A specific catalyst, LD 267R, developed by Axens, is used for this hydroisomerization application. LD 267R is a ready-to-use palladium-based catalyst and no pretreatment is needed. This industrially proven catalyst performs an extremely high 1-butene isomerization function. That is, a 2-butenes to 1-butene ratio of over 13. The n-butenes recovery is typically higher than 98% and isobutene recovery is almost 100%. The effluent from the hydroisomerization unit can be sent to a distillation column that separates an isobutene-rich cut from the 2-butenes-rich cut.
Since 1978, Axens has acquired an unrivaled experience in hydrogenation processes for steam cracker C4 streams, with more than forty references.
