Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of xylenes and ethylbenzene using a catalyst comprising a zeolite having specific particle-size characteristics, a platinum-group metal and a silica binder. A relatively minimal amount of hydrogen is supplied to the process on a once-through basis, resulting in low saturation of aromatics while achieving effective xylene isomerization with reduced processing costs.

Abstract: A layered composition which can be used in various processes has been developed. The composition comprises an inner core such as a cordierite core and an outer layer comprising a refractory inorganic oxide, a fibrous component and an inorganic binder. The refractory inorganic oxide layer can be alumina, zirconia, titania, etc. while the fibrous component can be titania fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, etc. The inorganic oxide binder can be alumina, silica, zirconia, etc. The layer can also contain catalytic metals such as gold and platinum plus other modifiers. The layered composition is prepared by coating the inner core with a slurry comprising the refractory inorganic oxide, fibrous component, an inorganic binder precursor and an organic binding agent such as polyvinyl alcohol. The composition can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Abstract: Recent experimental work with currently available adsorbents indicates that operating the adsorption section at lower temperatures improves the para-xylene productivity. As a result, an aromatics complex and heat recovery network for a low temperature adsorptive separation-isomerization loop is disclosed resulting in adsorbents savings in combination with higher capacity thereby enabling smaller adsorbents chambers, a smaller total heat exchanger area and a lower heat exchanger shell count.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of (A) feeding the feedstock to a reactor or adsorption unit; (B) contacting the feedstock in the reactor or adsorption unit with a solid particulate material useful for converting the feedstock under conversion conditions; (C) withdrawing converted feedstock from the reactor; and (D) removing, under the conversion conditions for a fractional time of step (B), at least a portion of the solid particulate material while the feedstock is being fed to the reactor or adsorption unit, wherein the portion is more than 0.1 wt. % of the solid particulate material in the reactor or adsorption unit and wherein the fractional time is less than 95% of the time of step (B).

Abstract: A process for producing a PX-rich product comprises (a) separating a feedstock containing C8 hydrocarbons to produce a C8 hydrocarbons rich stream; (b) separating at least a first portion of the C8 hydrocarbons rich stream to produce a first PX-rich stream and a first PX-depleted stream; (c) isomerizing at least a portion of the first PX-depleted stream to produce a first isomerized stream having a higher PX concentration than the first PX-depleted stream; (d) separating a second portion of the C8 hydrocarbons rich stream and/or at least a portion of the first isomerized stream to produce a second PX-rich stream and a second PX-depleted stream; (e) isomerizing at least a portion of the second PX-depleted stream to produce a second isomerized stream having a higher PX concentration than the second PX-depleted stream; (f) recovering at least a portion of at least one of the first and second PX-rich streams as PX-rich product; and (g) supplying at least a portion of at least one of the first isomerized stream, t

Abstract: Processes for making xylene isomer using integrated transalkylation and isomerization reaction zones to enhance xylene recovery and enable reduction in capital costs and energy consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating aromatic compounds using a simulated moving bed (SMB) operation, characterized by injecting each raw material having a different composition into each different part of an adsorption chamber so as to improve the recovery rate. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for separating aromatic compounds for improving p-xylene separation in a p-xylene separation process, by injecting a high p-xylene mixture from selective toluene disproportionation process (STDP) and low p-xylene mixture from other processes (for example, processes of reformer, isomerization reactor and transalkylation of aromatics having 9 carbon atoms) into each different part of an adsorption chamber.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for the isomerization of a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture. The process can include contacting the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture in a C8 isomerization zone. The C8 isomerization zone may include a first isomerization stage and a second isomerization stage. At the first isomerization stage, at least a portion of the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture can be contacted at a first isomerization condition in a liquid phase in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an intermediate stream. At the second isomerization stage, at least part of the intermediate stream and at least a part of a stream rich in at least one naphthene can be contacted at a second isomerization condition to obtain a concentration of at least one alkylaromatic isomer that is higher than a concentration of that at least one alkylaromatic isomer in the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for hydrocarbon conversion comprising contacting, under conversion conditions, a feedstock suitable for hydrocarbon conversion with a catalyst comprising an EMM-10 family molecular sieve.

