Patent ID: 6118036
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
A process for isomerization comprising:a) introducing at least one normal or mono-methyl-branched alkane containing from about 6 to about 8 carbon atoms to a reaction zone to isomerize the normal or mono-methyl-branched alkane and form at least one multi-methyl-branched alkane, said reaction zone (I) operating under conditions effective for said isomerization, (II) containing a catalyst effective to catalyze said isomerization, (III) having a hydrogen atmosphere so that the mole ratio of hydrogen to hydrocarbon in the reaction zone is in the range of about 0.1 to about 2, and (IV) located between a first and a second adsorption zone;b) introducing a desorbent consisting of an alkane having from about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms to the first adsorption zone and withdrawing an effluent containing at least one multi-methyl-branched alkane from the second adsorption zone thereby directing a fluid flow from the first adsorption zone through the reaction zone and to the second adsorption zone, said first and second adsorption zones containing an adsorbent effective to selectively adsorb normal and mono methyl-branched alkanes relative to multi-methyl-branched alkanes;c) redirecting, after a period of time, the introduction of the desorbent to the second adsorption zone and concurrently moving the location of the withdrawal of the effluent to the first adsorption zone thereby redirecting the fluid flow from the second adsorption zone through the reaction zone and to the first adsorption zone; andd) continuing to alternate introducing the desorbent to the first adsorption zone and then the second adsorption zone while concurrently alternating withdrawing the effluent from the second adsorption zone and then the first adsorption zone thereby alternating the direction of the fluid flow through the adsorption zones and the reaction zone.