Catalytic Patents (Class 208/66)
  • Patent number: 7220505
    Abstract: Low-energy, low-capital hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger 14 is placed in parallel with an autothermal reformer (ATR) 10 to which are supplied a preheated steam-hydrocarbon mixture. An air-steam mixture is supplied to the burner/mixer of the ATR 10 to obtain a syngas effluent at 650°-1050° C. The effluent from the ATR is used to heat the reforming exchanger, and combined reformer effluent is shift converted and separated into a mixed gas stream and a hydrogen-rich product stream. High capital cost equipment such as steam-methane reformer and air separation plant are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Avinash Malhotra, James Hanlan Gosnell
  • Patent number: 6979396
    Abstract: A reforming and isomerization process has been developed. A reforming feedstream is charged to a reforming zone containing a reforming catalyst and operating at reforming conditions to generate a reforming zone effluent. Hydrogen and an isomerization feedstream is charged into an isomerization zone to contact an isomerization catalyst at isomerization conditions to increase the branching of the hydrocarbons. The isomerization catalyst is a solid acid catalyst comprising a support comprising a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of at least an element of Group IVB, a first component being at least one lanthanide series element, mixtures thereof, or yttrium, and a second component being a platinum group metal or mixtures thereof. The reforming zone effluent is combined with the isomerization zone effluent to form a combined effluent stream and separated into a product stream enriched in C5 and heavier hydrocarbons and an overhead stream enriched in C4 and lighter boiling compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Ralph D. Gillespie, Michelle J. Cohn, Richard R. Rosin, Lynn H. Rice, Margaret A. Stine
  • Patent number: 6797153
    Abstract: A catalyst for the hydrocracking of heavy oils contains iron and active carbon having an MCH conversion rate of 40-80%, a specific surface area of 600-1000 m2/g of, a pore volume of 0.5 to 1.4 cm3/g, 2-50 nanometers' mesopore volume of not less than 60% and an average pore diameter of 3-6 nanometers, the iron being carried on the active carbon in an amount of 1 to 20 wt. % to the active carbon. The hydrocracking process using the catalyst includes a first step of conducting hydrocracking at a temperature within the range of 360-450° C. at a hydrogen partial pressure of 2-14 MPaG and a second step of conducting hydrocracking at a temperature within the range of 400-480° C. at a hydrogen partial pressure of 2-18 MPaG, which can suppress the generation of coke and remove, in a high efficiency, heavy metals such as Ni and V, asphaltene, residual carbon, sulfur and nitrogen from the heavy oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignees: Petroleum Energy Center, Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetsugu Fukuyama, Koji Ohtsuka, Satoshi Terai, Shuhei Sawamoto
  • Patent number: 6667270
    Abstract: Bismuth- and phosphorus-containing catalyst supports, naphtha reforming catalysts made from such supports, methods of making both support and catalyst, and a naphtha reforming process using such catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Peter Tanev Tanev
  • Patent number: 6652737
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating naphtha. The method comprises providing naphtha feed, and the naphtha feed comprises naphthene ring-containing compounds. The naphtha feed is contacted with a ring opening catalyst containing a Group VIII metal under conditions effective to ring open the naphthene rings to form a ring opened product. The ring open product can then be contacted with a catalytic cracking catalyst under effective cracking conditions to form an olefin product. The olefin product will be particularly high in ethylene and propylene content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michele S. Touvelle, Darryl P. Klein, Tan-Jen Chen, Luc R. Martens, Edward S. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6602405
    Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek R. Pradhan, Ptoshia A. Burnett, George A. Huff
  • Patent number: 6599417
    Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then separated into fractions of different volatility, and the lowest boiling fraction is contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek R. Pradhan, Ptoshia A. Burnett, George A. Huff
  • Patent number: 6562230
    Abstract: A process for preparing hydrocarbons in the lube base oil range, lube base oils and lube oil compositions from a fraction with an average molecular weight above a target molecular weight and a fraction with an average molecular weight below a target molecular weight via molecular averaging is described. The fractions can be obtained, for example, from Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and/or obtained from the distillation of crude oil. Molecular averaging converts the fractions to a product with a desired molecular weight, for use in preparing a lube oil composition. The product can optionally be isomerized to lower the pour point, and also can be blended with suitable additives for use as a lube oil composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis O'Rear, Russell R. Krug
