Abstract: A method for isomerizing aromatic compounds, wherein at least one aromatic compound is contacted with a zeolite-containing catalyst, and in which the zeolite is characterized in that: (1) the minimum value of the pore aperture diameter of the major channels therein is larger than 0.65 nanometers, orthe maximum value thereof is larger than 0.70 nanometers, and (2) the major channels do not intersect any others with larger apertures than oxygen 10-membered ring; and the aromatic compounds are at least one selected from; (a) aromatic compounds having at least three substituents, (b) aromatic compounds having two substituents of which at least one is a halogen or has at least 2 carbon atoms, and (c) naphthalene or anthracene derivatives having substituent(s), wherein aromatic compounds having a relatively large molecular size can be efficiently isomerized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-64 prepared using a N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylhexamethyleneiminium cation or N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylheptamethyleneiminium cation structure directing agent, and processes employing SSZ-64 in a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-65 prepared using 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-cyclopropylmethyl]-1-ethyl-pyrrolidinium or 1-ethyl-1-(1-phenyl-cyclopropylmethyl)-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-65 and processes employing SSZ-65 in a catalyst.

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: There is provided a catalyst containing porous macrostructures comprised of: (a) a three-dimensional network of particles of porous inorganic material (e.g., zeolites); and, (b) at least one metal (e.g., a catalytically active metal). The particles of the at least one macrostructure occupy less than 75% of the total volume of the at least one macrostructure and are jointed together to form a three-dimensional interconnected network. The three-dimensional interconnected network will usually be comprised of pores having diameters greater than about 20 Å. The macrostructures can be made by forming an admixture containing a porous organic ion exchanger (e.g., a polymer-based ion exchange resin) and a synthesis mixture (e.g., for zeolite formation) capable of forming the porous inorganic material and the at least one metal; converting the synthesis mixture to the porous inorganic material; and removing the porous organic ion exchanger from the inorganic material.

Abstract: A family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites designated UZM-5HS and derived from UZM-5 have been synthesized. The aluminum content of the UZM-5HS is lower than that of the starting UZM-5 thus changing its ion exchange capacity and acidity.

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 present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-63 prepared using N-cyclodecyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-63 and processes employing SSZ-63 in a catalyst.

Abstract: A process is described for the contemporaneous preparation of mesitylene and durene, characterized in that mesitylene and durene are obtained exclusively starting from pseudo-cumene without the use of any further chemical compound, operating in continuous, at a temperature ranging from 210 to 400° C., at a pressure ranging from 1 to 50 bar, with a weight space velocity ranging from 0.1 to 20 hours−1 and in the presence of a catalyst based on crystalline metal-silicates in acid form. After the recovery of mesitylene and durene from the reaction raw product, some of the remaining components of the raw product itself are recycled and fed to the reactor together with the pseudo-cumene.

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: There is provided a process for aromatics conversion by contacting a feed suitable for aromatics conversion under conversion condition and in the presence of a catalyst comprising ITQ-13. Examples of such conversion processes include isomerization of aromatic (xylenes) feedstock, disproportionation of toluene to benzene and xylenes, alkylation and transalkylation of aromatics, conversion of light paraffins and light olefins to aromatics, conversion of naphtha to aromatics, and conversion of alcohol to aromatics.

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: There is provided macrostructures of porous inorganic material which can have controlled size, shape, and/or porosity and a process for preparing the macrostructures. The macrostructures comprise a three-dimension network of particles of porous inorganic materials. The process for preparing the macrostructures involves forming an admixture containing a porous organic ion exchanger and a synthesis mixture capable of forming a porous inorganic material and then converting the synthesis mixture to a solid porous inorganic material. After formation of the composite material, the porous organic ion exchanger can be removed from the composite material to obtain the macrostructures, either before or after the porous inorganic material is hydrothermally treated with a structure directing agent to convert at least a portion of such porous inorganic material to a crystalline molecular sieve composition. The resulting macrostructure is composed of particles of the crystalline molecular sieve composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-64 prepared using a N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylhexamethyleneiminium cation or N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylheptamethyleneiminium cation structure directing agent, and processes employing SSZ-64 in a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new crystalline zeolite SSZ-53 prepared by using phenylcycloalkylmethyl ammonium cations as structure directing agents.

