(under subclass 46) Processes wherein a mineral oil is converted to an oil of similar boiling range, but of generally improved octane rating, the reaction being known as reforming.
(1) Note. A reforming process generally includes a number of different reactions of the hydrocarbon molecule, including dehydrogenation, isomerization, aromatization, cyclization, alkylation and/or dealkylation. The subjection of a mineral oil to any of the above mentioned reactions is classified in this or indented subclass.
(2) Note. The feed oil in the processes classified herein is generally a naphtha, although special fractions thereof may similarly be treated, the feed oil in these processes being of generally more volatile nature than the feed to a cracking process.
