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Effect of Feed Quality on Aromatic Yield

  • Naphthenes dehydrogenate very fast and give rise to aromatics. Therefore, N + 2A is taken as index of reforming. Higher the N + 2A, better is quality to produce high aromatics. 

                   N = Naphthenes %                 A = Aromatics % 

  • Lighter fraction have a poor naphthene and aromatic content are, therefore, poor feed for reforming. Low IBP feed results in lower aromatics and H2 yield
  • Heavy fractions have high naphthene and aromatic hydrocarbon content. Therefore, good reforming feed but tendency of coke formation is high General recommended feed ranges for production 

              (1) Benzene   = 60-90oC Fraction  

              (2) To luene   = 90-110oC Fraction 

              (3) Xy lenes   = 110-140oC Fraction 

              (4) Octane blending stock  = 90-140oC Fraction 

Aromatic Production (Part - 2) | Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

Figure M-VII 7.1: Aromatics Complex 

P-Xylene 

The p-xylene plant consists of five units are:

Pretreatment Unit: This unit is used for reducing sulphur content to 5 ppm (max.) by dehydro - desulphurisation which takes place at 330–370 oC and 24 kg/cm2 pressure in presence of cobalt molybdenum catalyst.

Reformer Unit: To get maximum amount of C8 aromatics by reforming process (Process similar to described earlier).

Fractionation Unit: For separation of o-, m-, and p-xylenes from combined C8 reformate and isomerisate from isomerisation unit (after clay treatment).

Parex Unit: This unit is for the separation of p-xylene by selective adsorption using molecular sieve followed by desorption. Other method for separation of p-xylene is by crystallisation process.

Isomerisation: Isomerisation of C8 stream from Parex unit rich in m- and o-xylene and ethyl benzene to p-xylene, which is sent to fractionation unit for separation of high component. The bottom of the column is recycled for further recovery of xylenes.

Aromatic Conversion Processes 

Because of higher demand of benzene and p-xylene in comparison to toluene and m-xylene various processes are commercially available for conversion of toluene and m-xylene to more value added products like benzene and p-xylene. processes are also avialble for conversion of paraffins into aromatics. Some of the major processes are: 

Aromatic conversion Process

Process details

Isomeration

Isomerizatin of meta xylenes to para and ortho

xylenes

Transalkylation  and Disproportion

Transalkylation and Disproportionation of C7 and C9

Toluene Disproportionation

Toluene disproportionation to xylenes and benzene

 

Selective                           Toluene

Disproportionation

Selective conversion of toluene to para xylene by

disproportionation

Xyelene Isomerizations

Maximization of p-xylene, ethyl benzene (EB)

conversion and EB dealkylation process

Aromataziation

Conversion of light hydrocarbons to benzene,

toulenes and xylenes

Paraffin Aromatizatio processes: 

Process

Licensor

Cycler

UOP-BP

Aroforming

IFP-Sheddon Technology

Management

M-2 Forming

Mobil

Z-Forming

Research Association of

 Cyclar Process 

Cyclar process inexpensive and plentiful LPG requires minimal feed pretreatment and product purification requirements and simplicity in operation. Reaction involved in the cycler process is shown in Figure M-VII 7.2. Process flow diagram of UOP-BP cycler process for LPG aromatisation is shown is Figure M-VII 7.3.

Feed: Propane, Butane, Pentanes or mixture

Liquid Product: Largely BTX essentially free from C6-C9 paraffinic & naphthalenes Preparation of Benzene Toluene and xylene charges very little with the composition of feed. Aromatic yield:

 63.6% of Feed  for Propane 

67.5% of Feed  for Butane 

→ Very high H2 yield of 5.5 – 6% for feed

→H2 purity of about 95%.

