Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing streams. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as pressure swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for fuel cell applications. Pressure swing reforming may be integrated with shift reactions, preferential oxidation, and membrane separation, achieving thermal and material efficiencies relative to conventional hydrogen production. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the pressure swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the pressure swing reforming process.

Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon feed containing precursors of ethylbenzene, e.g., C8 isoalkane and/or C8 isoalkene precursors of ethylbenzene, that results in the formation of reduced amounts of ethylbenzene. The process is carried out in a catalytic reforming unit comprised of a plurality of operatively connected reactors comprising at least one lead reforming reactor and a tail reforming reactor. The process is carried out by reforming the feed in at least one lead reactor which contains a first reforming catalyst and a catalyst effective for converting ethylbenzene and further reforming the product of the lead reactor in the tail reactor that contains a second reforming catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for converting hydrocarbons using at least one globally endothermic chemical reaction, in which a hydrocarbon feed successively traverses at least two reaction zones each containing at least one solid catalyst and comprising between said reaction zones an intermediate step, in a non catalytic zone, for reheating the stream (ST) from the first of the two reaction zones prior to its introduction into said second reaction zone, and in which said reheating is carried out in a heat exchanger, with heat transfer essentially by convection using a thermal fluid TF with a coking sensitivity index CS that is less than that of the stream ST, the difference in temperature ?T between the temperature of the fluid TF at the inlet to the exchanger and the temperature of the stream ST at the heat exchanger outlet being less than 250° C. The invention also concerns the use of said process for converting hydrocarbons and a unit for carrying out the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving the octane number of a synthetic naphtha stream and optionally for producing olefins and/or solvents. In one embodiment, the method comprises aromatizing at least a portion of a synthetic naphtha stream to produce an aromatized hydrocarbon stream; and isomerizing at least a portion of the aromatized hydrocarbon stream to produce an isomerized aromatized hydrocarbon stream having a higher octane rating than the synthetic naphtha stream. Alternatively, the method comprises providing at least three synthetic naphtha cuts comprising a C4-C5 stream; a C6-C8 stream and a C9-C11 stream; aromatizing some of the C6-C8 stream to form an aromatized hydrocarbon stream with a higher octane number; steam cracking some of the C6-C8 stream and optionally the C9-C11 stream to form olefins; and selling some portions of C9-C11 stream as solvents. In preferred embodiments, the synthetic naphtha is derived from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Abstract: In this invention, a new structure for the units using a series of moving beds, characterized by a direct supply of regenerated catalyst from at least two of the reactors of the series, is described. The feedstock and the intermediate effluents continue to circulate in succession relative to the reactors. The invention makes it possible in particular to cross a new threshold in the reduction of the operating pressure of the units.

Abstract: Processes for reforming, and in particular aromatising, hydrocarbons from a petroleum source may be carried out by contacting the hydrocarbons with a catalyst of a zeolite KL impregnated with a metal promotor such as platinum, in which the zeolite crystals are of hockeypuck shape. The processes have a good yield and selectivity for the desired reformed products and the catalyst is stable, is associated with a low rate of coke formation, and has a long catalytically active life before regeneration is required.

Abstract: This patent presents a two-stage process for production of high-octane gasoline from a hydrocarbon stream comprising C4-C12 hydrocarbon mixtures of paraffins, optionally including cycloalkanes, aromatics and olefins. During the first step linear molecules are activated and converted predominantly to mono-branched isomers. Present cyclic molecules and olefins are hydrogenated, but conversion must be sufficiently low to avoid ring opening. Only such (low) amount of multi-branched isomers is formed in the first reaction zone that extent of cracking is still acceptable. Concentration of multi-branched isomers is consecutively increased in the second step. Reaction of mono-branched isomers requires lower activation energy than cracking and isomerisation of linear molecules. Monomethyl-paraffins readily react to their multi-branched counterparts with a high selectivity under mild reaction conditions with catalysts having a Hammet acidity value lower than −10 at temperature of maximum 100° C.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and reactors for the catalytic reforming of naphtha are provided. Embodiments of the invention include reactors comprising monolithic catalyst having honeycomb-type structure that allows for improved efficiency, productivity, and reaction selectivity over conventional catalytic reforming technology.

