How a Refinery Works Reforming Octane rating is a measure of gasoline s ignition characteristics. Gasoline should not ignite in an engine until the end of the compression stroke when the spark plug produces a source of ignition. When low octane fuel ignites before the end of the compression stroke, it can cause pinking , power loss and even engine damage. However it can be modified in a catalytic reformer to convert low octane molecules into high octane molecules.
Reformers use a platinum-based catalyst to promote the desired reaction.
In older reformers the catalyst becomes covered with coke a by-product of the conversion process and has to be shut down periodically to regenerate the catalyst. The latest generation of reformers continuously burn the coke off the catalyst and do not require regeneration shutdowns. All rights reserved. Legal, Privacy, and Security Notices.