Feed                          Intermediate                                     Products

Propane

Butanes 

Pentanes 

Aromatic Production (Part - 2) | Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

Aromatic Production (Part - 2) | Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

Figure M-VII 7.2: Reactions involved in Cyclar Process 

Aromatic Production (Part - 2) | Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

Figure M-VII 7.3: UOP-BP Cyclar Process for LPG Aromatisation 

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FAQs on Aromatic Production (Part - 2) - Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

1. What is aromatic production?
Ans. Aromatic production refers to the manufacturing process of aromatic compounds, which are organic compounds characterized by a ring of atoms with alternating double bonds. These compounds have distinct and pleasant odors, making them useful in various industries such as perfume, flavoring, and pharmaceuticals.
2. What are the common methods used in aromatic production?
Ans. There are several common methods used in aromatic production, including: - Catalytic Reforming: This process involves the use of a catalyst and high temperature to convert naphtha, a petroleum fraction, into aromatics like benzene, toluene, and xylene. - Steam Cracking: In this method, hydrocarbons such as ethane or naphtha are heated in the presence of steam to break them down into smaller molecules, including aromatics. - Aromatization: Aromatization is a process where non-aromatic hydrocarbons are converted into aromatic compounds through the use of heat and catalysts. - Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that breaks down complex hydrocarbons into simpler molecules, including aromatics. - Alkylation: Alkylation involves combining an olefin, such as propylene or butylene, with an aromatic compound, typically benzene or toluene, to form alkylated aromatics.
3. What are the main applications of aromatic compounds?
Ans. Aromatic compounds have various applications due to their distinct odors and chemical properties. Some of the main applications of aromatic compounds include: - Perfume and Fragrance Industry: Aromatic compounds are widely used in the perfume and fragrance industry to provide pleasant scents in perfumes, colognes, and other cosmetic products. - Flavoring Industry: Aromatics are used as flavoring agents in the food and beverage industry, adding specific tastes and aromas to products like candies, drinks, and baked goods. - Pharmaceuticals: Many pharmaceutical drugs contain aromatic compounds as active ingredients or excipients. Aromatics can contribute to the effectiveness and stability of medications. - Petrochemical Industry: Aromatics serve as important raw materials in the petrochemical industry, where they are used to produce plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, and other chemicals. - Agrochemicals: Aromatic compounds are used in the production of agrochemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, helping to protect crops from pests and diseases.
4. What are the environmental concerns associated with aromatic production?
Ans. Aromatic production can pose certain environmental concerns, including: - Air Pollution: Some processes used in aromatic production, such as catalytic reforming and steam cracking, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. - Waste Generation: Aromatic production processes can generate waste byproducts, such as spent catalysts, which need to be properly managed to prevent environmental contamination. - Water Pollution: Improper handling or disposal of aromatic production byproducts can lead to water pollution, as these compounds can contaminate water sources and ecosystems. - Energy Consumption: Aromatic production processes often require high temperatures and energy inputs, which can contribute to overall energy consumption and carbon emissions. - Sustainability: The extraction and processing of feedstocks for aromatic production, such as petroleum or natural gas, are associated with environmental impacts and concerns related to resource depletion.
5. What are the challenges in optimizing aromatic production processes?
Ans. Optimizing aromatic production processes can present several challenges, including: - Catalyst Selection: Choosing the right catalyst for each specific process is crucial to achieve high yields and selectivity in aromatic production. Finding catalysts that are efficient, stable, and cost-effective can be a challenge. - Process Efficiency: Balancing the trade-off between high yield and energy efficiency is a challenge in aromatic production. Increasing yield often requires higher energy inputs, which can be economically and environmentally unfavorable. - Feedstock Availability: Aromatic production heavily relies on feedstocks derived from petroleum or natural gas. The availability, cost, and sustainability of these feedstocks can be uncertain and may impact the overall production process. - Environmental Impact: Minimizing the environmental impact of aromatic production processes, such as reducing emissions and waste generation, is a challenge that requires technological advancements and regulatory compliance. - Process Integration: Integrating different processes and unit operations in the production plant to maximize overall efficiency and yield of aromatics can be complex and requires careful design and optimization.
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