Abstract: The invention provides distillate fuel blend components with improved seal swell and lubricity properties obtained from Fischer Tropsch products. The blends contain a highly paraffinic distillate fuel component and distillate-boiling alkylcycloparaffins and/or distillate-boiling alkylaromatics. The invention further provides processes for obtaining such blends using the products of Fischer Tropsch processes. Finally, the invention provides methods for improving seal swell and lubricity properties for distillate fuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a high octane number gasoline pool comprises at least 2% of di-branched paraffins containing 7 carbon atoms, and a process for producing this gasoline pool by hydro-isomerising a feed constituted by a C5 to C8 cut which comprises at least one hydro-isomerisation section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerisation section comprises at least one reactor.

Abstract: A substantially water-free hydrocarbon feed is charged to a multiple-reactor reformer system being operated under reforming conditions and comprising at least two reformer reactors serially connected in fluid-flow communication and each containing a reformer catalyst; and, simultaneously with the charging step, a chloriding agent is sequentially introduced, without simultaneously introducing water, immediately upstream from the inlets of all the reformer reactors in an amount and for a period of time that are effective to inhibit the deactivation of the reformer catalyst.

Abstract: The patent application discloses an integrated process for reformate upgrading. Such a process enables production of a high value product slate, by incorporating the step of reforming along with reaction/diffusion with a zeolite.

Abstract: The invention provides a high octane number gasoline pool comprises at least 2% of di-branched paraffins containing 7 carbon atoms, and a process for producing this gasoline pool by hydro-isomerizing a feed constituted by a C5 to C8 cut which comprises at least one hydro-isomerization section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerization section and at least one separation section, in which the hydro-isomerization section comprises at least one reactor.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feed stock with a content of higher hydrocarbons and oxygen comprising the steps of catalytic pre-reforming the feed stock and steam reforming the pre-reformed feed stock, the pre-reforming step is carried out in presence of a fixed bed catalyst comprising at least a portion of a noble metal catalyst being active in oxidation of hydrocarbons to carbon oxides and conversion of higher hydrocarbons to methane, wherein the noble metal catalyst is supported on a carrier of MgO and/or MgAl2O4 spinel.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to selectively upgrade hydrocarbons in a manner to essentially eliminate olefins in product from the combination. Preferably the hydrocarbons comprise naphtha which is reformed to upgrade its octane number and/or to produce aromatic intermediates, followed by hydrogenation of olefins in the reformate. Olefin saturation optimally is effected by catalytic reaction on an olefin-containing reformate taken at an intermediate point from the effluent side of the reforming-process feed-effluent heat exchanger. Saturation is performed in a defined temperature range which results in selective hydrogenation.

Abstract: This invention is a reforming process that employs at least two moving bed reaction zones. One of the reaction zones, called the lead reaction zone, passes catalyst particles and a hydrocarbon-containing effluent to the other reaction zone, which operates at an inlet temperature that is at least 60.degree. F. (33.degree. C.) hotter than the lead reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, this invention employs no heating between the combined feed exchanger and the lead reaction zone. This invention is particularly applicable to reforming processes that employ continuous regeneration sections.

Abstract: A full boiling hydrocarbon feed is reformed to enhance para-xylene and benzene yields. First, the hydrocarbon feed is separated into a C.sub.5- cut, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut, and a C.sub.8+ cut. The C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut has less than 5 lv. % of C.sub.8+ hydrocarbon, and the C.sub.8+ cut has less than 10 lv. % of C.sub.7- hydrocarbon. The C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut is subjected to catalytic aromatization at elevated temperatures in a first reformer in the presence of hydrogen and using a non-acidic catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal and a non-acidic zeolite support to produce a first reformate stream; and the C.sub.8+ cut is subjected to catalytic aromatization at elevated temperatures in a second reformer in the presence of hydrogen and using an acidic catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal and a metallic oxide support to produce a second reformate stream. Less than 20 wt. % of the total amount of C.sub.

