Continuous process for the isomerization of olefins with regeneration of the catalyst

A process for the skeletal isomerization of n-olefins containing at most 20 carbon atoms, comprising (a) contacting in a containing catalyst particles of a diameter of about 1-3 mm reaction zone and in the presence of water, a charge containing the n-olefins with an alumina-based catalyst containing alumina and 0.03 to 0.6 wt. % of titanium, at a water/olefin charge molar ratio between 0.1 and 3, a reaction zone temperature between 300.degree. and 600.degree. C., a pressure between 1 and 10 bars, and a space velocity of the charge between 0.1 and 10 h.sup.-1, and wherein the process takes place continuously, (b) passing the catalyst through the reaction zone, (c) drawing the catalyst off for regeneration, (d) regenerating the catalyst and treating the catalyst with steam at a temperature substantially equal to that of the reaction zone, the steam quantity in contact with the catalyst in the reaction zone and during the treatment after regeneration being between 3 and 85 wt. % based on the catalyst weight, and (e) recontacting the catalyst with the charge.