Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for producing para-xylenes are provided. The processes comprises providing a hydrocarbon stream comprising C7+ hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon stream is separated to provide a C8 aromatics stream and an ortho-xylene rich stream. The C8 aromatics stream is passed to a para-xylene separation unit for separating para-xylene to provide a para-xylene stream and a raffinate stream. At least a portion of the raffinate stream is passed to a first isomerization unit to provide a first isomerization effluent, wherein the first isomerization effluent is produced in the presence of an ethylbenzene (EB) isomerization catalyst. At least a portion of the ortho-xylene rich stream is contacted with an isomerization catalyst in a second isomerization unit in liquid phase at isomerization conditions in substantial absence of hydrogen to produce a second isomerization effluent.

Abstract: The field of this claimed subject matter generally relates to liquid phase isomerization technology. More specification, the field relates to liquid phase isomerization in complete absence of hydrogen which eliminates the need for gas-liquid separation at the reactor outlet. Even in the absence of the hydrogen, the catalyst demonstrates a stable isomerization performance with a paraxylene to xylene ratio of about 23 wt % in the product stream.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for producing para-xylenes are provided. The processes comprises providing a hydrocarbon stream comprising C7+ hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon stream is separated to provide a C8 aromatics stream and an ortho-xylene rich stream. The C8 aromatics stream is passed to a para-xylene separation unit for separating para-xylene to provide a para-xylene stream and a raffinate stream. At least a portion of the raffinate stream is passed to a first isomerization unit to provide a first isomerization effluent, wherein the first isomerization effluent is produced in the presence of an ethylbenzene (EB) isomerization catalyst. At least a portion of the ortho-xylene rich stream is contacted with an isomerization catalyst in a second isomerization unit in liquid phase at isomerization conditions in substantial absence of hydrogen to produce a second isomerization effluent.

Abstract: The field of this claimed subject matter generally relates to liquid phase isomerization technology. More specification, the field relates to liquid phase isomerization in complete absence of hydrogen which eliminates the need for gas-liquid separation at the reactor outlet. Even in the absence of the hydrogen, the catalyst demonstrates a stable isomerization performance with a paraxylene to xylene ratio of about 23 wt % in the product stream.