Catalytic activation of isopentane-enriched mixtures

A method for converting a feedstock comprising pentanes to produce a liquid transportation fuel or a blend component thereof, comprising:

• a) providing a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising at least 50 wt. % pentanes, including both n-pentane and isopentane, wherein the hydrocarbon feed stream further comprises less than 10 wt. % of hydrocarbons containing four or fewer carbons;
• b) at least partially separating various constituents in the hydrocarbon feed stream according to each constituent's vapor pressure, to produce:
• i. a first fraction comprising at least 80% of the isopentane present in the feed stream, and at least 90% of hydrocarbons present in the feed stream that are characterized by a vapor pressure equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of isopentane;
• ii. a second fraction that comprises at least 80% of the n-pentane present in the feed stream and at least 90% of any hydrocarbons containing six or more carbons that were in the feed stream;
• c) contacting the first fraction with a first activation catalyst at conditions comprising a first temperature and first pressure that facilitate conversion of at least a portion of the first fraction by the first activation catalyst to a first effluent comprising olefins containing from two to five carbon atoms, monocyclic aromatics and unconverted alkanes;
• d) contacting at least a portion of the second fraction with a second activation catalyst at a second temperature and second pressure that facilitate conversion of at least a portion of the second fraction by the second catalyst to produce a second effluent comprising olefins containing from two to five carbon atoms, monocyclic aromatics and unconverted alkanes,
• wherein the first temperature is lower than the second temperature;
• e) combining at least a portion of the of the first effluent and the second effluent to produce a mixed effluent that is at least partially condensed to produce a mixed liquid hydrocarbons fraction and a light hydrocarbons fraction, wherein the mixed liquid hydrocarbons comprises at least 80 wt % of one or more of pentene, monocyclic aromatics and unreacted alkanes containing at least five carbon atoms, wherein the light hydrocarbons comprises at least 80 wt. % hydrocarbons containing four or fewer carbon atoms and hydrogen, and wherein the mixed liquid hydrocarbons comprises the liquid transportation fuel or a blend component thereof.