Abstract: The pathways of benzene formation in reformate were reviewed and reducing benzene content of reformate by feed prefractionation approach was discussed. It was concluded that the benzene reduction efficiency of this approach depended on the removal rate of benzene precursors in feed. Enhancing the operation temperature of prefractionator, most of the benzene molecules and benzene precursors could be removed, thereby the benzene content of reformate was decreased significantly, yet fully eliminated benzene in reformate could not be achieved. By increase the number of plates in prefractionator to enhance the fractionation efficiency could be a feasible way to improve benzene reduction.

Key words: Prefractionation, benzene, reforming, precursor, removal