Abstract: The inventive method is directed to the production of xylenes by methylation of aromatic compounds with methanol. The process uses fixed bed reactors, operates at lower pressure, and without the need for hydrogen or other gas recycle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for extractive distillation using internal addition of steam to an extractive distillation column from a reboiler are described herein. The apparatuses include an extractive distillation column, a reboiler (for example, a kettle reboiler) coupled to the extractive distillation column, and a steam input line. The steam input line is coupled to an internal steam sparger device of the reboiler. Methods utilizing the apparatuses to perform extractive distillation of a hydrocarbon feed stream are also described herein.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed herein. The apparatuses extract heavy hydrocarbons into light hydrocarbons and provide a solvent stream having the heavy hydrocarbons removed. Two water washing steps are used to remove residual solvent from the heavy hydrocarbon solution in light hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the second water wash is used for processing subsequent batches of the solvent stream. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further. Methods for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid interacts with a second, lighter fluid. A plurality of valves are disposed on a surface of the tray. Each valve of the plurality of valves includes a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the first, heavier fluid flow thereby forming a diverting baffle. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the second, lighter fluid flow therefrom. The at least one aperture is adapted to allow the second, lighter fluid to interact with the first, heavier fluid. Each valve includes a plurality of open side regions. Each valve is adapted to allow the second, lighter fluid to pass outwardly therefrom generally in a direction of the first heavier fluid.

Abstract: A process to convert glycerin into propylene glycol and purifying the produced propylene glycol is described. The glycerin-based propylene glycol production requires only one process step compared to petroleum/natural gas-based propylene glycol production requires multiple process steps, and thus represents a cost savings.

Abstract: Methods for recovering energy from a mother liquor stream in paraxylene crystallization processes are disclosed herein. The low temperature energy from the mother liquor is optimally utilized to reduce the refrigeration burden on the crystallization process.

Abstract: A process to convert glycerin into propylene glycol and purifying the produced propylene glycol is described. The glycerin-based propylene glycol production requires only one process step compared to petroleum/natural gas-based propylene glycol production requires multiple process steps, and thus represents a cost savings.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are disclosed herein. The apparatuses extract heavy hydrocarbons into light hydrocarbons and provide a solvent stream having the heavy hydrocarbons removed. Two water washing steps are used to remove residual solvent from the heavy hydrocarbon solution in light hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the second water wash is used for processing subsequent batches of the solvent stream. The heavy hydrocarbons and solvent can be recovered and processed further. Methods for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a solvent stream are also disclosed herein.