Abstract: A xylene isomerization process includes introducing gas comprising hydrogen and a base to a reaction zone in which a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal and a zeolite support resides. In one embodiment, the base may be formed in situ within the reaction zone from nitrogen and hydrogen that are introduced to the reaction zone. In another embodiment, the base is introduced directly to the reaction zone. The conditions in the reaction zone are effective to reduce the catalyst. A stream comprising C8 aromatics, e.g., xylenes and ethylbenzene may then be fed to the reaction zone containing the reduced catalyst. The reaction zone may be operated at conditions effective to isomerize the xylenes and hydrodealkylate the ethylbenzene. The xylene loss during the isomerization of the xylenes is lowered as a result of using the catalyst reduced in the presence of the gas comprising a base and hydrogen.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an alkyl aromatic compound having substituents at the 3- and 5-positions by alkylating an aromatic compound having two substituents in the meta positions with an olefin having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the presence of a Broensted acid, followed by addition of a Lewis acid and isomerization in the copresence of the Broensted acid and the Lewis acid. According to the present invention, 3,5-dimethylethylbenzene, 3,5-dimethylcumene, etc. may be produced in a stable manner with high yield and high selectivity under mild and simple reaction conditions. The alkyl aromatic compounds having substituents at the 3- and 5-positions are useful as intermediates for functional chemicals for use in pharmaceutical, agricultural and electronic materials. With the method of the present invention, the catalyst used can be recovered and recycled. Thus, desired alkyl aromatic compounds may be obtained economically in an industrially advantageous manner while reducing the load on the environment.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an extruded C8 alkylaromatic isomerization catalyst. The extruded catalyst can include: about 2-about 20%, by weight, of an MTW zeolite; about 80-about 98%, by weight, of a binder including an alumina; about 0.01-about 2.00%, by weight, of a noble group metal calculated on an elemental basis; and about 100 ppm-less than about 1000 ppm, by weight, of at least one alkali metal calculated on an elemental basis. Generally, the weight percents of the MTW zeolite, the binder, the noble group metal, and the at least one alkali metal are based on a weight of the extruded catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst is described which comprises at least one zeolite with structure type EUO, at least one zeolite having channels the opening to which is defined by a ring of 10 oxygen atoms (10 MR), at least one zeolite having channels the opening to which is defined by a ring of 12 oxygen atoms (12 MR) and at least one porous mineral matrix. Said catalyst optionally also contains at least one group VIII metal. The catalyst of the invention is used in a process for isomerizing a feed comprising aromatic compounds containing 8 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: A preparation process is described for a porous composite material formed from an amorphous core based on at least one silicon oxide on which crystals of EU-1 zeolite are dispersed, said process comprising 1) the impregnation of a solid comprising a silicon oxide and an aluminium oxide with an aqueous solution comprising a hexamethonium cation, 2) the hydrothermal treatment, implemented in an autoclave of volume V (ml) under steam and at a temperature T comprised between 120 and 220° C., of said solid from stage 1), the quantity of water introduced beforehand into said autoclave being strictly greater than a volumetric quantity equal to V*[23.48*10?10*T3?48*10?8*T2+5*10?5T?0.002] and less than or equal to 0.25*V, and is such that said solid is not in direct contact with it, 3) the drying then calcination of the solid from stage 2). The preparation a catalyst from said material for its use in the isomerization of C8 aromatics is also described.