  • Publication number: 20020121459
    Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then separated into fractions of different volatility, and the lowest boiling fraction is contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Vivek R. Pradhan, Ptoshia A. Burnett, George A. Huff
  • Publication number: 20020121458
    Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Vivek R. Pradhan, Ptoshia A. Burnett, George A. Huff
  • Patent number: 6441263
    Abstract: A process for preparing an ethylene-rich composition from a C3-5 paraffinic feedstock is described. The C3-5 paraffinic feedstock is subjected to molecular redistribution via dehydrogenation to form olefins, metathesis of the olefins, and rehydrogenation of the olefins to form paraffins. The product stream includes ethane, which is isolated and sent to an ethane or ethane/propane cracker (or, alternatively, a flexi-cracker, although this is less cost effective) to yield an ethylene-rich composition. The product stream also includes C3-5 paraffins, which can be recycled, and C6+paraffins, which can be used, for example, as solvents. Alternatively, they can be isomerized to form gasoline additives, or can be converted to aromatic compounds by subjecting them to reforming conditions, for example using the AROMAX™ process or platforming or rheniforming conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: ChevronTexaco Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Rodney Porter, Cong-Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 6436278
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing gasoline with an improved octane number, optionally accompanied by oil and/or middle distillate production, by conversion-hydroisomerization of the paraffins in the feed using a catalyst containing at least one noble metal deposited on an amorphous acidic support. Isoparaffins are separated from the gasoline cut obtained, and normal paraffins and possibly monobranched paraffins contained in the resulting effluent are isomerized using a catalyst containing at least one hydrodehydrogenating metal and at least one acidic solid. The ensemble of the streams charged with isoparaffins with an improved octane number is sent to the gasoline pool. The residue undergoes catalytic dewaxing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Pierre-Henri Bigeard, Nathalie Marchal-George, Tivadar Cseri
  • Patent number: 6398947
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Beck, Robert A. Crane, Jr., Vinaya A. Kapoor, David L. Stern, John H. Thurtell
  • Publication number: 20020063082
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating naphtha. The method comprises providing naphtha feed, and the naphtha feed comprises naphthene ring-containing compounds. The naphtha feed is contacted with a ring opening catalyst containing a Group VIII metal under conditions effective to ring open the naphthene rings to form a ring opened product. The ring open product can then be contacted with a catalytic cracking catalyst under effective cracking conditions to form an olefin product. The olefin product will be particularly high in ethylene and propylene content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Michele S. Touvelle, Darryl P. Klein, Tan-Jen Chen, Luc R. Martens, Edward S. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6383366
    Abstract: Waxy feeds are treated under hydroisomerization conditions to produce good yields of an isomerate product of high VI by using a silica-alumina based catalyst in which the silica-alumina has a pore volume less of 0.99 ml/gm (H2O), an alumina content in the range of 35 to 55 wt % and an isoelectric point in the range of 4.5 to 6.5. A lube fraction of the isomerate is dewaxed to provide a lube basestock of high VI. The silica-alumina may be modified with a rare earth oxide or yttria or boria or magnesia in which instance the modified catalyst has an isoelectric point greater than but no more than 2 points greater than base the silica-alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Lloyd Riley, William John Murphy, Ian Alfred Cody, Stuart Leon Soled, Gary Brice McVicker, Sabato Miseo
  • Patent number: 6284128
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Bryan K. Glover, Aronson L. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20010001448
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Inventors: VINAYA A. KAPOOR, ROBERT A. CRANE, JEFFREY S. BECK, JOHN H. THURTELL, DAVID L. STERN
  • Patent number: 6153086
    Abstract: A hydroprocessing process includes a cocurrent flow liquid reaction stage, a countercurrent flow liquid reaction stage and a vapor reaction stage in which feed components are catalytically hydroprocessed by reacting with hydrogen. Both liquid stages both produce a liquid and a vapor effluent, with the cocurrent stage liquid effluent the feed for the countercurrent stage and the countercurrent stage liquid effluent the hydroprocessed product liquid. Both liquid stage vapor effluents are combined and catalytically reacted with hydrogen in a vapor reaction stage, to form a hydroprocessed vapor. This vapor is cooled to condense and recover a portion of the hydroprocessed hydrocarbonaceous vapor components as additional product liquid. The uncondensed vapor is rich in hydrogen and is cleaned up if necessary, to remove contaminants, and then recycled back into the cocurrent stage as hydrogen-containing treat gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, Henry Jung, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide, Larry L. Iaccino