Abstract: In a process for isomerizing a feed comprising ethylbenzene and a mixture of xylene isomers, the feed is first contacted under xylene isomerization conditions with a first catalyst composition to produce an intermediate product having a higher para-xylene concentration than the feed, and then the intermediate product is contacted under ethylbenzene isomerization conditions with a second catalyst composition. The second catalyst composition comprises a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component and a molecular sieve having 10-membered ring pores and is effective to selectively isomerize at least part of the ethylbenzene in the intermediate product to para-xylene and thereby produce a further product having a para-xylene concentration greater than the equilibrium concentration of para-xylene at said ethylbenzene isomerization conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing zeolite-bound high silica zeolites and the use of the zeolite-bound high silica zeolite produced by the process for hydrocarbon conversion. The process is carried out by forming an extrudable paste comprising a mixture of high silica zeolite in the hydrogen form, water, silica, and optionally an extrusion aid, extruding the extrudable paste to form silica-bound high silica zeolite extrudates, and then converting the silica of the binder to a zeolite binder. The zeolite-bound high silica zeolite produced by the process comprises high silica zeolite crystals that are bound together by zeolite binder crystals. The zeolite-bound high silica zeolite finds particular application in hydrocarbon conversion processes, e.g., catalytic cracking, alkylation, disproportionation of toluene, isomerization, and transalkylation reactions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for pretreating a catalyst used in hydrocarbon conversion processes, comprising the following steps: a) pretreating a catalyst containing at least one zeolite with structure type EUO and at least one hydrodehydrogenating metal in the presence of a hydrocarbon feed, at a temperature such that a catalyst comprising carbon is obtained; b) then treating the hydrocarbon feed and the catalyst at a temperature which is lower than the temperature applied in step a). The invention also concerns an activated catalyst and its use in a process for isomerizing aromatic compounds containing 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new crystalline zeolite SSZ-57 and processes employing SSZ-57 in a catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for synthesis of an EUO-structural-type zeolite that comprises at least one element X that is selected from among silicon and germanium and at least one element T that is selected from among aluminum, iron, gallium, boron, titanium, vanadium, zirconium, molybdenum, arsenic, antimony, chromium and manganese, whereby said process is carried out in the presence of an organic structuring agent that is derived from dibenzyldimethylammonium (DBDMA) or its precursors and in the presence of nuclei of at least one zeolitic material of the same structure as the zeolite that is to be synthesized. The zeolite that is thus obtained has an X/T ratio of between 5 and 50. It is used in particular as a catalyst, for example in a process for isomerization of aromatic compounds with 8 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing zeolite-bound high silica zeolites and the use of the zeolite-bound high silica zeolite produced by the process for hydrocarbon conversion. The process is carried out by forming an extrudable paste comprising a mixture of high silica zeolite in the hydrogen form, water, silica, and optionally an extrusion aid, extruding the extrudable paste to form silica-bound high silica zeolite extrudates, and then converting the silica of the binder to a zeolite binder. The zeolite-bound high silica zeolite produced by the process comprises high silica zeolite crystals that are bound together by zeolite binder crystals. The zeolite-bound high silica zeolite finds particular application in hydrocarbon conversion processes, e.g., catalytic cracking, alkylation, disproportionation of toluene, isomerization, and transalkylation reactions.

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: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-59 and processes employing SSZ-59 as a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-58 and processes employing SSZ-58 as a catalyst.

Abstract: A zeolite catalyst suitable for use in shape-selective hydrocarbon conversion processes. The catalyst is modified by incorporation therein of a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation functional metal, followed by gradient selectivation with an organosilicon compound under conversion conditions, wherein the gradient selectivation conditions are characterized by a progressive temperature gradient. The use of a progressive temperature gradient during the in situ selectivation procedure unexpectedly yields a catalyst in which the hydrogenation-dehydrogenation function is stabilized, thereby enabling long duration hydrocarbon conversion processes with low by-product make.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-60 and processes employing SSZ-60 as a catalyst.

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: 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, 6.90±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: The invention concerns a zeolite with structure type EUO comprising EUO zeolite crystals with a size of less than 5 &mgr;m, at least a portion of the EUO zeolite crystals being in the form of EUO zeolite aggregates, characterized in that the granulometry of the aggregates is such that Dv,90 is 500 &mgr;m or less. The invention also concerns the preparation of the zeolite and the use of the zeolite as a catalyst, for example in a process for isomerising aromatic compounds containing 8 carbon atoms per molecule.

