Systems and methods for processing a C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture have been disclosed. The C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture is first processed in an isomerization unit to isomerize n-butane to form isobutane. The resulting effluent stream from the isomerization unit comprising primarily isobutane and C.sub.3 hydrocarbons, collectively, is flowed into a separation unit configured to separate the effluent stream to form a C.sub.3 stream comprising C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 hydrocarbons and a C.sub.4 stream comprising primarily isobutane. The isobutane in the C.sub.4 stream is further dehydrogenated to form isobutene, which is further flowed into an MTBE synthesis unit as a feedstock for producing MTBE.

Systems and methods for processing a C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture have been disclosed. The C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture is first processed in an isomerization unit to isomerize n-butane to form isobutane. The resulting effluent stream from the isomerization unit comprising primarily isobutane and C.sub.3 hydrocarbons, collectively, is flowed into a separation unit configured to separate the effluent stream to form a C.sub.3 stream comprising C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 hydrocarbons and a C.sub.4 stream comprising primarily isobutane. The isobutane in the C.sub.4 stream is further dehydrogenated to form isobutene, which is further flowed into an MTBE synthesis unit as a feedstock for producing MTBE.

A method for processing pentanes obtained from a DIB unit is disclosed. The process can include separating a first stream containing pentanes obtained from a DIB unit, in a separation column to obtain a second stream comprising iso-pentane and a third stream comprising n-pentane and neo-pentane; and subjecting the third stream to a butane isomerization unit producing a fourth stream containing iso-pentane, n-pentane, and neo-pentane.

A method for processing pentanes obtained from a DIB unit is disclosed. The process can include separating a first stream containing pentanes obtained from a DIB unit, in a separation column to obtain a second stream comprising iso-pentane and a third stream comprising n-pentane and neo-pentane; and subjecting the third stream to a butane isomerization unit producing a fourth stream containing iso-pentane, n-pentane, and neo-pentane.

Systems and methods for processing a C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture have been disclosed. The C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture is separated to remove propane from C.sub.4 hydrocarbons. The resulting C.sub.4 hydrocarbons are then processed in an isomerization unit to produce additional isobutane. The isobutane of the isomerization unit effluent is dehydrogenated in a dehydrogenation unit to produce isobutene. The resulting isobutene is reacted with an alkanol to produce an alkyl tert-butyl ether.

Systems and methods for processing a C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture have been disclosed. The C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture is separated to remove propane from C.sub.4 hydrocarbons. The resulting C.sub.4 hydrocarbons are then processed in an isomerization unit to produce additional isobutane. The isobutane of the isomerization unit effluent is dehydrogenated in a dehydrogenation unit to produce isobutene. The resulting isobutene is reacted with an alkanol to produce an alkyl tert-butyl ether.

Systems and methods for isomerizing n-butane to form isobutane are disclosed. A segmented reactor system is used to isomerize n-butane. The segmented reactor system comprises a segmented reactor that includes a first catalyst bed and a second catalyst bed separated by a first heat exchanger. The catalyst in the first catalyst bed does not contact the catalyst in the second catalyst bed. During the exothermic process of isomerizing n-butane, the first heat exchanger extracts heat from an intermediate product flowing from the first catalyst bed to the second catalyst bed to improve the conversion rate of n-butane.

Systems and methods for isomerizing n-butane to form isobutane are disclosed. A segmented reactor system is used to isomerize n-butane. The segmented reactor system comprises a segmented reactor that includes a first catalyst bed and a second catalyst bed separated by a first heat exchanger. The catalyst in the first catalyst bed does not contact the catalyst in the second catalyst bed. During the exothermic process of isomerizing n-butane, the first heat exchanger extracts heat from an intermediate product flowing from the first catalyst bed to the second catalyst bed to improve the conversion rate of n-butane.

Described is a process for producing field butane. The process includes increasing the n-butane concentration in field butane. The process may include a concentration process that includes distillation and a thermal cracking process.

Described is a process for producing field butane. The process includes increasing the n-butane concentration in field butane. The process may include a concentration process that includes distillation and a thermal cracking process.