  • Patent number: 6149800
    Abstract: A process for upgrading petroleum feedstocks boiling in the distillate plus range, which feedstocks, when cracked, result in unexpected high yields of olefins. The feedstock is hydroprocessed in at least one reaction zone countercurrent to the flow of a hydrogen-containing treat gas. The hydroprocessed feedstock is then subjected to thermal cracking in a steam cracker or to catalytic cracking in a fluid catalytic cracking process. The resulting product slate will contain an increase in olefins compared with the same feedstock, but processed in by a conventional co-current hydroprocessing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Lee Iaccino, Nicolas P. Coute
  • Patent number: 6124514
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating pure aromatic compounds from a reformed gasoline which contains aromatic compounds, olefins, diolefin, and triolefins, which comprises the steps of:(a) selectively hydrogenating the olefins, diolefins and triolefins in the reformed gasoline to obtain a mixture of hydrogenated, non-aromatic compounds and aromatic compounds; and(b) separating the aromatic compounds from the hydrogenated, non-aromatic compounds in the mixture formed during step (a) by either extractive distillation, liquid--liquid extraction or both to obtain the pure aromatic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Krupp Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Emmrich, Hans-Christoph Schneider, Helmut Gehrke, Bernhard Firnhaber
  • Patent number: 6083379
    Abstract: A process for desulfurizing and enhancing the octane of cracked gasoline by first aromatizing the cracked gasoline and, second, hydrodesulfurizing the resulting intermediate product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Drake, Scott Douglas Love
  • Patent number: 6051128
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chevron Chemical Company
    Inventors: Gerald J. Nacamuli, Bruce J. Thom
  • Patent number: 6001241
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed in a sequence comprising a zeolitic-reforming zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal and a nonacidic L-zeolite and an aromatics-isomerization zone containing a catalyst comprising a medium-pore molecular sieve, a platinum-group metal and a refractory inorganic oxide. Optionally, the zeolitic-reforming zone is preceded by a continuous-reforming zone associated with continuous catalyst regeneration, The process combination features high selectivity in producing a high-purity BTX product from naphtha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gosling, Robert S. Haizmann, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 5985131
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, David C. Dankworth, Dennis D. Fleming, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide
  • Patent number: 5972207
    Abstract: A large pore volume catalyst was used for reforming heavy cracked naphtha. The average pore diameter is preferably between about 110 to 150 Angstroms. Improved catalytic stability and improved liquid yield was achieved. As a result of the improvement a 101 RON debutanized naphtha reformate is produced at a reduced catalyst aging rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: William Floyd Johns
  • Patent number: 5935413
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 5906728
    Abstract: A process for upgrading petroleum feedstocks boiling in the distillate plus range, which feedstocks, when cracked, result in unexpected high yields of olefins. The feedstock is hydroprocessed in at least one reaction zone countercurrent to the flow of a hydrogen-containing treat gas. The hydroprocessed feedstock is then subjected to thermal cracking in a steam cracker or to catalytic cracking in a fluid catalytic cracking process. The resulting product slate will contain an increase in olefins compared with the same feedstock, but processed in by a conventional co-current hydroprocessing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Lee Iaccino, Nicolas P. Coute
  • Patent number: 5865986
    Abstract: This is a process for upgrading a petroleum naphtha fraction. The naphtha is subjected to reforming and the reformate is cascaded to a benzene and toluene synthesis zone over a benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst comprising a molecular sieve of low acid activity. The preferred molecular sieve is steamed ZSM-5. The benzene and toluene synthesis zone is operated under conditions compatible with the conditions of the reformer such as pressures of above about 50 psig (446 kPa) and temperatures above about 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C). In one aspect of the invention, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst includes a metal hydrogenation component such as cobalt, nickel, platinum or palladium. In one mode of operation, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst replaces at least a portion of the catalyst of the reformer. The process produces a product containing an increased proportion of benzene and toluene, and a reduced proportion of C8 aromatics, particularly ethylbenzenes, as compared to the reformate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John Scott Buchanan, Jane C. Cheng, David G. Freyman, Werner Otto Haag, Mohsen N. Harandi, Dominick N. Mazzone, Roger A. Morrison, Norman J. Rouleau, Charles M. Sorensen, Hye Kyung C. Timken, Robert Adams Ware