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: 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-diisopropylbenzene to ortho-diisopropylbenzene 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: A synthetic porous crystalline material has the structure of ZSM-5 and a composition involving the molar relationship: X2O3:(n)YO2, wherein X is a trivalent element; Y is a tetravalent element; and n is less than 25, and wherein the slope of the nitrogen sorption isotherm of the material at a partial pressure of nitrogen of 0.4 to 0.7 and a temperature 77° K is greater than 30. The material has a mesoporous surface area (MSA) greater than 45 m2/g and is useful as a catalyst in the liquid phase isomerization of xylene.

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 shape-selective catalyst comprises a synthetic porous crystalline material having the structure of ZSM-5 and a composition involving the molar relationship: X2O3:(n)YO2, wherein X is a trivalent element, such as aluminum, boron, iron and/or gallium, preferably aluminum; Y is a tetravalent element such as silicon and/or germanium, preferably silicon; and n is greater than about 12, and wherein the crystals have a major dimension of at least about 0.5 micron and a surface YO2/X2O3 ratio which is no more than 20% less than the bulk YO2/X2O3 ratio of the crystal. The crystals have a diffusion-modifying surface coating of a refractory material such as silica or coke. The catalyst is useful in a wide variety of selective hydrocarbon conversion processes, particularly the selective disproportionation of toluene to para-xylene.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting hydrocarbons using a catalyst comprising macrostructures having a three-dimensional network of particles comprised of porous inorganic material. The particles of the macrostructures occupy less than 75% of the total volume of the macrostructures and are joined together to form a three-dimensional interconnected network comprised of pores having diameters greater than about 20 Å. The macrostructures can be made by forming an admixture containing a porous organic ion exchanger and a synthesis mixture capable of forming the porous inorganic material; converting the synthesis mixture to the porous inorganic material; and removing the porous organic ion exchanger from the inorganic material.

Abstract: Molecular sieves comprising (1) phosphorus oxide; (2) a first oxide comprising an oxide of silicon, germanium or mixtures thereof; and (3) a second oxide comprising an oxide of aluminum, boron or mixtures thereof, said molecular sieve having a mole ratio of the first oxide to the second oxide of greater than 1, containing at least about 10 weight percent phosphorus oxide in the crystal framework, and having pores greater than 5 Å in diameter are useful as catalysts in hydrocarbon conversion reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isomerizing aromatic C8 cuts in the presence of a catalyst containing a mordenite which is slightly or not dealuminated and a binder. This mordenite is generally present at least in part in its acid form and its Si/Al atomic ratio is less than 20, preferably in the range 5 to 15, and more preferably in the range 5 to 10. The catalyst also contains at least one metal from group VIII of the periodic table, preferably selected from the group formed by palladium and platinum. Finally, the catalyst further contains at least one metal from group III of the periodic table, namely gallium, indium or thallium, preferably indium, and optionally at least one metal from group IV of the periodic table, namely germanium, tin or lead, preferably tin. The present invention also relates to the catalyst used in the isomerization process and to a process for its preparation.

Abstract: A process is provided for the alkylation, transalkylation, or isomerization of aromatic hydrocarbons. The processes comprises contacting aromatic hydrocarbons under conversion conditions with a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst. The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst comprises first crystals of a first large pore zeolite which are bound together by second crystals of a second zeolite.

Abstract: A process for the production of paraxilene comprises an adsorption stage (18) using toluene as a desorbent in a simulated moving bed of a feedstock previously depleted in ethylbenzene by distillation (3) or by adsortion, an isomerization stage (26) without hydrogen in liquid phase diluted with toluene from the raffinate produced, a distillation stage (27) of the raffinate that is isomerized to recover the toluene (29) that is recycled. The separated isomerate is introduced into a xylene distillation column (9). The separated ethylbenzene is isomerized separately in gas phase with hydrogen at higher temperature and is distilled (5, 2, 9) in the presence of a catalyst that comprises an EUO-structural-type zeolite, then recycled to adsorption stage (18).

