Catalytic naphtha reforming: Revisiting its importance in the modern refinery

The paper reviews catalytic naphtha reforming, a process that has completed 50 y of existence and has improved the quality of human life globally. Also examines in detail are the historical background of reforming, reaction chemistry, reaction thermodynamics, process details, process variables, commercial processes, and future outlook. Recent environmental regulations have completely re-drawn the objectives of reforming and have even questioned its relevance. Attempts are also made to explain, in brief, the new challenges faced by reforming.