  • Patent number: 5858209
    Abstract: A processing step is added to an existing catalytic reforming unit to increase the yield of aromatic product. The additional processing comprises separation of product from the reforming unit into an aromatic concentrate and a low-octane recycle stream which is upgraded by aromatization. The separation preferably is effected using a large-pore molecular sieve, and the aromatization with a nonacidic L-zeolite contained within the hydrogen circuit of the existing catalytic reforming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Robert J. Schmidt, John J. Jeanneret, Srikantiah Raghuram, Beth McCulloch
  • Patent number: 5847252
    Abstract: A process for the production motor fuel components from isoparaffins by dehydrogenation, oligomerization and saturation uses a combination of low severity dehydrogenation, first and second feed input locations and a primary separation column that receives feed and effluent components to deliver a dehydrogenation zone feed and a motor fuel products. A separation column receives the an isobutane input stream and a product containing effluent stream to distill a dehydrogenation zone input steam. The dehydrogenation zone operates at low severity conditions to produce the effluent stream that compliments the operation of an oligomerization zone by delivering an effluent stream that is higher in pressure and contains inert paraffinic diluent materials. The oligomerization effluent passes to a saturation reaction zone that provides a saturated effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Laurence O. Stine, Bipin V. Vora, Harold U. Hammershaimb
  • Patent number: 5792338
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed in a sequence comprising a continuous-reforming zone associated with continuous catalyst regeneration, a zeolitic-reforming zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal and a nonacidic L-zeolite and an aromatics-isomerization zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal, a metal attenuator and a refractory inorganic oxide. The process combination features high selectivity in producing a high-purity BTX product from naphtha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gosling, Robert S. Haizmann, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 5773676
    Abstract: A multi-step process for converting non-aromatic hydrocarbons (preferably a gasoline-type hydrocarbon mixture) to lower olefins (preferably, ethylene and propylene) and aromatic hydrocarbons (preferably benzene, toluene and xylene) comprises, in sequence, a first reaction step, a first separation step, a second reaction step, and a second separation step, wherein the reaction severity of the first reaction step is lower than in the second reaction step so as to maximize olefins and aromatics yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Drake, Edward L. Sughrue, II, James B. Kimble
  • Patent number: 5672265
    Abstract: A processing step is added to an existing catalytic reforming unit to increase the yield of aromatic product. The additional processing comprises separation of product from the reforming unit into an aromatic concentrate and a low-octane recycle stream which is upgraded by aromatization. The separation preferably is effected using a large-pore molecular sieve, and the aromatization with a nonacidic L-zeolite contained within the hydrogen circuit of the existing catalytic reforming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Robert J. Schmidt, John Joseph Jeanneret, Srikantiah Raghuram, Beth McCulloch
  • Patent number: 5472593
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed in a sequence comprising a reforming zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal and a nonacidic L-zeolite and an aromatics-isomerization zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal, a metal attenuator and a refractory inorganic oxide. The process combination features high selectivity in producing a high-purity BTX product from naphtha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gosling, Robert S. Haizmann
  • Patent number: 5439583
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock. The feedstock is contacted with molecular hydrogen under reforming conditions in the presence of a less sulfur sensitive reforming catalyst to convert trace sulfur compounds to H.sub.2 S, and to form a first effluent. The first effluent is contacted with a solid sulfur sorbent to remove the H.sub.2 S and form a second effluent. The second effluent is then contacted with a highly selective reforming catalyst under severe reforming conditions. Also disclosed is a method using a potassium containing sulfur sorbent made from nitrogen-free potassium compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Robinson, Robert L. Jacobson, Harris E. Kluksdahl, William A. Blanton, Dennis L. Holtermann, Leslie A. Field
