Catalytic reforming

From Freepedia

A catalytic reforming process (also known as platforming) converts a feed stream containing paraffins and naphthenes into aromatics to be used either as a motor fuel, such as gasoline or as a source for specific aromatic compounds for use in petrochemicals production. Gasoline produced by this process has very a high octane rating. Significant quantities of hydrogen are also produced as a byproduct. Catalytic reforming is normally facilitated by a bifunctional catalyst that is capable of rearranging and breaking hydrocarbon chains as well as removing hydrogen from naphthenes to produce aromatics. This process is different from steam reforming which is also a catalytic process that produces hydrogen.