Isomerization - continued.

The isomerization process converts n-butane into i-butane; we do this because i-butane is a more valuable product.

Isomerization is important for the conversion of n-butane into isobutane, to provide additional feedstock for alkylation units.

Isomerization is similar to catalytic reforming in that the hydrocarbon molecules are rearranged, but unlike catalytic reforming, isomerization just converts normal paraffins to isoparaffins.