*2.1. Apparatus*

The catalytic experiments were carried out in an experimental apparatus (Figure 4) containing all the important equipment that can be found in the reactor system of a modern industrial hydrogenation/isomerization plant, e.g., dryer, compressor, pumps, feed vessel, pre-heater, reactor, cooler, separator, and flow meters, etc.. The composition of the products can be measured by gas chromatograph connected to the reactor system. It is important to emphasize that the reactors can be operated in parallel or serial. The length and diameter of the fixed bed reactors are 470 and 25 mm, respectively.

**Figure 4.** Simplified scheme of the experimental apparatus (1 reactor; 2 pre-heater; 3 oxygen transformer; 4, 5 gas dryer; 6, 10 gas-filter; 7 gas-flow meter; 8 gas-flow meter; 9 drop-holder; 11 compressor; 12, 13 feedstock vessel; 14 pump; 15, 18 cooler; 16 separator; 17 level detector; 19 controlling valve; 20 blocking valve; non-return valve; 22 pressure indicator; 23 feedstock dryer.