Abstract: A process for producing a PX-rich product comprises (a) separating a feedstock containing C8 hydrocarbons to produce a C8 hydrocarbons rich stream; (b) separating at least a first portion of the C8 hydrocarbons rich stream to produce a first PX-rich stream and a first PX-depleted stream; (c) isomerizing at least a portion of the first PX-depleted stream to produce a first isomerized stream having a higher PX concentration than the first PX-depleted stream; (d) separating a second portion of the C8 hydrocarbons rich stream and/or at least a portion of the first isomerized stream to produce a second PX-rich stream and a second PX-depleted stream; (e) isomerizing at least a portion of the second PX-depleted stream to produce a second isomerized stream having a higher PX concentration than the second PX-depleted stream; (f) recovering at least a portion of at least one of the first and second PX-rich streams as PX-rich product; and (g) supplying at least a portion of at least one of the first isomerized stream, t

Abstract: Adsorbent compositions for vapor-phase adsorption processes, which are selective for para-xylene. Such compositions can be used in gas-phase adsorption processes for the separation of para-xylene or the separation of para-xylene and ethylbenzene from mixed xylenes or a C8 aromatic mixture, respectively. The adsorbent compositions generally comprise materials of a molecular sieve material and a binder, wherein the adsorbent composition has a macropore volume of at least about 0.02 cc/g and a mesopore volume of less than about 0.20 cc/g.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of alkylaromatics in two sequential zones, the first zone operating in the absence of hydrogen using a platinum-free catalyst and the second zone using a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve and a platinum-group metal component to obtain an improved yield of para-xylene from the mixture relative to prior art processes.

Abstract: We disclose a method for converting toluene to xylenes, comprising contacting toluene with methanol in the presence of a silica-bound HZSM-5 catalyst. As an example, in one embodiment the method can include: (i) first silylating HZSM-5, to form silylated HZSM-5; (ii) first calcining the silylated HZSM-5, to form calcined silylated HZSM-5; (iii) binding the calcined silylated HZSM-5 to silica, to form silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5; (iv) extruding the silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5, to form extruded silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5; (v) second calcining the extruded silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5, to form extruded silica-bound twice-calcined silylated HZSM-5; (vi) second silylating the extruded silica-bound twice-calcined silylated HZSM-5, to form extruded silica-bound twice-calcined twice-silylated HZSM-5; and (vii) third calcining the extruded silica-bound twice-calcined twice-silylated HZSM-5, to form the silica-bound HZSM-5 catalyst.

Abstract: Xylene isomerization processes, especially those processes in which ethylbenzene is also converted, are beneficially affected by adding benzene to the feed.

Abstract: In processes for recovering one or more xylene isomers and isomerizing the remaining isomers for recycle, the isomerate is distilled to provide a toluene-containing overhead, a mid-boiling fraction containing C8 aromatics and a bottoms fraction containing C8 aromatics and C9+ aromatics. The mid-boiling fraction is recycled to the unit for recovering the sought xylene isomers and has sufficiently low content of C9+ aromatics that the separation feed to the unit for recovering the sought xylene isomers contains up to about 500 ppm-mass C9+ aromatics. The processes provide a high quality xylene isomer product while achieving at least one of debottlenecking, energy savings and capital savings.

Abstract: There is provided a coated zeolite catalyst in which the accessibility of the acid sites on the external surfaces of the zeolite is controlled and a process for converting hydrocarbons utilizing the coated zeolite catalyst. The zeolite catalyst comprises core crystals of a first zeolite and a discontinuous layer of smaller size second crystals of a second zeolite which cover at least a portion of the external surface of the first crystals The coated zeolite catalyst finds particular application in hydrocarbon conversion processes where catalyst activity in combination with zeolite structure are important for reaction selectivity, e.g., catalytic cracking, alkylation, disproportional of toluene, isomerization, and transalkylation reactions.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component of at least one lanthanide element or yttrium component, which is preferably ytterbium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum.

Abstract: An aromatics complex flow scheme has been developed. The isomerized xylenes effluent from a xylene recovery zone is recycled to a transalkylation stripper without requiring C8 aromatic hydrocarbons to be separated. This improvement results in an aromatics complex with savings on capital and utility costs and an improvement on the return on investment in such a complex.