  • Patent number: 5378348
    Abstract: Distillate fuels with excellent cold flow properties are produced from waxy Fischer-Tropsch products by separating the product into a heavier and a lighter fraction, isomerizing the heavier fraction, hydrotreating and isomerizing the lighter fraction, and recovering products in jet and diesel fuel ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Davis, Daniel F. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5294328
    Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to reduce the aromatics content of a key component of gasoline blends. Paraffins contained in catalytic reformates are conserved and upgraded by separation and isomerization, reducing the reforming severity required to achieve a given product octane with concomitant reduction in paraffin aromatization and cracking. Light reformate may be separated and isomerized, and heavier paraffins are separated from the reformate by solvent extraction or adsorption; the recovered heavy paraffins are isomerized, optionally at a substoichiometric hydrogen ratio. A gasoline component having a reduced aromatics content relative to reformate of the same octane number is blended from the net products of the separation and isomerization steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Robert J. Schmidt, Paula L. Bogdan, J. W. Adriaan Sachtler, Srikantiah Raghuram
  • Patent number: 5273644
    Abstract: The invention is a lower cost combined reforming-benzene alkylation process. The unstabilized liquid product recovered from the reforming reaction zone is not stabilized by passage into a stripping column for the removal of C.sub.4 -minus hydrocarbons but is instead split into light and heavy fractions, with the light, benzene-containing fraction being passed directly into an alkylation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 5259946
    Abstract: A process for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock is disclosed. The feedstock is contacted with molecular hydrogen under reforming conditions in the presence of a less sulfur sensitive reforming catalyst, thereby converting trace sulfur compounds to H.sub.2 S, and forming a first effluent. The first effluent is contacted with a solid sulfur sorbent, removing the H.sub.2 S and forming a second effluent. The second effluent is contacted with a highly selective reforming catalyst under severe reforming conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Robinson, Robert L. Jacobson, Leslie A. Field
  • Patent number: 5246567
    Abstract: A process is provided for the hydrogenation of benzene and the isomerization of a light naphtha feedstock consisting essentially of a stream having a boiling range of from about 50.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. comprising the steps of contacting the light naphtha feedstock at isomerization conditions in an isomerization reaction zone with an isomerization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen and producing an isomerization reaction zone effluent, combining the isomerization reaction zone effluent with a supplemental benzene-containing stream comprising at least 1 weight percent benzene and forming a hydrogenation zone feedstock, and hydrotreating the hydrogenation zone feedstock at hydrogenation conditions in a hydrogenation reaction zone with a hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of hydrogen for producing an isomerate product comprising less than 0.1 weight percent benzene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Buttke, Frank S. Modica, Bruce A. Fleming
  • Patent number: 5211837
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Michael B. Russ, Roger L. Peer, Joseph Zmich, Chi-Chu D. Low
  • Patent number: 5210348
    Abstract: A substantially benzene-free product suitable for gasoline blending is formed from a benzene-containing refinery stream. At least about 30% of the benzene initially present in the stream is catalytically alkylated with C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 olefins to form alkylated products. Most preferably, the alkylation zone is present in the distillation column and the alkylated products drop to the lower portion of the column and are recovered with the heavy fraction. Alternatively, the alkylation zone is downstream of the distillation column and a secondary distillation column removes the heavier alkylated products. The remaining light fraction is hydrogenated to convert substantially all of the remaining non-alkylated benzene to cyclohexane and is isomerized to boost the octane of C.sub.5 -C.sub.7 paraffins, preferably in a single reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: C. Richard Hsieh, Richard C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5143596
    Abstract: Process for upgrading a sulphur-containing feedstock consisting of a hydrocarbon mixture substantially boiling in the gasoline range which process consists of subjecting the feedstock to a reforming step and subsequently to a hydrotreating step, and recovering from the hydrotreating step a product substantially boiling in the gasoline range and having increased aromaticity and decreased sulphur content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ian E. Maxwell, Frederik Muller, Frank H. H. Khouw, Kim H. Khor, Jacques Lucien
  • Patent number: 5135639
