Reactive Distillation Alkylation of Light Aromatics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel regulations limit benzene and light aromatics concentrations, necessitating the conversion of these hydrocarbons to heavier diesel range hydrocarbons, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with olefinic hydrocarbons in a reactive distillation system, where a hydrocarbon feed is separated in a distillation column, the aromatics/olefin stream is reacted in an alkylation reactor with a zeolite catalyst at controlled temperatures, and the reactor effluent is recycled to enhance product yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing separation and reaction technologies are used, then light aromatics can be processed, but effective conversion to heavier diesel range hydrocarbons cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines distillation separation and alkylation reaction into a single integrated reactive distillation column. The column simultaneously separates the hydrocarbon feed into light and heavy fractions while performing alkylation reaction in the lower section using a catalyst bed, producing heavier diesel range hydrocarbons from light aromatics in one continuous process unit
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive distillation column performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a separation unit for dividing the feed stream, a reaction vessel for alkylation in the lower section, and a product purification system. This multi-functional design enables effective conversion of light aromatics to heavier hydrocarbons while maintaining process efficiency
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 process effectively converts benzene and toluene into heavier aromatics, achieving significant conversion rates and product yields, thereby complying with tightening fuel regulations.
Implementation Method 1
charging a hydrocarbon feed to a distillation column for separation into at least one fraction
Implementation Method 2
charging the aromatics/olefin stream to an alkylation reactor, operated at a temperature in the range of from about 80°C to about 220°C., for alkylation of at least a portion of the aromatic hydrocarbons with the olefinic hydrocarbons
Data Source
AI summary
A process is disclosed for the alkylation of aromatics by charging a hydrocarbon feed containing aromatic hydrocarbons and olefinic hydrocarbons to a distillation column for separation into at least one fraction; removing an aromatics/olefin stream containing at least a portion of the aromatic hydrocarbons and at least a portion of the olefinic hydrocarbons; charging the aromatics/olefin stream to an alkylation reactor, operated at a temperature in the range of from about 80° C. to about 220° C., for alkylation of at least a portion of the aromatic hydrocarbons with the olefinic hydrocarbons; recycling at least a portion of the resulting reactor effluent to the distillation column; and removing a product stream containing alkylated aromatics from the distillation column.