Abstract: An aromatics complex flow scheme has been developed in which C7-C8 aliphatic hydrocarbons are recycled to an isomerization unit of a xylene recovery zone to increase the efficiency of the isomerization unit. This improvement results in an aromatics complex with savings on capital and utility costs and an improvement on the return on investment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for making and obtaining para-xylene from a mixture of xylene isomers, and various embodiments of the method. The method generally includes contacting a mixture comprising xylene isomers and ethylbenzene with a para-xylene selective adsorbent to obtain a para-xylene depleted raffinate, and a desorption effluent comprising a para-xylene enriched product. The method also includes isomerizing the para-xylene depleted raffinate. The contacting step is carried out in a manner such that the raffinate need not be pressurized prior to isomerization, thus advantageously obviating expensive compression steps.

Abstract: A process and a system for increasing para-xylene production from a C8 aromatic feedstream by coupling at least one xylene isomerization reactor with at least one pressure swing adsorption unit or temperature swing absorption unit to produce a product having a super-equilibrium para-xylene concentration. This product is then subjected to para-xylene separation and purification.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon or oxygenate conversion process in which a feedstock is contacted with a non zeolitic molecular sieve which has been treated to remove most, if not all, of the halogen contained in the catalyst. The halogen may be removed by one of several methods. One method includes heating the catalyst in a low moisture environment, followed by contacting the heated catalyst with air and/or steam. Another method includes steam-treating the catalyst at a temperature from 400° C. to 1000° C. The hydrocarbon or oxygenate conversion processes include the conversion of oxygenates to olefins, the conversion of oxygenates and ammonia to alkylamines, the conversion of oxygenates and aromatic compounds to alkylated aromatic compounds, cracking and dewaxing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concentration distribution for a platinum group metal component in a catalyst with which catalyst activity can be increased, and to provide a method for supporting a platinum group metal with which this concentration distribution can be achieved. The present invention is a solid acid catalyst that is made up of porous catalyst pellets exhibiting solid acid characteristics, and a platinum group metal component supported by these catalyst pellets, and that is used in an acid-catalyzed reaction, in which a quotient of dividing the standard deviation of the concentration in a platinum group metal component concentration distribution in the catalyst by an average concentration is 0.4 or less. The method for preparing this catalyst involves a step of preparing a support solution containing a platinum group metal as a cation, and a step of impregnating crystalline, porous catalyst pellets exhibiting solid acid characteristics with this support solution.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component of at least one lanthanide element or yttrium component, which is preferably ytterbium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum and a refractory-oxide binder having at least one platinum-group metal component dispersed thereon.

Abstract: A xylene isomerization process is disclosed in which any ethylbenzene in the feed is removed, either by dealkylation or isomerization, in a separate reactor upstream of the xylene isomerization reactor and the xylene isomerization catalyst is contained in the same reactor, typically a clay treater, as that used to accommodate the olefin removal catalyst. In certain cases, a single catalyst may be used to effect both xylene isomerization and olefin removal.

Abstract: The invention provides distillate fuel blend components with improved seal swell and lubricity properties obtained from Fischer Tropsch products. The blends contain a highly paraffinic distillate fuel component and distillate-boiling alkylcycloparaffins and/or distillate-boiling alkylaromatics. The invention further provides processes for obtaining such blends using the products of Fischer Tropsch processes. Finally, the invention provides methods for improving seal swell and lubricity properties for distillate fuels.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component of at least one lanthanide element or yttrium component, which is preferably ytterbium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum.

Abstract: A process and a system for increasing para-xylene production from a C8 aromatic feedstream by coupling at least one xylene isomerization reactor with at least one pressure swing adsorption unit or temperature swing absorption unit to produce a product having a super-equilibrium para-xylene concentration. This product is then subjected to para-xylene separation and purification.

