Abstract: A process for the nonoxidative dehydrogenation of an alkylaromatic feed stream wherein the feed stream is passed through a radial reactor containing nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts, wherein the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts are arranged in vertically layered beds within the radial reactor, and wherein the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts include at least a first and a second nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalyst, wherein at least one of the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts has a different performance and/or operating characteristic than at least one of the other nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts.

Abstract: The performance of an endothermic catalytic dehydrogenation process is increased without requiring additional catalyst regeneration and reheat air flow and compression by partially prereacting the preheated hydrocarbon feed and then reheating the partially dehydrogenated effluent from the prereactor to the same hydrocarbon preheat temperature prior to the main catalytic reactor. The preferable source of the heat for reheating is the effluent air from the reheat and regeneration of the catalyst in the main reactor. This same effluent air is used to regenerate the catalyst in the prereactor as needed.

Abstract: The fouling in a styrene production process involving the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene is reduced by removing polymerizable components of the gaseous dehydrogenation effluent prior to the condensation of the effluent in the main condenser system. This involves the scrubbing of the gaseous effluent with organic condensate from the main condenser system to remove styrene, divinylbenzene and other polymer precursors which may be present and sometimes some of the ethylbenzene. The scrubber may include a reboiler and stripping section and function as a full fractionator thereby reducing the need for downstream distillation.

Abstract: A process for producing styrene by oxidative dehydrogentation of ethylbenzene, wherein the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene is conducted through at least the following steps (1) to (3), whereby styrene can be produced in a high yield by controlling the lowering of the selectivity of an oxidation catalyst in hydrogen oxidation by removing an alkaline substance contained in the reaction mixture to be fed to step (2) beforehand: step (1): a step of dehydrogenating ethylbenzene in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst to obtain a reaction mixture containing styrene and hydrogen; step (2): a step of bringing the reaction mixture into contact with an oxidation catalyst to selectively oxidize the hydrogen contained in the mixture, thereby forming water; step (3): a step of bringing the oxidized mixture into contact with a dehydrogenation catalyst to dehydrogenate the unreacted ethylbenzene contained in the mixture, thereby obtaining styrene.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in which a feedstock containing ethylbenzene and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogehation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting styrene product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: A improved hydrocarbon conversion process, comprising applying a plating, cladding, paint or other coating to at least a portion of a hydrocarbon conversion reactor system which is used to convert hydrocarbons to products in the presence of steam, said coating being effective to reduce the amount of undesirable by-products in said process; and operating the hydrocarbon conversion process at a steam to hydrocarbon ratio that is lower than the steam to hydrocarbon ratio at which said process was operated prior to applying said coating. Preferred hydrocarbon conversion process includes steam cracking of hydrocarbons to produce ethylene and dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene.

Abstract: A fixed particle bed in a vessel wherein the bed is a structured bed in a plurality of flow channels with the cross-section of the bed in each channel being from 1 to 20 particles, more preferably 1 to 10 particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of aromatic compounds from a hydrocarbon fraction with a catalyst the preferably circulates in a moving bed. In the process, a hydrocarbon feedstock that is treated by a hydrogen-rich gas is transformed. In a particular embodiment, regenerative reforming is conducted, such as for production of BTX (butene, toluene, xylenes) with continuous regeneration of the catalyst. The invention also pertains to the related device for carrying out the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a layered catalyst composition, a process for preparing the composition and processes for using the composition. The catalyst composition comprises an inner core such as alpha-alumina, and an outer layer bonded to the inner core composed of an outer refractory inorganic oxide such as gamma-alumina. The outer layer has uniformly dispersed thereon a platinum group metal such as platinum and a promoter metal such as tin. The composition also contains a modifier metal such as lithium. The catalyst composition shows improved durability and selectivity for dehydrogenating hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds having the formula: in which R is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, preferably hydrogen and Y is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, CF3, halogen (F, Cl, Br or I) or SO3M in which M is H, Na, K, Ca, Mg, ammonium, mono-, di-, tri- or tetra-C1-C4alkylammonium, mono-, di- or tri-hydroxyalkylammonium or ammonium that is di- or tri-substituted with a mixture of C1-C4alkyl and C1-C4hydroxyalkyl groups; a process for their production; and their use as intermediates in the production of asymmetric or symmetric fluorescent whitening agents.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are disclosed for the distillation separation of styrene monomer from ethylbenzene utilizing a split feed to two distillation columns in conjunction with cascade reboiling utilizing thermal energy from the overhead of one column to supply heat to the second.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for contacting reactants with a particulate catalyst while indirectly heating the reactants with a heat exchange medium improves temperature control by using an intermediate heat exchange fluid and system to prevent overheating of reactants and maintain parallel heating characteristics through multiple reaction-heat exchange zones. The internal flow path minimizes the circulation of the reaction zone heat exchange fluid by incorporating interstage reheating of the reaction zone heat exchange fluid as it passes in series flow. A particularly useful application of the process and apparatus is in the dehydrogenation of ethyl benzene to produce styrene. The process and apparatus can also be used with simultaneous exchange of catalyst particles by an operation that restricts reactant flow while moving catalyst through reaction stacks in which the reactant flow has been restricted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for dehydrogenating ethylbenzene into styrene which method and apparatus eliminate the need for multiple reactors and preheaters by providing a single compact reactor which utilizes the principle of ascending-heat thermal reactor by having an internal heat source such as gas heaters or electric elements.

