Aromatic Extraction Unit with Isomerization for Para-Xylene Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aromatic complexes face limitations in maximizing the production of high-value aromatics like para-xylene and benzene from feedstocks, particularly in upgrading streams from liquid-liquid extraction processes, leading to suboptimal yields and losses of aromatic rings.
Innovation Solution
A device and process incorporating a liquid-liquid extraction unit, catalytic reforming unit, feedstock separation, fractionation train, xylenes separation, and isomerization unit, utilizing a polar solvent and specific operating conditions to enhance the separation and conversion of aromatic compounds, producing a stream enriched in para-xylene and benzene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional aromatic complex processing is used, then the production of aromatics is maintained at conventional levels, but the yield of high-value products like para-xylene and benzene is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-separating and concentrating aromatic compounds from the feedstock before they enter the main aromatic complex processing units. The liquid-liquid extraction unit and fractionation train perform this preliminary separation, enriching the aromatic stream to optimize subsequent conversion to high-value products like para-xylene and benzene, thereby increasing overall yield without requiring changes to the core processing chemistry.
2Device complexity
If liquid-liquid extraction streams are directly fed to aromatic complex, then processing is simplified, but aromatic ring losses occur and production is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fractionation train between the liquid-liquid extraction unit and the aromatic complex. This intermediary system separates and concentrates aromatic compounds from non-aromatic components, creating an optimized feed stream that reduces aromatic ring losses when entering the aromatic complex. The fractionation train acts as a mediator that protects aromatic integrity while maintaining processing efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the separation of aromatic compounds is achieved, but the concentration and purity of aromatic streams is insufficient for optimal conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the separation process into multiple stages: initial liquid-liquid extraction to separate aromatics from non-aromatics, followed by a fractionation train that further separates aromatic compounds based on their volatility and chemical properties. This multi-stage segmentation achieves both high concentration and high purity of aromatic streams, enabling optimal conversion to high-value products while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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
The solution significantly increases the production of para-xylene and benzene by upgrading streams from liquid-liquid extraction, reducing aromatic ring losses and improving the yield of high-value products, with a relative increase in products/feedstock yield of up to 7% compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-liquid extraction unit suitable for: extracting aromatics from a second hydrocarbon feedstock comprising aromatic compounds; and producing a first extract and a first raffinate
Implementation Method 2
a catalytic reforming unit suitable for: treating a first feedstock comprising naphthas in the presence of a reforming catalyst; and producing at least one reforming effluent comprising hydrocarbon compounds having 6 to 10 carbon atoms
Implementation Method 3
the isomerization of aromatic compounds containing 8 carbon atoms, denoted A8 compounds, making it possible to convert ortho-xylene and meta-xylene into para-xylene
Implementation Method 4
The top stream from this column, which contains the C8 aromatic isomers (i.e. A8 isomers), is subsequently sent to the process for separation of the para-xylene
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a production and separation device and method wherein: a reforming effluent (40) is produced and fractionated in a separation unit (1) and a fractionation train (5-6-7) for extracting benzene (22), toluene (23), xylenes (24) and C9-10 aromatics; aromatics are extracted from a feedstock (41) in a liquid-liquid extraction unit (14) to produce a first raffinate (43) and a first extract (42), the first extract (42) being sent to a benzene-toluene fractionation device (5); the xylenes are separated in a xylene separation unit (10) to produce a second extract (31) containing para-xylene, and a second raffinate (32) containing ortho-xylene and meta-xylene; and the second raffinate is isomerised in an isomerisation unit (11) so as to produce an isomerate (34) enriched in para-xylene sent to a fractionation train (5-6-7).