Abstract: A catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrogen has been developed. It comprises an inert core such as cordierite and an outer layer comprising a lithium aluminate support. The support has dispersed thereon a platinum group metal and a promoter metal, e.g. platinum and tin respectively. This catalyst is particularly effective in the selective oxidation of hydrogen in a dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising an alumina carrier, a Group VIII noble metal, and a halogen compound wherein the catalyst composition has total pore volume of more than 0.48 ml/g and wherein at least 50% of this total pore volume resides in pores with a diameter smaller than 12 nm. This catalyst composition has a higher activity in isomerization reactions, per gram of catalyst and per gram of Group VIII noble metal, than prior art catalyst compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for making and obtaining para-xylene from a mixture of xylene isomers, and various embodiments of the method. The method generally includes contacting a mixture comprising xylene isomers and ethylbenzene with a para-xylene selective adsorbent to obtain a para-xylene depleted raffinate, and a desorption effluent comprising a para-xylene enriched product. The method also includes isomerizing the para-xylene depleted raffinate. The contacting step is carried out in a manner such that the raffinate need not be pressurized prior to isomerization, thus advantageously obviating expensive compression steps.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing xylenes in a feed containing xylenes is disclosed which process comprises: contacting the feed with a first isomerization catalyst in a first reactor under a first set of conditions effective to isomerize xylenes in the feed; and contacting the xylenes with a second isomerization catalyst in a second reactor under a second set of conditions effective to isomerize xylenes in the feed. The second reactor is typically a clay treater and contains a further catalyst effective under the second set of conditions to remove olefins in the feed. Any ethylbenzene in the feed is removed, either by dealkylation or isomerization, in the first reactor or in a third reactor upstream of the first and second reactors.

Abstract: A xylene isomerization process is disclosed in which any ethylbenzene in the feed is removed, either by dealkylation or isomerization, in a separate reactor upstream of the xylene isomerization reactor and the xylene isomerization catalyst is contained in the same reactor, typically a clay treater, as that used to accommodate the olefin removal catalyst. In certain cases, a single catalyst may be used to effect both xylene isomerization and olefin removal.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst comprising a zeolite and a low acidity refractory oxide binder which is essentially free of alumina which method comprises: (a) preparing an extrudable mass comprising a substantially homogenous mixture of zeolite, water, a source of the low acidity refractory oxide binder present which comprises an acid sol, and an amine compound, (b) extruding the extrudable mass resulting from step (a), (c) drying the extrudate resulting from step (b); and, (d) calcining the dried extrudate resulting from step (c).

Abstract: In a process for the selective production of meta-diisopropylbenzene, a C9+ aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock containing meta- and ortho-diisopropylbenzene is contacted with benzene under conversion conditions with a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve selected from the group consisting of zeolite beta, mordenite and a porous crystalline inorganic oxide material having an X-ray diffraction pattern including the d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The contacting step selectively converts ortho-diisopropylbenzene in the feedstock to produce an effluent in which the ratio of meta-diispropylbenzene to ortho-diispropylbenzene is greater than that of the feedstock. The effluent is the fed to a separation zone for recovery of a product rich in meta-diisopropylbenzene.

Abstract: Deactivation of an isomerization catalyst is inhibited by charging a hydrocarbon feed having a concentration of an organic aluminum halide compound to an isomerization zone operating under isomerization conditions and containing an isomerization catalyst.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process to separate para-xylene and ethylbenzene from C8 aromatics which uses a para-selective, non-acidic, medium pore molecular sieve of the MFI structure type and is operated isothermally in the vapor phase at elevated temperatures and pressures is integrated with simulated moving bed adsorption (SiMBAC) to produce para-xylene product. A fixed bed of adsorbent is saturated with pX and EB, which are preferentially adsorbed, the feed is stopped, and lowering the partial pressure desorbs the pX and EB. The process effluent, which is rich in pX and EB, is subjected to SiMBAC to obtain para-xylene product.