Abstract: A catalytic reforming process comprises a prereactor which provides an intermediate stream to a riser reactor with multiple catalyst injection points to obtain high aromatics yields from a naphtha feedstock. Product from the riser reactor typically is discharged into a fluidized-bed reforming reactor, in which the reforming reaction is completed and catalyst is separated from hydrogen and hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons from the reactor are separated to recover an aromatized product. Catalyst is regenerated to remove coke and reduced for reuse in the reforming process.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a liquid petroleum or chemical stream wherein said stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one reaction zone. The reaction vessel used in the practice of the present invention contains vapor and optionally liquid passageway means to bypass one or more catalyst beds. This permits more stable and efficient reaction vessel operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing vapor and liquid reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a first mixing zone into which a first reactant (e.g., vapor) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. The apparatus further forms a second mixing zone into which a second reactant (e.g., liquid) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. Additional amounts of either the first reactant, the second reactant or both may be added into or ahead of the first mixing zone or the second mixing zone as appropriate. The first reactant is directed radially to collide in crossflow with a thin sheet of the second reactant to provide intense mixing of the first and second reactants. Due to separate mixing zones for the two reactants, the mixing conditions for each can be tailored to best mix each reactant while minimizing pressure drop and minimizing the space and volume requirements for this mixing.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed in a sequence comprising a continuous-reforming zone, consisting essentially of a moving-bed catalytic reforming zone and continuous regeneration of catalyst particles, and a zeolitic-reforming zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal and a nonacidic zeolite. The process combination permits higher severity, higher aromatics yields and/or increased throughput in the continuous-reforming zone, thus showing surprising benefits over prior-art processes, and is particularly useful in upgrading existing moving-bed reforming facilities with continuous catalyst regeneration.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process comprises: (1) contacting a hydrocarbon feed such as, for example, gasoline, with a catalyst under a sufficient condition to effect the conversion of the hydrocarbon to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins; (2) separating the product stream into a lights fraction comprising primarily hydrocarbons less than 6 carbon atoms per molecule, a middle fraction comprising C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, and a C.sub.9 + fraction comprising aromatic compounds; (3) separating the C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons from the middle fraction; and (4) separating hydrocarbons containing 5 or more carbons per molecule (C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons) from the lights fraction. The C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons can be combined with the hydrocarbon feed. The non-aromatic hydrocarbons can also be converted to olefins by a thermal cracking process. Furthermore, the middle fraction can also be obtained by reforming naphtha.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed in a sequence comprising a continuous-reforming zone, consisting essentially of a moving-bed catalytic reforming zone and continuous regeneration of catalyst particles, and a zeolitic-reforming zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal and a nonacidic zeolite. The process combination permits higher severity, higher aromatics yields and/or increased throughput in the continuous-reforming zone, thus showing surprising benefits over prior-art processes, and is particularly useful in upgrading existing moving-bed reforming facilities with continuous catalyst regeneration.

Abstract: Reforming is effected with a combination of a primary supported noble-metal catalyst and a catalyst containing one or more medium pore non-zeolite molecular sieves (MP-NZMS). The latter reforming and dehydrocyclization comprise a Group VIII metal and at least one bound MP-NZMS characterized in the calcined form by an adsorption of isobutane of at least 2 percent by weight at a partial pressure of 500 torr and a temperature of 20.degree. C. and characterized by an adsorption of triethylamine less than about 5 percent by weight at a partial pressure of 2.6 torr and a temperature of 22.degree. C., The MP-NZMS catalyst binder preferably is alumina and/or silica, and the Group VIII metal preferably is platinum.

Abstract: Aliphatic feeds are converted to olefins and/or aromatics in a multi pressure reactor system. A high pressure first stage reactor generates much or all of the hydrogen needed to reduce catalyst coking in lower pressure downstream reactors. High pressure operation protects catalyst stability in the first reactor, while produced hydrogen helps protect downstream catalyst. Low pressure downstream operation improves yields.

Abstract: A process for reforming a gasoline boiling range naphtha stream using a reforming process unit comprised of two independent process units, each of which are operated in two stages. The first stage is operated in a fixed-bed mode and is comprised of a plurality of serially connected fixed bed reactors, and the second stage is operated in a moving bed continuous catalyst regeneration mode. A hydrogen-rich stream is recycled through both stages for each process unit and the moving-bed reforming zones share a common regeneration zone.

Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to selectively upgrade naphtha to obtain gasoline which is in accordance with current standards for reformulated fuels. A naphtha feedstock is fractionated to selectively direct light naphtha to isomerization or blending, a head-cut fraction to reforming, and a heavy potion to selective isoparaffin synthesis to yield light and heavy synthesis naphtha and isobutane. The heavy potion of the synthesis naphtha is processed by reforming. Light naphtha may be isomerized, with or without recycle of low-octane components of the product. A gasoline component is blended from light, synthesis, and reformate products from the process combination.

Abstract: A two stage process for reforming a naphtha feed at low severities with tin modified platinum-iridium catalysts. In particular, both high selectivity, and high activity are manifested by such catalysts in reforming a naphtha feed at low severities in a first fixed-bed reforming stage which is comprised of a series of reforming zones, or reactors; i.e., within the dehydrogenation and ring isomerization zones of a reforming unit. The first stage zones are charged with a tin-containing platinum-iridium catalyst, and the naphtha feed reformed to produce an intermediate RON clear C.sub.5 + liquid reformate. The intermediate octane product of the first reforming stage is passed to a second stage which is comprised of one or more moving-bed reforming zones, or reactors, which are operated in a continuous catalyst regeneration mode with platinum containing catalyst.