    Abstract: A process combination is disclosed to reduce the aromatics content of a key component of gasoline blends. Paraffins contained in catalytic reformates are conserved and upgraded by separation and isomerization, reducing the reforming severity required to achieve a given product octane with concomitant reduction in paraffin aromatization and cracking. Light reformate may be separated and isomerized, and heavier paraffins are separated from the reformate by solvent extraction or adsorption and isomerized. A gasoline component having a reduced aromatics content relative to reformate of the same octane number is blended from the net products of the separation and isomerization steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Robert J. Schmidt, Srikantiah Raghuram
  • Patent number: 5091074
    Abstract: A process for producing gasoline components from a hydrocarbonaceous feed containing hydrocarbons comprising at least 4 carbon atoms is disclosed. The process comprises the following steps:a) separating feed into a heavy fraction containing hydrocarbons comprising at least 7 carbon atoms, an intermediate fraction containing mainly hydrocarbons comprising 6 or 7 carbon atoms, and a light fraction containing hydrocarbons comprising at most 6 carbon atoms,b) isomerizing at least part of the light fraction,c) combining effluent of step b) with the intermediate fraction, separating off a stream containing normal hydrocarbons and a stream containing branched hydrocarbons, andd) passing at least part of the stream containing normal hydrocarbons to isomerization step b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ian E. Maxwell, Gerrit J. Den Otter
  • Patent number: 5082990
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for reducing the concentration of light aromatics, especially benzene, in a refinery stream by catalytic alkylation using an olefin-containing stream in a distillation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: C. Richard Hsieh, A. John Gloyn
  • Patent number: 5082983
    Abstract: A process for reducing the benzene content of a reformate stream in a conventional catalytic cracking reactor wherein a heavy hydrocarbon feed is cracked to lighter products by contact with a supply of hot regenerated cracking catalyst is disclosed. The reformate can be mixed with the heavy feed to the cracking reactor, but preferably reformate contacts hot regenerated cracking catalyst before the heavy feed is added. Benzene content is reduced by alkylation with reactive fragments created in the cracking reactor, or by transalkylation with alkyl aromatics. Benzene removal can be enhanced by adding a light reactive gas such as ethylene to the cracking reactor, by adding heavier aromatics, such as a light cycle oil, or both. The reaction is preferably conducted in an FCC riser reactor, but may be conducted in a moving bed cracking reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Lloyd L. Breckenridge, Diane V. Jorgensen, Ajit V. Sapre
  • Patent number: 4997543
    Abstract: The benzene concentration in the gasoline pool of a petroleum refinery is decreased by alkylation of the benzene in a catalytic dewaxing reactor using the olefinic by-products from the dewaxing reaction as alkylating agents. The catalytic dewaxing is preferably carried out in the presence of an intermediate pore size zeolite such as ZSM-5 using a distillate or lube boiling range dewaxing feed. The benzene rich feed preferably contains less than about 2% C.sub.7+ aromatics in order to reduce alkylation of non-objectionable species in the reformate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen N. Harandi, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 4975179
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of high octane gasoline rich in aromatics but containing a relatively low concentration of benzene. The process comprises the separation of C.sub.6 fraction of the gasoline feedstock into n-hexane and C.sub.6 isomers. The n-hexane and C.sub.7 + streams are catalytically reformed to produce a reformate with a diminished yield of benzene. The reformate is separated and the C.sub.6 - reformate fraction containing benzene is alkylated employing acidic metallosilicate catalyst such as ZSM-5 as the catalyst and preferably methano or propylene as the alkylating agent. The alkylate comprises C.sub.7+ alkylaromatics. The C.sub.6 isomers are blended into the gasoline pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen N. Harandi, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: RE34189
    Abstract: An improved two-step process for the conversion of lower molecular weight paraffins, the process comprising contacting in a first step a C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkane-rich feedstock with a siliceous zeolite catalyst in a primary fluidized bed reaction zone under high temperature dehydrogenation conditions to obtain an intermediate product comprising oligomerizble olefinic hydrocarbons and aromatics; and then contacting in a second step the intermediate product with a siliceous zeolite catalyst in a secondary fluidized bed reaction zone under low temperature oligomerization conditions to obtain a final product comprising gasoline boiling range aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Mohsen N. Harandi