Naphtha isomerization Isomate process

Xylenes. The main appHcation of xylene isomers, primarily p- and 0-xylenes, is in the manufacture of plasticizers and polyester fibers and resins. Demands for xylene isomers and other aromatics such as benzene have steadily been increasing over the last two decades. The major source of xylenes is the catalytic reforming of naphtha and the pyrolysis of naphtha and gas oils. A significant amount of toluene and Cg aromatics, which have lower petrochemical value, is also produced by these processes. More valuable p- or 0-xylene isomers can be manufactured from these low value aromatics in a process complex consisting of transalkylation, eg, the Tatoray process and Mobil s toluene disproportionation (M lDP) and selective toluene disproportionation (MSTDP) processes isomerization, eg, the UOP Isomar process (88) and Mobil s high temperature isomerization (MHTI), low pressure isomerization (MLPI), and vapor-phase isomerization (MVPI) processes (89) and xylene isomer separation, eg, the UOP Parex process (90). 

Par-Isom [Paraffin isomerization] A process for isomerizing light naphtha in order to improve the octane number. The proprietary catalyst was developed by Cosmo Oil Company and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the process was developed by UOP. The oxide catalyst is claimed to be more efficient than zeolite catalysts currently used for this process. 

Napththa Isomerization. The only commercial isomerization of light naphtha was carried out in two plants employing the isomate process developed by the Standard Oil Co. (Indiana) (20). In this process, a feed containing normal pentane and low octane number hexanes is converted to isopentane and to hexanes of higher octane number. Pentanes and hexanes in any ratio may be processed. By recycle of selected fractions of the product, concentrates of isopentane or of neohexane and diisopropyl can be obtained as the ultimate products. 

Sulfated zirconias, nowadays a well established class of acid solids first reported by Holm and Bailey [2], and systematically studied by Arata [3] and Tanabe et aL [4], are considered as potential alternative catalysts for the skeletal isomerization of n-butane. These catalysts have recently found a commercial application (Par-Isom Process of UOP) for the isomerization of light naphtha (Cs-Ce), but since they are less active than Pt-chlorinated aluminas, there is a real interest for improving their catalytic performance [5]. 

IsoSiv [Isomer separation by molecular sieves] A process for separating linear hydrocarbons from naphtha and kerosene petroleum fractions. It operates in the vapor phase and uses a modified 5A zeolite molecular sieve, which selectively adsorbs linear hydrocarbons, excluding branched ones. Developed by Union Carbide Corporation and widely licensed, now by UOP. The first plant was operated in Texas in 1961. By 1990, more than 30 units had been licensed worldwide. See also Total Isomerization. 

When naphtha or naphthenic gasoline fractions are catalytically reformed, they usually yield a Cx aromatics stream that is comprised of mixed xylenes and ethylbenzene. It is possible to separate the ethylbenzene and o-xylene by fractionation. It is uneconomic to separate the m- and p-xylenes in this manner because of the closeness of their boiling points. To accomplish the separation, a Werner-type complex for selective absoiption of p-xylene from the feed mixture may be used. Or, because of the widely different freezing points of the two xylene isomers, a process of fractional crystallization may be used. To boost the p-xylene yield, die filtrate from the crystallization step can be catalytically isomerized. 

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