Patent ID: 8680351
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A process for producing aromatics in the C6 to C8 range from a naphtha feedstream comprising: passing the feedstream to a first fractionation unit, thereby generating a first stream comprising light hydrocarbons, and a second stream comprising heavy hydrocarbons; passing the first stream to a first reformer, operated at a first set of reaction conditions, thereby generating a first reformer effluent stream; passing the second stream to a second reformer, operated at a second set of reaction conditions, thereby generating a second reformer effluent stream, wherein the second set of reaction conditions are less severe than the first set of reaction conditions, and wherein the first reaction conditions include a first temperature and the second set of reaction conditions includes a second temperature, and wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature, and wherein the first temperature is at least 560° C., and wherein the second temperature is less than 540° C., and wherein the pressure is less than 580 kPa (gauge); passing the second reformer effluent stream to the first reformer, thereby increasing the first reformer effluent stream; passing the first reformer effluent stream to an aromatics purification unit, thereby creating a purified aromatics stream comprising light aromatics, and a raffinate stream; and passing the raffinate stream to the first reformer; wherein the first reformer and the second reformer use a catalyst comprising a Group VIII noble metal on a support.