Patent ID: 7638666
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A continuous, integrated processes for preparing linear alkylbenzenes by the alkylation of benzene with olefin having between about 8 and 16 carbon atoms comprising: a. continuously supplying benzene and a mixture of said olefin to at least one alkylation zone at alkylation conditions including the presence of a catalytically effective amount of alkylation catalyst to provide an alkylation product containing alkylbenzene, dialkylbenzenes and unreacted benzene, wherein the olefin is a mixture of olefin and paraffin derived from the dehydrogenation of paraffin and a selective sorbent is used to remove aromatic compounds from the olefin and paraffin mixture; b. separating benzene from the alkylation product to provide a benzene-rich fraction, at least a portion of which is recycled to step (a) and a substantially benzene-free fraction, said fraction containing alkylbenzene, paraffin and dialkylbenzene; c. separating paraffin from said substantially benzene-free fraction to provide a paraffin-rich fraction and a substantially paraffin-free fraction containing alkylbenzene and dialkylbenzenes; d. separating alkylbenzene from said paraffin-free fraction to provide an alkylbenzene fraction and a heavies fraction containing dialkylbenzenes; e. providing benzene and at least a portion of the heavies fraction to at least one transalkylation zone wherein the molar ratio of benzene to dialkylbenzene is at least about 20:1, and at least a portion of the benzene is provided from a regeneration of the selective sorbent; f. maintaining said at least one transalkylation zone at transalkylation conditions comprising a catalytically effective amount of solid transalkylation catalyst to provide a transalkylation product in which at least about 20 mole percent of the dialkylbenzene in the portion of the feedstock provided to said reaction zone is converted to alkylbenzene; g. subjecting at least a portion of the transalkylation product to fractionation conditions to provide a lower boiling, benzene-rich fraction and a higher-boiling, alkyl substituted benzene-containing fraction; h. passing at least a portion of the benzene-rich fraction to at least one transalkylation zone as at least a portion of the benzene to said reaction zone; and i. passing at least a portion of the higher-boiling fraction of step (g) to step (b).