Aromatization Processes Using Both Fresh and Regenerated Catalysts, and Related Multi-Reactor Systems

An aromatization process comprising:

• (i) introducing a first hydrocarbon feed into at least one first reactor vessel comprising a first aromatization catalyst, and contacting the first hydrocarbon feed with the first aromatization catalyst under first reforming conditions to produce a first aromatic product;
• wherein:
• the first aromatization catalyst comprises platinum and a first catalyst support, the first aromatization catalyst characterized by:
• a first surface area in a range from about 80 m2/g to about 150 m2/g;
• and/or a first micropore volume in a range from about 0.01 cc/g to about 0.048 cc/g;
• (ii) discharging a first effluent comprising the first aromatic product from the at least one first reactor vessel;
• (iii) heating the first effluent to form a second hydrocarbon feed;
• (iv) introducing the second hydrocarbon feed into at least one second reactor vessel comprising a second aromatization catalyst, and contacting the second hydrocarbon feed with the second aromatization catalyst under second reforming conditions to produce a second aromatic product;
• wherein:
• the second aromatization catalyst comprises platinum and a second catalyst support, the second aromatization catalyst characterized by:
• a second surface area in a range from about 160 m2/g to about 260 m2/g;
• and/or
• a second micropore volume in a range from about 0.05 cc/g to about 0.09 cc/g;
• and
• (v) discharging a second effluent comprising the second aromatic product from the at least one second reactor vessel, wherein:
• the first aromatization catalyst is a regenerated catalyst;
• the first aromatization catalyst has a lower platinum dispersion than that of the second aromatization catalyst and
• the first aromatization catalyst has an aromatics selectivity that is substantially the same as or better than that of the second aromatization catalyst.