higher 1.5 RON value,
and lower overall benzene and aromatics. The SI-4TM
catalyst provides high conversion rates and approaches thermal
equilibrium at low temperatures. The SI-4 catalyst exhibits superior activity alongside stability, simplicity, and safety in
operation. Features of the Isomalk-4 technology include:
• Process capability to produce 84-86 RON from the standalone unit
• Low operating costs
• Regenerable catalyst with superior tolerance to process impurities and water
• No chloride addition or caustic treatment needed; no wastes produced
• Mass yield > 93%
• Service life of SI-4TM
catalyst: 8-10 years
Engineered to Innovate
To learn more about GTC Technology’s leading-edge technology solutions and the many ways we can help improve
your operations and profitability, call us today at +1-281-597-4800, e-mail us at inquiry@gtctech.com, or visit our
Web site at http://www.gtctech.com.
Configuration Conventional With Isomalk-4sm
Benefit
Overall gasoline yield, wt.% 88.7% 90.8% 2.1%
Octane Number, RON 94.0 95.5 1.5
Benzene in the gasoline pool, vol.% 1.5% 0.6% 0.9% less
Aromatics in the gasoline pool, vol.% 37.0% 33.5% 3.5% less

4. ©2014 GTC Technology - All rights reserved.
+1-281-597-4800
inquiry@gtctech.com
www.gtctech.com
Engineered to Innovate®
GTC Technology is a global licensor of process
technologies and mass transfer solutions with the
mission of creating value for our clients. Refining,
petrochemical and chemical companies around
the world rely on GTC’s advanced processes to
optimize production capacity and efficiency.
With insightful industry expertise, research
capabilities and innovative thinking, GTC solves
complex processing problems and has earned
a reputation of excellence in designing and
delivering high-quality, strategic solutions for
clients worldwide. We’re engineered to innovate.