Removal of feed treatment units in aromatics complex designs

#The technical field generally relates to apparatuses and processes for producing xylene isomers in an aromatics complex. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to removal of olefin removal units in an aromatics complex producing para-xylene.

#Most new aromatics complexes are designed to maximize the yield of benzene and C8 aromatic isomer (para-xylene, meta-xylene, ethylbenzene and ortho-xylene). Para-xylene, meta-xylene and ortho-xylene, are important intermediates which find wide and varied application in chemical syntheses. Para-xylene upon oxidation yields terephthalic acid which is used in the manufacture of synthetic textile fibers and resins. Meta-xylene is used in the manufacture of plasticizers, azo dyes, wood preservers, etc. Ortho-xylene is feedstock for phthalic anhydride production. The distribution of xylene isomers from catalytic reforming and other sources generally does not match that of the sought isomers for chemical intermediates and thus the producer converts the feedstocks to generate more of the sought isomers in the aromatics complexes.

#The production of xylenes is practiced commercially in large-scale facilities and is highly competitive. Concerns exist not only about the effective conversion of feedstock through one or more of isomerization, transalkylation and disproportionation to product xylenes, but also other competitive aspects with respect to such facilities including capital costs and energy costs.

#The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following FIGURES, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an aromatics complex according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

#FIG. 2 illustrates an aromatics complex according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

#As used herein, the term “stream” can include various hydrocarbon molecules and other substances.

#As used herein, the term “stream”, “feed”, “product”, “part” or “portion” can include various hydrocarbon molecules, such as straight-chain and branched alkanes, naphthenes, alkenes, alkadienes, and alkynes, and optionally other substances, such as gases, e.g., hydrogen, or impurities, such as heavy metals, and sulfur and nitrogen compounds. Each of the above may also include aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons.