Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include a method of altering a feed to a transalkylation zone by changing a destination of a stream rich in an aromatic C9 for increasing production of at least one of benzene, toluene, para-xylene, and an aromatic gasoline blend. The method can include providing the stream rich in an aromatic C9 from a first fractionation zone that receives an effluent from a second fractionation zone. The second fractionation zone may produce a stream rich in at least one of benzene and toluene. The stream rich in the aromatic C9 can be at least partially comprised in at least one of the feed to the transalkylation zone and the aromatic gasoline blend.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new process of treating natural gas using high gas permeability polybenzoxazole polymer membranes operated at high temperatures that can provide sufficient dew point margin for the product gas. The high gas permeability polybenzoxazole polymer membranes can be used for a single stage membrane system or for the first stage membrane in a two stage membrane system for natural gas upgrading. Simulation study has demonstrated that a costly membrane pretreatment system such as a MemGuard™ system will not be required in the present new process. The new process can achieve significant capital cost saving and reduce the existing membrane footprint greater than 50%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization wherein the reaction mixture contains from about 10 to about 200 wt. ppm water. Providing water in the reaction mixture allows for an extended life of the zeolitic catalyst thereby increasing the efficiency of the catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization process.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of alkylaromatics in two sequential zones, the first zone operating in the absence of hydrogen using a platinum-free catalyst and the second zone using a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve and a platinum-group metal component to obtain an improved yield of para-xylene from the mixture relative to prior art processes.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an aromatic production apparatus. The aromatic production apparatus can include a first fractionation zone, a second fractionation zone, and a third fractionation zone. Generally, the first fractionation zone can provide a stream rich in an aromatic C8? and a stream rich in an aromatic C9, the second fractionation zone can separate at least one of benzene and optionally toluene from a transalkylation zone effluent and provide a feed to the first fractionation zone, and the third fractionation zone can receive the stream rich in the aromatic C8? from the first fractionation zone. An effluent from the third fractionation zone can be directly comprised in a para-xylene-separation zone feed to a para-xylene-separation zone.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include a method of altering a feed to a transalkylation zone by changing a destination of a stream rich in an aromatic C9 for increasing production of at least one of benzene, toluene, para-xylene, and an aromatic gasoline blend. The method can include providing the stream rich in an aromatic C9 from a first fractionation zone that receives an effluent from a second fractionation zone. The second fractionation zone may produce a stream rich in at least one of benzene and toluene. The stream rich in the aromatic C9 can be at least partially comprised in at least one of the feed to the transalkylation zone and the aromatic gasoline blend.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of alkylaromatics in two sequential zones, the first zone operating in the absence of hydrogen using a platinum-free catalyst and the second zone using a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve and a platinum-group metal component to obtain an improved yield of para-xylene from the mixture relative to prior art processes.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of alkylaromatics in two sequential zones, the first zone operating in the absence of hydrogen using a platinum-free catalyst and the second zone using a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve and a platinum-group metal component to obtain improved yield of para-xylene from the mixture relative to prior art processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization wherein the reaction mixture contains from about 10 to about 200 wt. ppm water. Providing water in the reaction mixture allows for an extended life of the zeolitic catalyst thereby increasing the efficiency of the catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization wherein the reaction mixture contains from about 10 to about 200 wt. ppm water. Providing water in the reaction mixture allows for an extended life of the zeolitic catalyst thereby increasing the efficiency of the catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization process.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock to produce xylene compounds. The feedstock is selectively hydrocracked and introduced into a transalkylation zone with a hydrocarbonaceous stream rich in benzene, toluene and C9+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of alkylaromatics in two sequential zones, the first zone operating in the absence of hydrogen using a platinum-free catalyst and the second zone using a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve and a platinum-group metal component to obtain improved yield of para-xylene from the mixture relative to prior art processes.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing a gasoline stream while continuing to maintain the octane rating of the blend stock. A gasoline stream containing sulfur compounds and olefins is introduced into a fractionation zone to produce a low boiling fraction containing mercaptan sulfur compounds and olefins, a mid boiling fraction containing thiophene and olefins, and a high boiling fraction containing sulfur compounds. The low boiling fraction containing mercaptan sulfur compounds is contacted with an aqueous alkaline solution to selectively remove mercaptan sulfur compounds. The mid boiling fraction containing thiophene is extracted to produce a raffinate stream containing olefins and having a reduced sulfur content relative to the mid boiling fraction and a hydrocarbonaceous stream rich in thiophene.

Abstract: A novel integrated system for the co-production of heat and electricity for residences or commercial buildings is based on the cracking of hydrocarbons to generate hydrogen for a fuel cell. Compared to prior art reforming methods for hydrogen production, the cracking reaction provides an input stream to the fuel cell that is essentially free of CO, a known poison to the anode catalyst in many fuel cell designs, such as PEM fuel cells. The cracking reaction is coupled with an air or steam regeneration cycle to reactivate that cracking catalyst for further use. This regeneration can provide a valuable source of heat or furnace fuel to the system. A novel control method for system adjusts the durations of the cracking and regeneration cycles to optimize the recovery of reaction heat.

Abstract: A hybrid reactor arrangement provides a reactive design that achieves higher acrylonitrile yield and lower catalyst circulating rate. The hybrid reactor design first passes a mixture of reactants and catalyst through a circulating bubbling bed reaction section. Heat exchange coils or other cooling medium in the bubbling bed reactor section maintain temperature in a range that will maximize the selectivity of reactants to the acrylonitrile product. The bubbling bed reactor section provides the initial conversion of the reactant. A circulating fluidized bed reaction zone finishes the conversion of reactants to a high yield under conditions that reduce the occurrence of secondary reactions that could otherwise produce unwanted by-products. The circulating fluidized bed reactor section maintains nearly plug flow conditions that allow continued conversion of unreacted feed components through primary reactions while limiting the time for secondary reactions to continue and diminish the final yield of products.