Process development by parallel operation of paraffin isomerization unit with reformer

A process for refining naphtha, the process comprising the steps of:

• (a) separating a naphtha feed into a light naphtha and a heavy naphtha, wherein the light naphtha comprises paraffins having 5 or 6 carbon atoms;
• (b) introducing the light naphtha to a first isomerization unit under first isomerization conditions to produce a light isomerate, wherein the first isomerization conditions comprise a first isomerization temperature within the range of 100 and 300° C. and a first isomerization pressure within the range of 275 and 450 psig;
• (c) separating the heavy naphtha into a heavy n-paraffin and a heavy non-paraffin, wherein the heavy non-paraffin comprises non-paraffins having more than 6 carbon atoms and less than 11 carbon atoms, wherein the heavy n-paraffin comprises paraffins having more than 6 carbon atoms and less than 11 carbon atoms;
• (d) introducing the heavy n-paraffin to a second isomerization unit under second isomerization conditions to produce a heavy isomerate, wherein the heavy isomerate comprises branched paraffins having increased octane values as compared to the heavy n-paraffin, wherein the second isomerization conditions comprise a second isomerization temperature within the range of 100 and 300° C. and a second isomerization pressure within the range of 300 and 700 psig;
• (e) introducing the heavy non-paraffin stream to a reforming unit under reforming conditions to produce a reformate, wherein the reforming conditions comprise a reforming temperature within the range of 450 and 550° C. and a reforming pressure within the range of 70 and 300 psig;
• and
• (f) combining at least a portion of each of the light isomerate, the heavy isomerate, and the reformate to form a gasoline blend, wherein the gasoline blend has improved characteristics, characterized by an octane rating within the range of 90 to 97, an aromatic concentration below 35% by volume, and a benzene concentration below 0.8% by volume.