Abstract: A catalytic material is provided which effectuates the aromatization, reformation, and dehydrogenation of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and mixtures of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises an L-zeolite associated with a Group VIII metal such as platinum and having a rare earth metal ion incorporated therein. A method of using the catalytic material is also provided.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a catalyst for enhancing the conversion of the dehydrogenation reaction of aromatic hydrocarbons such as ethylbenzene under a flow of carbon dioxide, which is expressed by the following formula I, wherein a catalyst in which an active component of iron oxides is highly dispersed onto a zeolite, activated charcoal, .gamma.-alumina or silica carrier. Further, the invention relates to a dehydrogenation method of aromatic hydrocarbons by means of using said catalyst:(Fe.sup.II.sub.x Fe.sup.III.sub.y O.sub.z)/S (I)wherein S denotes a zeolite, activated charcoal, .gamma.-alumina or silica carrier, and the initial state of iron oxide is as follows:x=0.

Abstract: Alkenylaromatics are produced by catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of alkylaromatics employing a redox catalyst which is bismuth oxide, in combination with an additive compound of an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, on a titanium diooxide carrier. In a first reaction step, an alkylaromatic starting material is oxidatively dehydrogenated with the redox catalyst in the absence of molecular oxygen with attending reduction of the redox catalyst. In a second reaction step, the reduced redox catalyst is reoxidized with an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering styrene from a feedstock containing at least styrene, ethylbenzene, and one or more aromatic or non-aromatic hydrocarbon compounds which includes separating said feedstock into a first stream relatively more concentrated in styrene than said feedstock and a second stream relatively more concentrated in ethylbenzene than said feedstock, recovering styrene from said first stream to produce a styrene product stream, dehydrogenating the ethylbenzene of said second stream to produce additional styrene, and recovering said additional styrene. The feedstock may be separated into said first and second streams by a process selected from the class consisting of extractive distillation, azeotropic distillation, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, chemical complex formation, membrane separation, and combinations thereof, and the additional styrene may be recovered by recycling it into said feedstock.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene with input of heat by a heat-transfer medium on a dehydrogenation catalyst which is essentially located in a tube bundle, wherein the heat-transfer medium flows countercurrently to the reaction mixture in the region of the tube bundle, and, if required, another reaction chamber is located downstream of the tube bundle and is provided with a catalyst for adiabatic reaction.

Abstract: Carburization and metal-dusting while hydrodealkylating a hydrodealkylatable hydrocarbon are reduced even in the substantial absence of sulfur.

Abstract: An iron oxide catalyst for dehydrogenation of an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, wherein the catalyst is produced by adding potassium oxide to an iron oxide. The catalyst contains potassium ferrite. The catalyst has a ratio of a pore volume having a pore diameter of from 20 to 100 nm to a pore volume having a pore diameter of from 0 to 100 nm of between 0.7 and 9.0. The catalyst exhibits an excellent initial activity and has a substantially long catalyst life.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the polymerization of vinyl aromatics such as styrene with a mixture of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylbenzyl amine and carboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof, in the presence of air or oxygen. The weight ratio of said 3,5-Di-tert-butylhydroxy-N,N-dimethylbenzyl amine, carboxylic acid (or carboxylic acid anhydride) and the air is 1:1 to 0.05:0.05 to 15, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for regenerating and/or stabilizing the activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst used in dehydrogenating an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon to obtain an alkenylaromatic hydrocarbon, the method comprising the steps of continuously or intermittently adding to a reactant stream an effective amount of an alkali metal or alkali metal compound without interrupting the dehydrogenation reaction.

