To produce high yields of benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX) and hydrogen from hydrotreated naphtha via the CCR Aromizing process coupled with RegenC continuous catalyst regeneration technology. Benzene and toluene cuts are fed directly to an aromatics extractive distillation unit. The xylenes fraction is obtained by fractionation. Depending on capacity and operation severity, implementation of an Arofining reactor aiming at the selective hydrogenation of diolefins and olefins can represent a valuable option to reduce clay usage.
This process features moving bed reactors and a continuous catalyst regeneration system. Feed enters the reactor (1), passes radially through the moving catalyst bed, exits at the reactor bottom and proceeds in the same manner through the 2–3 remaining reactors (2). The robust (latest generation AR 701 and 707) catalyst smoothly moves downward through each reactor.
Leaving the reactor, the catalyst is gas-lifted to the next reactor’s feed hopper where it is distributed for entry. The catalyst exiting the last reactor is lifted to the regeneration section with an inert gas lift system, thus isolating the process side from the regeneration section.
The coked catalyst is regenerated across the RegenC section (3). Coke burning and noble metal redispersion on the catalyst are managed under carefully controlled conditions. Catalyst chemical and mechanical properties are maintained on the long term. Regenerated catalyst is lifted back to the inlet of the first reactor; the cycle begins again.
A recovery system (4) separates hydrogen for use in downstream units, and the Aromizate is sent to a stabilization section. The unit is fully automated and operating controls are integrated into a distributed control system (DCS), requiring only a minimum of supervisory and maintenance efforts.
Licensor: Axens
