Patent ID: 8481797

Claim:
A process for maximizing high-value aromatics production comprising light cycle oil to xylenes conversion utilizing stabilized crude benzene withdrawal, the process comprising the steps of: separating aromatic reactor effluent comprising a C 5− fraction and a C 6 to C 10 fraction into a benzene-rich stream and at least one liquid stream and at least one vapor stream depleted in benzene, one of the liquid streams depleted in benzene comprising a benzene-depleted C 6− fraction; removing at least a portion of the C 5− fraction from the benzene-rich stream wherein separation of the benzene rich stream maximizes production of the high-value mixed xylenes; and recycling the benzene-depleted vapor stream through a sponge absorber system in a hydrocracking fractionation system of the aromatics production process to recover substantially benzene-free fuel gas.