gt-tolalk - gtc technology us, llcthe gt-tolalk process yields 389 kta xylenes and 469 kta...
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Rethinking Aromatics Recovery Low-cost raw material for PX manufacture production
GT-TolAlkSM
Engineered to Innovate®
GT-TolAlkRethinking Aromatics Recovery
Engineered to Innovate
As the growth of the paraxylene (PX) market continues to be driven by increasing global demand, PX prices and margins remain strong and are expected to remain healthy over the next several years. Toluene methylation is an effective and economical solution to maximize PX yields by adding the methyl group from low-cost methanol to the aromatic ring. GTC’s expanding technology portfolio introduces GT-TolAlk, a new way to derive PX while eliminating benzene production.
Process OverviewThe feedstock, consisting of methanol and toluene, is processed in the toluene methylation reaction section where the toluene is alkylated into xylenes. The reactor effluent is processed in the fractionation section to produce the mixed xylene product. Unconverted toluene is separated and recycled back to the reaction section. C9+ aromatics fraction is also produced and separated, and is available as feedstock to the transalkylation unit, as the C9+ cut is rich in tri-methyl benzene.
Concept of Toluene MethylationTraditional toluene-based PX technologies involve re-arrangement of the alkyl groups though various methods. Benzene is the typical by-product due to insufficient methyl groups compared to phenyl groups. By adding methyl groups to the aromatic ring, GT-TolAlk replenishes the methyl group shortage to yield more xylene over benzene. Figure 1 shows the chemistry of the toluene methylation reaction.
Process Advantages• Simplefixed-bed,low-pressureprocess
• Nohydrogenneeded
• Highproductioncapacity
• Effectiveadditionofmethylgrouptoaromaticring
• VerylowEBinC8aromatics;higherPXcontentcompared to reformate xylenes
• Potentialforzerobenzeneby-product
EconomicsFor a feed rate of 400 KTA, the estimated investment costis$40MMUSDforthereactionsectionandpostfractionationunits.Netoperatingprofitisprojectedto be $37MM/yr.
Simplereturnoninvestment(ROI)isaround13months.
TheGT-TolAlkprocessyields389KTAxylenesand 469 KTA methylated aromatics from 400 KTA toluene.
GTC Technology 1001 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Houston, Texas 77077 USA Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free [email protected] | www.gtctech.com
Figure 1 – Reaction Chemistry.
SM
Toluene Methanol Xylenes+ Water+
GTC Technology
GTC Technology 1001 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Houston, Texas 77077 USA Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free [email protected] | www.gtctech.com
Engineered to InnovateTo learn more about GTC Technology’s leading-edge technology solutions and the many ways we can help improve youroperationsandprofitability,callustodayat+1-281-597-4800, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our Web site at http://www.gtctech.com. GT-TolAlkSM is a service mark of GTC Technology US, LLC.
Figure 2 – Simplified Process Scheme.
O� Gas
Light Ends
Waste Water
Mixed Xylenes toParaxylene Unit
C9+ Aromatics toTransalkylation
Separator
Stabilizer
Post-fractionation
Recycle Toluene
Toluene
Methanol
Reactor
Simple, �xed-bed design with no hydrogen compressor or circulation
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Engineered to Innovate®
GTC Technology is a global licensor of process technologies and mass transfer solutions with the mission of creating value for our clients. Refining, petrochemical and chemical companies around the world rely on GTC’s advanced processes to optimize production capacity and efficiency. With insightful industry expertise, research capabilities and innovative thinking, GTC solves complex processing problems and has earned a reputation of excellence in designing and delivering high-quality, strategic solutions for clients worldwide. We’re engineered to innovate.