Simultaneous De-aromatized Kerosene and BTX Production via Extractive Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient and simultaneous process to produce high-value low aromatic solvents and high-value BTX from low-value refinery hydrocarbons, as existing methods are costly and involve separate pathways.
Innovation Solution
A process involving contacting a hydrocarbon feed with a solvent selected from alkyl aromatic hydrophilic polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycols, and combinations thereof to obtain an aromatic lean stream and an aromatic rich stream, which are then further processed to produce de-aromatized kerosene and BTX.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional separate pathways are used to produce low aromatic solvents and BTX, then production cost increases and process complexity increases, but aromatic reduction efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate production pathways (low aromatic solvent production and BTX production) into a single integrated process. Aromatic-rich hydrocarbon feed is simultaneously contacted with extractive distillation agents to produce low aromatic solvents and with catalysts to produce BTX, achieving both products in one operation rather than through separate sequential processes
Solution Approach 2:
The process employs multi-functional reagents that serve dual purposes: extractive distillation agents (such as sulfolane, γ-butyrolactone, or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) that both extract aromatics to produce low aromatic solvents and facilitate BTX production, while catalysts (such as zeolites or metal-complex catalysts) that simultaneously catalyze aromatic conversion and enable product separation
2Manufacturing precision
If existing separate processes are used, then process cost increases, but aromatic reduction efficiency remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The process achieves high aromatic reduction efficiency (80-95%) by optimizing critical parameters including the ratio of hydrocarbon feed to extractive distillation agent (1:1 to 1:5), temperature (50-150°C), and pressure (1-10 atm). These parameter optimizations enable superior aromatic removal while maintaining cost-effectiveness through efficient mass transfer and reaction conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are employed, then equipment investment increases, but production flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The process employs dynamic, adjustable parameters including variable feed rates, adjustable temperature and pressure conditions, and flexible catalyst/extractive agent combinations, enabling the same integrated unit to produce different product ratios and types (low aromatic solvents, BTX, or both simultaneously) based on market demand without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each product
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 process achieves a high aromatic reduction efficiency of 80-90% in the aromatic lean stream, producing de-aromatized kerosene with monoaromatic hydrocarbons in the range of 30-190 ppm, and BTX with an aromatic content of 40-95 wt%, from low-value refinery hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the hydrocarbon feed with a solvent selected from a group consisting of alkyl aromatic hydrophilic polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycols, and combinations thereof to obtain an aromatic lean stream and an aromatic rich stream
Implementation Method 2
hydrogenating the aromatic lean stream to obtain de-aromatized kerosene (DAK)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a process for obtaining an aromatic lean stream and an aromatic rich stream from a hydrocarbon feed, the process comprising: (a) obtaining a hydrocarbon feed; and (b) contacting the hydrocarbon feed with a solvent selected from a group consisting of alkyl aromatic hydrophilic polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycols, and combinations thereof to obtain an aromatic lean stream and an aromatic rich stream. It further discloses a simultaneous process to obtain an aromatic lean stream and an aromatic rich stream. The present disclosure also discloses a process for obtaining de-aromatized kerosene from a hydrocarbon feed. Additionally, the present disclosure discloses a process for obtaining BTX from a hydrocarbon feed.