Abstract: A novel, packed-bed, reverse flow reactor is provided for the endothermic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene. The catalyst bed is flanked by inert end sections to prevent the occurrence of the reverse reaction. Ethylbenzene vapor is added at one end of the reactor while superheated steam is added concurrently at a downstream location. The flow direction is periodically reversed by alternating the ethylbenzene introduction between the reactor ends and the steam introduction between axially symmetric locations away from the reactor ends. Employing a steam to ethylbenzene feed ratio of 8:1 to 10.2:1 (as compared to 12:1 to 17:1 employed during conventional adiabatic operation), it is shown that the proposed reverse flow operation produces reactor temperatures that are hundreds of degrees higher than the mixing cup temperature of the feed streams.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vapor phase process for the production of an alkyl styrene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of tertiary butylethylbenzene in the presence of catalysts containing iron oxides under conditions which minimize the undesirable thermal degradation of the raw material and the product while maintaining good yield and selectivity with low production of by-products. Specifically, it has been discovered that these desired results may be obtained by conducting the subject reaction at relatively low temperatures of between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1100.degree. F. and by maintaining a low partial pressure (i.e., not greater than about 0.5 psi) of the alkyl ethylbenzene in the reaction mixture. The desired partial pressure of the alkyl ethylbenzene is obtained by carrying out the catalytic reaction at a pressure of between about 1 psia and about 30 psia with steam as a diluent, the weight ratio of steam to alkyl ethylbenzene being between about 3 and about 30.

Abstract: Alkylaromatic hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated into alkenylaromatic hydrocarbons by contacting them in the absence of molecular oxygen with a supported catalyst of the redox type wherein the metal in the catalyst is at a valency such that it is not in its most reduced state, and the catalyst is regenerated before being contacted with fresh feed.

Abstract: In the production of styrene, spontaneous polymerization of styrene monomer causes reduced efficiency and as such it is desirable to prevent the formation of polymer by the addition of inhibitors. A known inhibiting composition is 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylbenzyl amine and carboxylic acid, or an anhydride of said carboxylic acid which is added to a styrene-containing mixture. However large quantities are required and often portions of the inhibiting composition are not utilized resulting in nonproductive loss. The efficiency of the specific inhibitor can be improved by supplying air simultaneously with the inhibiting composition in a weight ratio of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylbenzyl amine to carboxylic acid to air, said ratio being 1:1-0.05:0.05-15.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for regenerating and/or stabilizing the activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst used in dehydrogenating an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon to obtain an alkenylaromatic hydrocarbon, the method comprising the steps of continuously or intermittently adding to a reactant stream an effective amount of an alkali metal compound without interrupting the dehydrogenation reaction.

Abstract: A process for co-production of an alkenyl aromatic compound such as, for example, styrene and t-butylstyrene, and an oxygenated sulfur-containing compound such as, for example, a sulfoxide or a sulfone is disclosed which comprises: (1) contacting, in the presence or absence of a catalyst, an .alpha.-methyl benzylic hydroperoxide with an organic sulfide compound to produce a mixture of an .alpha.-methyl benzylic hydroxide and an oxygenated sulfur-containing compound; (2) separating the .alpha.-methyl benzylic hydroxide from the sulfur-containing compound; (3) contacting the .alpha.-methyl benzylic hydroxide with a base to convert the .alpha.-methyl benzylic hydroxide to the alkenyl aromatic compound; and optionally, (4) recovering the alkenyl aromatic compound from the oxygenated sulfur-containing compound. The sulfoxide produced can be oxidized to a sulfone. The contacting of the .alpha.-methyl benzylic hydroxide with a base can also be carried out before the .alpha.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high-purity p-isobutylstyrene is here disclosed which comprises the first step of reacting o- and/or m-isobutylethylbenzene, if necessary, together with isobutylbenzene, in the presence of an acid catalyst in a liquid phase at a reaction temperature of -10.degree. to 600.degree. C. so that the production of sec-butylethylbenzene in butylethylbenzene may not exceed 20% by weight, in order to form a mixture of p-isobutylethylbenzene and sec-butylethylbenzene; and the second step of bringing the mixture of p-isobutylethylbenzene and sec-butylethylbenzene recovered from the first step into contact with a dehydrogenation metal catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the groups Ib, IIb, VIa, VIIa and VIII of the periodic table at a reaction temperature of 300.degree. to 650.degree. C. under a reaction pressure of 50 kg/cm.sup.2 or less in a gaseous phase.