Abstract: A two stage process for catalytically reforming a gasoline boiling range hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. The reforming is conducted in two stages wherein the first stage is operated in a fixed-bed mode, and the second stage is operated in a moving-bed continual catalyst regeneration mode. A gaseous stream comprised of hydrogen and predominantly C.sub.4.sup.-- hydrocarbon gases are separated between stages. A portion of the hydrogen-rich gaseous stream is recycled and the remaining portion along with the C.sub.5.sup.+ stream are sent to second stage reforming.

Abstract: Catalytic reforming wherein the lead reactor contains a catalyst comprised of platinum and a relatively low level of Re on an inorganic oxide support. The tail reactor contains a tin modified platinum-iridium catalyst wherein the metals are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the inorganic oxide support.

Abstract: A process for reforming a naphtha feed at low severities with tin modified platinum-iridium catalysts. In particular, both high selectivity, and high activity are manifested by such catalysts in reforming a naphtha feed at low severities in the lead reactor, or reactors, of a series of reactors; i.e., within the dehydrogenation and ring isomerization zone, or zones, of a reforming unit. The lead reactors of the series are charged with a tin-containing platinum-iridium catalyst, and the naphtha feed reformed to produce a low RON clear C.sub.5 + liquid reformate. The low octane product of the lead reactors may be transferred to a mogas pool, into blending components, or all or some part of the product further reformed. Preferably, the product is further reformed in a tail reactor, and preferably the tail reactor is charged with a non-tin containing platinum, or platinum-iridium catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the production of gasoline from a light hydrocarbon feed. The feed is catalytically aromatized to produce an effluent containing aromatics and olefins with the aromatics and olefins being subjected to alkylation to produce a gasoline product with a higher octane rating.

Abstract: A two stage process for catalytically reforming a gasoline boiling range hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. The reforming is conducted in two stages wherein the first stage is operated in a fixed bed mode, and the second stage is operated in a moving bed continuous catalyst regeneration mode. A hydrogen-rich stream is recycled through both stages.

Abstract: A two stage process for catalytically reforming a gasoline boiling range hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. The reforming is conducted in two stages wherein the first stage is operated in a fixed bed mode, and the second stage is operated in a moving bed continual catalyst regeneration mode. A gaseous stream comprised of hydrogen and predominantly C.sub.4.sup.- and a C.sub.5.sup.+ liquid stream are produced between stages. A portion of the hydrogen-rich stream is recycled and the and the remaining portion and an aromatics-lean stream, which is obtained during aromatics separation between stages, is sent to second stage reforming.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone and a sulfur-removal zone utilizing a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in the stability of the extremely sulfur-sensitive catalyst utilized in the second reforming zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for catalytically reforming a gasoline boiling range hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. The reforming is conducted in multiple stages with heavy aromatics removal between the first and second stages.

Abstract: A two stage catalytic reforming process. The first stage is comprised of two separate fixed-bed reforming units each comprised of one or more serially connected fixed-bed reforming zones. The second stage is comprised of one or more moving-bed reforming zones with continual catalyst regeneration. A hydrogen-rich gaseous stream is separated after each fixed-bed unit and a portion is recycled to the respective fixed-bed reforming zones.

Abstract: A reforming system for reforming gasoline boiling range hydrocarbon streams, which system is comprised of two or more parallel fixed-bed reforming stages sharing a common moving-bed reforming stage.

Abstract: A two stage process for catalytically reforming a gasoline boiling range hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. The reforming is conducted in two stages wherein the first stage is operated in a moving-bed mode with the catalyst being continually regenerated, and the second stage is operated in a fixed-bed mode.

Abstract: Process for producing gasoline components from a hydrocarbonaceous feed containing hydrocarbons comprising at least 4 carbon atoms, and hydrocarbons obtained thereby. The process comprises:a. separating feed into a heavy fraction containing hydrocarbons comprising at least 7 carbon atoms and a light fraction containing hydrocarbons comprising at most 7 carbon atoms,b. isomerizing at least part of the light fraction at a temperature between 50.degree. and 300.degree. C.,c. separating effluent of step b) into a stream containing branched hydrocarbons and a stream containing normal hydrocarbons, andd. isomerizing at least part of the stream containing normal hydrocarbons at a temperature which is higher than the temperature applied in step b).

