Abstract: A process for the solvent extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons from a mixture thereof with non-aromatic hydrocarbons, and for the recovery of a non-aromatic fraction substantially free of aromatic hydrocarbons, is disclosed. Said mixture is treated with an aromatic-selective solvent in a first extraction zone to provide an aromatic-rich solvent stream and a non-aromatic raffinate stream. The rich solvent stream is treated in a first solvent recovery zone to provide a high purity aromatic stream and a lean solvent stream. One portion of the lean solvent stream is recycled to the first extraction zone, and residual aromatic hydrocarbons are stripped from the remaining portion. This aromatics-free solvent is then utilized to extract residual aromatics from a fraction of the non-aromatic raffinate to provide a high purity paraffin stream.

Abstract: A multiple stage extractor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, said second plurality of trays being vertically spaced apart a greater distance than the trays of said first plurality whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: This invention provides a unique means of effective corrosion inhibition and corrosion inhibitor utilization in a process for the extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon mixture using sulfolane. The corrosion inhibitor used is an organic amine. The invention involves introduction of the inhibitor into the overhead receiver of the benzene fractionation column and the recycle of water collected in that receiver to the stripper column overhead receiver. The inhibitor is thus effectively distributed throughout the process.

Abstract: A multiple stage extractor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, the upcomer means of said second plurality being of larger cross-sectional area whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: A multiple stage contactor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, the perforations of said second plurality being of larger cross-sectional area whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: A process for the HF-catalyzed alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons is disclosed. A liquid-phase alkylation zone effluent stream comprising product alkylaromatic hydrocarbon is passed into an intermediate point of a first fractionation column. A sidecut is removed from the first column at a higher intermediate point and passed into a sidecut stripping column. The bottoms stream of the sidecut stripping column contains the feed aromatic and about 4-10 mole percent paraffinic hydrocarbons and is recycled to the alkylation zone. The overhead vapor stream of the sidecut stripping column is passed into the first column to aid in fractionation.

Abstract: A process for the HF-catalyzed alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons is disclosed. A first overhead vapor stream removed from a first fractionation column which is used to regenerate the liquid-phase HF is passed directly into an upper intermediate point of a second fractionation column. A hydrocarbon stream containing the feed aromatic hydrocarbon and the product hydrocarbon is separated from liquid-phase HF and is then passed into the second fractionation column. HF dissolved in the hydrocarbon stream is removed from the second column as part of a second overhead vapor stream.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and control system for the fractionation of a hydrocarbon feed stream containing relatively nonvolatile impurities. A sidecut liquid stream which is substantially free of the impurities is withdrawn below the feed point. The liquid derived from the feed stream is confined to a first lateral half of the fractionation column to prevent the transfer of the nonvolatile impurities to the second lateral half from which the sidecut is removed. Liquid descending from above the feed point is collected and distributed between the two lateral halves of the column in response to temperature measurements taken in the two halves to thereby equalize liquid flow rates in the two halves. The flow of vapor between the two halves is not obstructed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process wherein a fractionation column overhead vapor stream is circulated through a portion of the process, such as through a purification zone or hydrocarbon recovery zone. Part of the motive force for this vapor circulation is derived from depressurizing the vaporous phase of a mixed-phase reaction zone effluent through an ejector which draws a suction on the overhead receiver of the fractionation column.

Abstract: A unitary reactor system for the alkylation of benzene with olefins. The hydrocarbon reactants are sprayed horizontally from a plurality of openings in a number of vertical conduits which extend upward into a lower portion of the vessel. The conduits are surrounded by a vertical reaction tube having a circular catalyst inlet at its bottom end and which contains a mixing means located above the conduits. A hydrocarbon phase is retained in the upper portion of the vessel and an acid phase surrounds the reaction tube, with the interface of the two liquid phases being maintained above the open upper end of the reaction tube.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process for the hydrogenation of olefinic hydrocarbons wherein the feed is fractionated into a C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 light fraction and a C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 heavy fraction, the heavy feed fraction is mixed with the makeup hydrogen stream and passed upward through a first catalyst bed, the effluent of the first reaction zone is admixed with the recycle hydrogen stream and a first portion of the light feed fraction and passed upward through a second catalyst bed. At least a portion of the liquid which has passed through the second catalyst bed is cooled and admixed with a second portion of the light feed fraction.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of an aromatic hydrocarbon with an olefinic hydrocarbon wherein a gaseous catalyst promoter is circulated through the alkylation zone effluent separation equipment including a first fractionation column. Part of the motive force for this promoter circulation is derived from depressurizing the vaporous phase of the alkylation zone effluent through an ejector which draws a suction on the overhead receiver of the fractionation column.

Abstract: Aromatic hydrocarbons are reacted with olefins using hydrogen fluoride as a catalyst in a process having two reaction zones and settling zones in sequence. The initial admixture of the aromatic hydrocarbons, olefins and catalyst is effected by passing all three materials directly into a centrifugal pump utilized to recirculate liquid hydrogen fluoride from a settling zone. The pump forms the first reaction zone.

Abstract: A more economical method of removing materials adsorbed on solid adsorbents used to treat hydrocarbon streams is presented. The method comprises removing a liquid hydrocarbon stream from a distillation column, vaporizing the liquid stream and superheating the vapors which are formed, passing the superheated vapor through the adsorbent and effecting the removal of the adsorbed material, and then returning the vapor to the fractionation column and utilizing the vapor as stripping media within the column. In the preferred embodiment, water is removed from alumina.