Abstract: In the recovery of dehydrogenation oil from the reaction product gas from the vapor-phase catalytic dehydrogenation of diethylbenzene by condensing the gas in a condenser, this invention relates to a process for preparing divinylbenzene by spraying a high-boiling oil or a high-boiling oil and water inside the condenser and letting the oil or the oil and water contact the reaction product gas and the process is capable of dehydrogenating diethylbenzene at high levels of conversion and selectivity without blocking of the condenser and yielding divinylbenzene of high concentration efficiently in a long-term stable continuous operation.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a preshaped porous support material having applied thereto in finely divided form an active compound chosen from at least one compound of vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc, and optionally a promoter chosen from at least an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound, method for the preparation thereof and use thereof in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electroless process for making a catalyst in a liquid or gaseous medium comprising contacting a base metal with a chemical cleaning agent and simultaneously or sequentially treating said base metal under reducing conditions with a noble metal-containing material, the catalyst prepared using the process, and a method of using the catalyst.

Abstract: In a multi-step process, dixylylpropane is obtained inter alia via the hitherto unknown 1,2-dimethyl-4-(.alpha.-chloroisopropyl)benzene, the readily accessible compounds o-xylene and propene being employed as starting compounds. The process yields the desired compound in high yield and isomer purity and is distinguished by a small amount of by-products. It is therefore particularly suitable for further processing without problems. The process involves the sequence of (a) Friedel-Crafts alkylation of ortho-xylene with propylene, (b) dehydrogenation of the isoproplyxlene into isopropenylxylene, (c) which is then hydrochlorinated into chloroisopropylxylene, (d) and then alkylated with a second ortho-xylene modecule to obtain the final product dixylylpropane.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing 2-methylnaphthalene by isomerization of 1-methylnaphthalene in which a Y zeolite having a unit cell constant of less than or equal to 24.37 .ANG. (10.sup.-10 m) is used as an isomerization catalyst.Since the isomerization is effected by the use of the inventive heterogeneous solid catalyst which has a long catalyst life, 2-methylnaphthalene is produced from 1-methylnaphthalene efficiently with less cost and handling steps for regeneration or exchange of the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the dehydrogenation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbons at dehydrogenation conditions with a pillared mica catalyst which contains an active metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Cr and mixtures thereof, and a first modifier metal selected from the group consisting of Sn, Ga and mixtures thereof. The micas may also contain a second modifier metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and rare earth metals, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of extending the useful life of high temperature heat exchangers, e.g., reactor feed/effluent heat exchangers, in installations where the heat exchanger is contacted by a process fluid stream, e.g., a feedstock comprising ethylbenzene at a temperature where the process stream may cause deterioration of contacted metal surfaces of the heat exchanger and/or undergo catalytic reaction as a result of contact with the contacted metal surfaces. The new method comprises the step of mechanically removing material from those surfaces of the heat exchanger that are to be contacted by the process fluid stream, so as to render said surfaces less susceptible to attack from said high temperature process fluid stream.

Abstract: A process for selectively dehydrogenating organic compounds, and particularly for dehydrogenating dimethyltetralins to dimethylnaphthalenes, by contacting the organic compound at an elevated temperature with a catalyst prepared by treating a composition comprising an alumina support material and platinum group metal with an excess amount of an alkaline solution of an alkali metal salt.

Abstract: Catalyzed vapor-phase processes are taught for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower-alkyl-monosubstituted ethylbenzene to a lower-alkyl-monosubstituted styrene. Barium pyrophosphate and the pyrophosphate-containing calcination product of KFe.sub.3 H.sub.14 (PO.sub.4).sub.8.nH.sub.2 O, n running between about 1 to about 4, are shown to effectively catalyze these dehydrogenations at a low enough temperature such that very little cracking of the lower alkyl group occurs which gives superior conversions and selectivities to the corresponding styrenes and lengthened catalyst lifetime. An improved method of preparation of KFe.sub.3 H.sub.14 (PO.sub.4).nH.sub.2 O is described as well as the new material which is essentially KFe.sub.3 H.sub.6 (P.sub.2 O.sub.7).sub.4.

