Revamping an Existing Aromatics Complex with Simulated Moving-Bed Reactor for p-Xylene Production

Abstract

A simulated moving-bed reactor (SMBR) for the production of p-xylene is studied as part of a proposal to modify an existing aromatics complex in order to increase the production of benzene and p-xylene. The proposed complex includes a single-stage crystallization unit to further purify high p-xylene streams from a selective toluene disproportionation and said SMBR units. Mass balances for two cases are estimated, namely, the current flow of reformate fed to the complex and a twofold flow. Results show significant increases of benzene and p-xylene for both cases compared to the current production of the complex.