Abstract: The present invention relates to dual extract flush for feeds for xylene extraction processes. More specifically, the present invention relates to dual extract flush for feeds for simulated moving bed extraction processes. It decouples line flush in and line flush out, providing a means for optimizing each flush independently. This scheme will allow for minimizing each bedline and flushing each according to its own bedline volume, which will minimize any additional non-ideal compositions added to the chambers or downstream fractionation.

Abstract: Process for producing para-xylene are described. The processes utilize a dual raffinate approach. Two raffinate streams from the adsorption separation unit are fed to the raffinate distillation column independently to take advantage of the differing desorbent concentrations in the two raffinate streams. The process yields significant reboiler duty savings and a reduction in overall fired fuel needed.

Abstract: Process and apparatus ensure high on-stream reliability of a complex that requires a heat pump which is using a compound having a high boiling point, such as xylenes. When the compressor is shutdown, it can be isolated from the distillation column and receiver while the column is allowed to continue to operate with an auxiliary reboiler for constant heat input. The heat pump can be started up and heated to the normal process temperature, so that when the heavy vapor is charged to the heat pump, it does not immediately condense into liquid, causing damage to the compressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dual extract flush for feeds for xylene extraction processes. More specifically, the present invention relates to dual extract flush for feeds for simulated moving bed extraction processes. It decouples line flush in and line flush out, providing a means for optimizing each flush independently. This scheme will allow for minimizing each bedline and flushing each according to its own bedline volume, which will minimize any additional non-ideal compositions added to the chambers or downstream fractionation.

Abstract: It is desirable to provide improved processes and apparatuses for methylation of aromatic compounds such as toluene and benzene in an aromatics complex. Described herein are processes and apparatuses for methylation of aromatics in an aromatics complex for producing a xylene isomer product. More specifically, processes and apparatuses for producing para-xylene by the selective methylation of toluene and/or benzene in an aromatics complex.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to processes for removing contaminants from hydrocarbon streams, e.g. removing chlorides, CO2, COS, H2S, AsH3, methanol, mercaptans and other S- or O-containing organic compounds from olefins, paraffins, aromatics, naphthenes and other hydrocarbon streams. The process involves contacting the stream with an adsorbent which comprises a zeolite, an alumina component and a metal component e.g. sodium, in an amount at least 30% of the zeolite's ion exchange capacity.

Abstract: It is desirable to provide improved processes and apparatuses for methylation of aromatic compounds such as toluene and benzene in an aromatics complex. Described herein are processes and apparatuses for methylation of aromatics in an aromatics complex for producing a xylene isomer product. More specifically, processes and apparatuses for producing para-xylene by the selective methylation of toluene and/or benzene in an aromatics complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dual extract flush for feeds for xylene extraction processes. More specifically, the present invention relates to dual extract flush for feeds for simulated moving bed extraction processes. It decouples line flush in and line flush out, providing a means for optimizing each flush independently. This scheme will allow for minimizing each bedline and flushing each according to its own bedline volume, which will minimize any additional non-ideal compositions added to the chambers or downstream fractionation.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to processes for removing contaminants from hydrocarbon streams, e.g. removing chlorides, CO2, COS, H2S, AsH3, methanol, mercaptans and other S- or O-containing organic compounds from olefins, paraffins, aromatics, naphthenes and other hydrocarbon streams. The process involves contacting the stream with an adsorbent which comprises a zeolite, an alumina component and a metal component e.g. sodium, in an amount at least 30% of the zeolite's ion exchange capacity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing hydrocarbons are provided. In one example, a method for processing hydrocarbons includes the step of providing feed stream including toluene, ethylbenzene, mixed xylenes, and C9 hydrocarbons. Ethylbenzene is present in the feed stream in an amount of at least about 20% by weight of total C8 aromatic hydrocarbons present in the feed stream. The method further includes the step of subjecting the feed stream to ethylbenzene conversion to form a benzene-containing product stream that includes benzene.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing hydrocarbons are provided. In one example, a method for processing hydrocarbons includes the step of providing feed stream including toluene, ethylbenzene, mixed xylenes, and C9 hydrocarbons. Ethylbenzene is present in the feed stream in an amount of at least about 20% by weight of total C8 aromatic hydrocarbons present in the feed stream. The method further includes the step of subjecting the feed stream to ethylbenzene conversion to form a benzene-containing product stream that includes benzene.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing aromatic products are provided. An aromatic stream is provided with aromatic compounds and olefins. The olefins are reacted with aromatic compounds to form colored bodies, and the aromatic stream is distilled to produce an overhead stream and reboiler stream. The colored bodies are in the reboiler stream, and the reboiler stream is passed through an absorbent to remove the colored bodies.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for preparing aromatic compounds are provided herein. In an embodiment, a process for preparing aromatic compounds includes providing a first stream that includes an aromatic component, a non-aromatic component, and a sulfur-containing component. The aromatic component and the sulfur-containing component are separated from the non-aromatic component of the first stream to form a separated aromatic stream and a raffinate stream. The separated aromatic stream includes the aromatic component and the sulfur-containing component. The raffinate stream includes the non-aromatic component. The separated aromatic stream is concurrently transalkylated and desulfurized in the presence of a catalyst that includes acid function and metal function to produce a transalkylated aromatic stream and a sulfur-containing gas stream that is separate from the transalkylated aromatic stream.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for preparing aromatic compounds are provided. In an embodiment, a process of preparing aromatic compounds includes providing a heavy reformate stream including C7 hydrocarbons, xylenes, styrene, and compounds having more than 8 carbon atoms. The xylenes and styrene are separated from the compounds that have more than 8 carbon atoms in the heavy reformate stream to form a mixed xylene stream including the xylenes and styrene and a C9+ stream including compounds with less volatility than C8 aromatics. The styrene within the mixed xylene stream is selectively hydrogenated to form a hydrogenated xylene stream including xylenes and ethylbenzene. At least some of the xylenes are separated from the ethylbenzene in the hydrogenated xylene stream to form a C8 raffinate stream including the ethylbenzene and a xylene product stream including one or more xylene species.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing aromatic products are provided. An aromatic stream is provided with aromatic compounds and olefins. The olefins are reacted with aromatic compounds to form colored bodies, and the aromatic stream is distilled to produce an overhead stream and reboiler stream. The colored bodies are in the reboiler stream, and the reboiler stream is passed through an absorbent to remove the colored bodies.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for preparing aromatic compounds are provided herein. In an embodiment, a process for preparing aromatic compounds includes providing a first stream that includes an aromatic component, a non-aromatic component, and a sulfur-containing component. The aromatic component and the sulfur-containing component are separated from the non-aromatic component of the first stream to form a separated aromatic stream and a raffinate stream. The separated aromatic stream includes the aromatic component and the sulfur-containing component. The raffinate stream includes the non-aromatic component. The separated aromatic stream is concurrently transalkylated and desulfurized in the presence of a catalyst that includes acid function and metal function to produce a transalkylated aromatic stream and a sulfur-containing gas stream that is separate from the transalkylated aromatic stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of extraction unit and an analysis method are provided. In one embodiment, the analysis method includes the steps of providing a feed stream and a species-selective solvent to the distillation column, drawing a vapor sample from the distillation column, condensing the vapor sample, and analyzing at least a portion of the condensed vapor sample.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of extraction unit and an analysis method are provided. In one embodiment, the analysis method includes the steps of providing a feed stream and a species-selective solvent to the distillation column, drawing a vapor sample from the distillation column, condensing the vapor sample, and analyzing at least a portion of the condensed vapor sample.