Abstract: A method for preparing one or more diemthylnaphthalenes from one or more dimethyltetralins, and optionally for preparing one or more other specific dimethylnaphthalenes by isomerization of the aforesaid dimethylnaphthalene(s) is disclosed.

Abstract: Toothed-wheel shaped particles are used as catalysts in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, particularly ethylbenzene to styrene.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing aluminum, boron, oxygen and at least one Group VIII metallo element, selected from the group consisting of cobalt and nickel is described. Also described in the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, the new materials having the general formula:(x) (M.sub.m :M'.sub.n)O.(y)Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.(z)B.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: An improved multistage ethylbenzene dehydrogenation process comprising feeding steam and a major fraction of a hydrocarbon feed to a first reactor and feeding a remaining minor fraction of the hydrocarbon feed and a product of the first reactor to a second reactor.

Abstract: A method for preparing one or more dimethylnaphthalenes from one or more dimethyltetralins, and optionally for preparing one or more other specific dimethylnaphthalenes by isomerization of the aforesaid dimethylnaphthal-dimethylnaphthalene(s) is disclosed.

Abstract: Non-acid microporous crystalline indium containing materials are combined with Group VIII metal such as platinum to produce catalysts which exhibit high selectivity for dehydrocyclization of C.sub.5.sup.+ paraffins and which exhibit little, if any, cracking activity for hexane and heptane.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing para-divinylbenzene by dehydrogenating para-diethylbenzene followed by crystallizing para-divinylbenzene. The para-diethylbenzene may be prepared by alkylating ethylbenzene with ethylene in the presence of a para-selective molecular sieve catalyst, such as ZSM-5 modified with an oxide of magnesium and, optionally, an oxide of phosphorus.

Abstract: A process for producing a high octane gasoline from a hydrocarbon feedstock in which the feedstock is contacted in the presence of hydrogen under hydrocracking conditions, preferably ammonia-rich hydrocracking conditions, with a hydrocracking catalyst comprising at least one hydrogenation metal component in combination with a cracking component. The preferred cracking components are Y zeolites and the catalyst preferably contains a nickel hydrogenation metal component, particularly in an amount greater than 13 weight percent, calculated as NiO. The catalyst may also contain a Group VIB metal component, such as a molybdenum component, particularly in a mole ratio greater than about 2 to 1, calculated as NiO to Group VIB metal trioxide. It has been found that such a process produces gasoline fractions having substantially increased research and motor octane numbers.

Abstract: The rate at which an oxygen-containing gas stream is admixed with hydrocarbons and hydrogen upstream of a catalytic hydrogen oxidation zone is controlled on the basis of temperature differentials across the oxidation zone and an upstream catalytic dehydrogenation zone. This control overrides the normal control mode based upon the outlet temperature of the oxidation zone effluent stream, which is the inlet temperature to a subsequent bed of hydrocarbon conversion catalyst. The control method can be used to apply oxidative reheat technology to a variety of processes.

Abstract: A moving-bed catalytic process is disclosed for converting C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 aliphatic hydrocarbons to high-octane gasoline. By controlling the reaction severity in sequential reaction zones, yield of high quality gasoline is increased.

Abstract: Magnesium-aluminum, hydrotalcite-type clay compositions containing large, pillaring organic, inorganic, and mixed organic/inorganic anions have been made. Heating of the mixed large organic/inorganic anion hydrotalcite-type clays can lead to substantially complete removal of the organic anions and a route to making large, inorganic-anion, hydrotalcite-type clays with more open galleries. These materials are shown to catalyze hydrocarbon conversion reactions.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a dehydrogenatable C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon which comprises the steps of: (a) passing a feed stream comprising the C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon into a dehydrogenation zone and through at least one bed of dehydrogenation catalyst maintained at dehydrogenation conditions and producing a dehydrogenation zone effluent stream comprising hydrogen, the C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon and a C.sub.2 -plus product hydrocarbon; (b) forming an oxidation catalyst bed feed stream by admixing an oxygen-containing stream with the dehydrogenation zone effluent stream; (c) passing the oxidation catalyst bed feed stream through a bed of hydrogen selective oxidation catalyst maintained at selective oxidation conditions and producing an oxidation zone effluent stream having a reduced concentration of hydrogen; and (d) recovering the product hydrocarbon from the oxidation zone effluent stream without contacting the oxidation zone effluent stream with dehydrogenation catalyst.