Abstract: Improved methods for conducting solid acid-catalyzed, near- or supercritical heterogeneous chemical reactions (e.g., alkylation reactions) are provided which give enhanced product yields and permit longer processing runs. The preferred reactions of the invention are carried out in the presence of a solid macroporous catalyst having a surface area of from about 50-400 m2/g and a pore size of from about 70-150 Å. Product selectivity is enhanced by pressure-tuning of the reaction to promote production and separation of desired reaction products. In continuous processing, the chemical reaction may be interrupted before significant catalyst deactivation, followed by increasing reactor pressure and/or reducing reactor temperature to remove the accumulating coke; when the catalyst is regenerated, the original reaction conditions and reactant introduction may be resumed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of at least one isomer of xylenes, preferably paraxylene, as well as benzene, starting from a C8-aromatic fraction, whereby said process comprises a zone for separation of xylenes, a zone for isomerization of aromatic compounds with 8 carbon atoms used in the presence of a catalyst that comprises at least one EUO-structural-type zeolite that is selected from among the EU-1, TPZ-3, ZSM-50 zeolites and at least one metal of group VIII of the periodic table, and finally a transalkylation zone of C7- and C9-aromatic compounds. The invention makes it possible to produce paraxylene and benzene with a high yield, starting from a C8-aromatic fraction that comprises a large amount of ethylbenzene with improved performance levels of the isomerization stage and a good conversion of ethylbenzene in the transalkylation stage.

Abstract: A catalyst system suitable for the isomerization of a xylene and conversion of ethylbenzene in a feed containing xylene and ethylbenzene comprising a first catalyst having activity for the conversion of ethylbenzene, a second catalyst having hydrogenation activity and a third catalyst having activity for the isomerization of a xylene where the second catalyst is located in the system between the first and third catalysts relative to a flow of feed material through the catalyst system.

Abstract: A process for the production of at least one xylene isomer, paraxylene, metaxylene or orthoxylene from an aromatic feedstock that has 7 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule. The process comprises a stage for transalkylation of C7- and C9-aromatic compounds, a stage for separation of xylenes and a stage for isomerization of xylenes. The isomerization catalyst used in the process comprises at least one EUO zeolite composition whose crystals are grouped in aggregates that have a grain size with a value of Dv,90 less than or equal to 500 microns and at least one element of group VIII.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for ethylbenzene and xylene isomerization in a non-equilibrium mixture of xylenes and ethylbenzene. By addition of trace quantities of water to the reaction zone, equivalent isomerization is effected at lower temperatures wherein benefits could be realized in reduced losses and improved catalyst life.

Abstract: A xylene isomerization process is disclosed in which any ethylbenzene in the feed is removed, either by dealkylation or isomerization, in a separate reactor upstream of the xylene isomerization reactor and the xylene isomerization catalyst is contained in the same reactor, typically a clay treater, as that used to accommodate the olefin removal catalyst. In certain cases, a single catalyst may be used to effect both xylene isomerization and olefin removal.

Abstract: A substituted diaryl compound or a mixture of substituted diaryl compounds, such as dimethylbiaryl compounds are isomerized by treatment with a strong acid or mixtures of strong acids in the absence of any additional catalyst. The strong acid or mixture of acids has a Hammett acidity of less than about −12.6. The isomerization reaction conditions such as reaction temperature, amount of acid, and amount of solvent can be adjusted to selectively produce desired isomers in high yields. One or more desired isomers may be produced in high yields by isomerization of substituted diaryl compounds and selectively removing one or more desired isomers from the resulting equilibrium mixture of isomers. The isomer mixture may be re-isomerized subsequent to selective removal of the desired isomer to produce additional amounts of desired isomer.

Abstract: A process and a system for increasing para-xylene production from a C8 aromatic feedstream by coupling at least one xylene isomerization reactor with at least one pressure swing adsorption unit or temperature swing absorption unit to produce a product having a super-equilibrium para-xylene concentration. This product is then subjected to para-xylene separation and purification.