Aromatic Compound Processing With C10 Bleed Stream Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds to mono-aromatic compounds face inefficiencies due to the buildup of C10 aromatic compounds, which are not effectively converted and can hinder the process if recycled, necessitating a new approach to separate and manage these compounds.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a hydrocarbon feed, hydrogen, and a recycle stream is processed in a reactor to form a reactor effluent, which is then separated into streams containing C6-C9, C10, and C11+ aromatic compounds, with the C10 stream being removed as a bleed stream to prevent buildup and the C11+ stream being recycled, while C9+ compounds are converted to mono-aromatics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If C10 aromatic compounds are recycled in the hydrodearylation system, then the recycle stream maintains consistency, but C10 compounds build up in the system and are not converted to mono-aromatic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts C10 aromatic compounds from the recycle stream by implementing a three-stream separation system that divides the effluent into C6-C9 stream, C10 stream, and C11+ stream. The C10 stream is removed as a separate product or waste stream, preventing it from being recycled back into the reactor where it would accumulate and interfere with mono-aromatic production.
2Productivity
If a separation unit is added to separate C10 aromatic compounds, then C10 buildup is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aromatic compound separation into three distinct streams based on carbon number: C6-C9 stream, C10 stream, and C11+ stream. This segmentation allows each stream to be handled differently - C6-C9 and C11+ can be recycled while C10 is removed - thereby preventing C10 accumulation without requiring an overly complex single-stage separation system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the conversion of alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds to mono-aromatic compounds by preventing the accumulation of C10 compounds and optimizing the recycling of C11+ compounds, thereby improving the efficiency and yield of mono-aromatic production.
Implementation Method 1
conversion of an alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds to mono-aromatic compounds in the presence of hydrogen (sometimes referred to as hydrodearylation)
Implementation Method 2
passing the reactor effluent to a separation unit to form a first separated stream comprising at least 90 wt. % of one or more C6-C9 aromatic compounds, a second separated stream comprising at least 90 wt. % of one or more C11+ aromatic compounds, and a third separated stream comprising at least 90 wt. % of C10 aromatic compounds
Data Source
AI summary
Aromatic compounds may be processed by a method that may include passing a hydrocarbon feed, hydrogen, and a recycle stream to a reactor and forming a reactor effluent. The recycle stream may include at least 90 wt. % of one or more C11+ aromatic compounds, wherein one or more of C11+ aromatic compounds are alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds. A portion of the alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds may be converted to mono-aromatic compounds in the reactor. The reactor effluent may be passed to a separation unit to form a first separated stream including at least 90 wt. % of one or more C6-C9 aromatic compounds, a second separated stream including at least 90 wt. % of one or more C11+ aromatic compounds, and a third separated stream including at least 90 wt. % of C10 aromatic compounds. The second separated stream may be split into a first portion and a second portion. The recycle stream may consist of the second portion of the second separated stream, and the second portion of the second separated stream may include from 5 wt. % to 95 wt. % of the second separated stream.