Abstract: A process for producing 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene by subjecting 2,7-dimethylnaphthalene to an isomerization reaction, wherein the isomerization reaction is carried out by the use of a metallosilicate catalyst that comprises a metallosilicate having a main cavity defined by a ten-oxygen-membered ring, that is in the form of aggregates of fine crystals of the metallosilicate, the external surface area of the aggregate as calculated from t-plot analysis made in the nitrogen adsorption method being 25 m2/g or more, and that has been treated to inactivate acid centers present on the external surfaces of the fine crystals until the rate constant basic value N becomes 0.5 or less.

Abstract: The system and method for optimizing para-xylene production from a feed stream containing para-xylene, ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, ethylbenzene and non-aromatics propose directing the feed stream into an isomerization unit of the system rather than to a separator of the system to avoid causing a bottleneck at the separator and to initially remove ethylbenzene and non-aromatics from the feed stream. This system and method may further provide a reactor in the feed stream used in a pretreatment step, the reactor containing an isomerization catalyst in an amount sufficient to convert substantially all the ethylbenzene in the feed stream to benzene, which is immediately removed and to convert and remove non-aromatics therefrom to optimize equilibrium isomer concentration in the isomerization unit and substantially eliminate coking therein.

Abstract: A process for isomerising xylene using a new family of related crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been developed. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Rrp+Al(1−x)ExSiyOz where M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal such as lithium and strontium, R is a nitrogen containing organic cation such as tetramethyl-ammonium and E is a framework element such as gallium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a chemical plant for the production primarily of paraxylene. In particular the process and chemical plant utilise zeolite membranes for enhanced paraxylene production.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of xylenes and ethylbenzene using a catalyst comprising a zeolite, a platinum-group metal and a silica binder, resulting in a greater yield of para-xylene at favorable conditions compared to processes of the known art.

Abstract: Process for isomerization of a feedstock that contains aromatic compounds with eight carbon atoms characterized in that it comprises at least one isomerization stage a) that is carried out in the presence of a catalyst that contains at least one metal of group VIII and that is activated according to an activation process that comprises at least one sulfurization stage and at least one stage for passivation with ammonia, and at least one dehydrogenation stage b).

Abstract: A process for isomerising aromatic compounds containing eight carbon atoms is described in which the catalyst used contains at least one zeolite with structure type EUO and a group VIII element. In FIG. 1, the feed to be isomerised is introduced into reactor R via line 1. This fresh feed is enriched via lines 6 and 11 with a mixture containing at least one compound selected from the group formed by paraffins containing eight carbon atoms, benzene, toluene and naphthenes containing eight carbon atoms. Hydrogen is added via line 15.

Abstract: Process for isomerization of a feedstock that contains aromatic compounds with eight carbon atoms characterized in that it comprises at least one isomerization stage a) that is carried out in the presence of a catalyst that contains at least one metal of group VIII and that is activated according to an activation process that comprises at least one sulfurization stage and at least one stage for passivation with ammonia, and at least one dehydrogenation stage b).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for synthesis of an EUO-structural-type zeolite that comprises at least one element X that is selected from among silicon and germanium and at least one element T that is selected from among aluminum, iron, gallium, boron, titanium, vanadium, zirconium, molybdenum, arsenic, antimony, chromium and manganese, whereby said process is carried out in the presence of an organic structuring agent that is derived from dibenzyldimethylammonium (DEDMA) or its precursors and in the presence of nuclei of at least one zeolitic material of the same structure as the zeolite that is to be synthesized. The zeolite that is thus obtained has an X/T ratio of between 5 and 50. It is used in particular as a catalyst, for example in a process for isomerization of aromatic compounds with 8 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: A process for activating and maintaining a catalyst used in isomerizing a C8 alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon containing feedstock. The activation of the catalyst is accomplished through the oxidation and reduction of the metal component in the catalyst. The oxidation of the metal component is accomplished by circulating a stream of nitrogen containing about one percent oxygen at a temperature of about 480° C. The oxidized metal component is then reduced by circulating pure hydrogen through the reactor over a range of specific pressure and temperature conditions. On completing the activation of the catalyst a feedstock is then circulated through the catalyst to isomerize a C8 alky aromatic feedstock. The positive activity of the catalyst is maintained during the isomerization process by recycling a hydrogen-rich fraction having a high hydrogen purity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isomerizing aromatic compounds containing 8 carbon atoms, the catalysts containing at least one group VIII metal, comprising at least one sulfurization step and at least one passivation step using ammonia.