Abstract: A catalytic reforming process in which sulfur moieties are removed from a gaseous product stream by use of a sulfur trap comprised of about 10 to about 70 wt. % nickel dispersed on a support. The sulfur which is removed is both sulfur which is inherent in the feed as well as sulfur which results from presulfiding the catalyst.

Abstract: A process wherein, in a series of reforming zones, or reactors, each of which contains a bed, or beds of catalyst, the catalyst in the leading reforming zone, or zones, is constituted of supported platinum or supported platinum and rhenium, and the catalyst in the rearward reforming zone, or zones of the series, is constituted of platinum, rhenium, and iridium. The amount of (rhenium+iridium) relative to the platinum in the last reforming zone, or zones is present in weight ratio of at least about 1.5:1 and more preferably ranges from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1. The beds of catalyst are contacted with a hydrocarbon or naphtha feed, and hydrogen, at reforming conditions to produce a hydrocarbon, or naphtha product of improved octane, and the product is withdrawn.

Abstract: A process for converting the naphtha fractions distilled from crude oil into greater volumes than heretofore of a gasoline product having higher octane number and a distillate stream of improved cetane number and smoke point by sending the lower boiling naphtha fraction directly to the gasoline pool and subjecting the higher boiling naphtha fraction to a mild reforming treatment, extracting the reformate to separate two streams, aromatics which are directed to the pool and paraffins which are sent to a splitter to separate the paraffin stream into fractions greater than C.sub.8 and a C.sub.8 or less fraction. The C.sub.8 or less fraction is cracked, thermally or catalytically and alkylated and/or polymerized before being directed to the gasoline pool. The fraction from the splitter containing hydrocarbons greater than C.sub.8 can be used in the distillate pool.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock and hydrogen flow serially through a plurality of catalytic reaction zones in each of which the catalyst particles are movable via gravity flow. Dissimilar catalyst particles are utilized in the reactor systems which share a common regenerating tower through which the catalyst particles are downwardly movable via gravity flow and in which the catalyst particles are regenerated in segregated fashion. Dissimilarity of the catalyst particles stems from a difference in activity, stability and selectivity characteristics. In turn, this difference may be attributed either to physical, or chemical distinctions between the two composites, or both.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing high octane hydrocarbons from a feed comprising paraffins having 5 to 9 carbon atoms which involves contacting the feed with steam and hydrogen in the presence of a steam active dehydrogenation catalyst wherein the amounts of steam and hydrogen employed relative to the feed are such that one obtains unexpectedly high conversion and unexpectedly high selectivity to high octane product.

Abstract: A process for reforming with hydrogen, or hydroforming, a naphtha in a cyclic reforming unit which contains a plurality of catalyst-containing on stream reactors in series, and a catalyst-containing swing reactor manifolded therewith which can be periodically placed in series and substituted for an on stream reactor while the latter is removed from series for regeneration and reactivation of the catalyst contained therein. In the process, a reactor which is next scheduled for regeneration and reactivation of its near deactivated catalyst is located immediately downstream next in series with a reactor which contains freshly regenerated, reactivated catalyst at the time the latter is initially put on stream so that sulfur released by the freshly regenerated, reactivated catalyst which occurs a short time after the upstream reactor has been returned to service, is adsorbed by the near deactivated catalyst of the reactor next requiring removal from the series for catalyst regeneration and reactivation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for upgrading a naphtha which has been subjected to a reforming process which involves contacting said reformed naphtha together with added hydrogen with a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having a pore size of about 4.5 to 6 Angstrom units and a silica to alumina ratio of at least 3, said aluminosilicate having hydrogenation/dehydrogenation activity. Another embodiment of the invention resides in mixing a reforming catalyst with said crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite.

Abstract: A heat exchange method for a hydrocarbon conversion process having two reactors in series which allows efficient heat recovery and effective process control under widely varying process conditions. The hydrocarbon feed stream is divided into three streams. In the preferred embodiment, the first stream is not heat exchanged and is controlled along with the preheater heat supply by a split range controller activated in response to the temperature of the stream entering the first reactor. The second stream is heat exchanged with the effluent of the first reactor and flows at a rate controlled by its temperature after this heat exchange. The third stream is heat exchanged with the effluent of the second reactor and flows at a rate such that the total of all three streams is the desired capacity for the unit. A hydrogen recycle stream is proportionally divided between the second and third streams by a ratio control means. The second stream is combined with the third stream and passed into a preheater.