INTEGRATED PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING PARA-XYLENES

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INTEGRATED PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING PARA-XYLENES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240309280 titled 'INTEGRATED PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING PARA-XYLENES

The integrated process described in the patent application involves several steps to produce para-xylenes efficiently.

Catalytically reforming a naphtha feed stream to create a reformate stream.
Separating the reformate stream into a C-chydrocarbon stream and a C hydrocarbon stream.
Utilizing a first solvent in a solvent extraction unit to separate the C-chydrocarbon stream into a non-aromatic hydrocarbon stream and a C-caromatics stream.
Further separating the C-caromatics stream to obtain at least a toluene feed stream.
Splitting the C hydrocarbon stream into a C hydrocarbon stream and a xylene stream.
Processing the xylene stream in a p-xylene separation unit to yield the para-xylene stream and a xylene isomer stream.
Isomerizing the xylene isomer stream to produce a para-xylene rich stream.
Upgrading the toluene feed stream and the C hydrocarbon stream in a hybrid dealkylation/transalkylation unit with a hydrogen stream and a hybrid transalkylation/dealkylation catalyst to generate a product stream containing para-xylenes.

Potential Applications: - Production of para-xylenes for various industrial applications such as polyester production.

Problems Solved: - Efficient production of para-xylenes from naphtha feed streams. - Optimization of the separation and processing steps to enhance yield and purity.

Benefits: - Cost-effective production of high-quality para-xylenes. - Reduced environmental impact through optimized processes.

Commercial Applications: - Petrochemical industry for the production of plastics, fibers, and resins.

Questions about the Integrated Process for Producing Para-Xylenes: 1. How does the use of a hybrid dealkylation/transalkylation unit improve the production of para-xylenes? 2. What are the key advantages of isomerizing the xylene isomer stream to obtain a para-xylene rich stream?

Original Abstract Submitted

an integrated process for producing para-xylenes may include catalytically reforming a naphtha feed stream to form a reformate stream; separating the reformate stream into a c-chydrocarbon stream and a c hydrocarbon stream; exposing the c-chydrocarbon stream to a first solvent in a solvent extraction unit to form a non-aromatic hydrocarbon stream and a c-caromatics stream; separating the c-caromatics stream into at least a toluene feed stream; separating the c hydrocarbon stream into a c hydrocarbon stream and a xylene stream; separating the xylene stream in a p-xylene separation unit to form the para-xylene stream and a xylene isomer stream; isomerizing the xylene isomer stream to produce a para-xylene rich stream; and upgrading the toluene feed stream and the c hydrocarbon stream in a hybrid dealkylation/transalkylation unit with a hydrogen stream and a hybrid transalkylation/dealkylation catalyst to produce a product stream including para-xylenes.