gt-tolalk - energy services | gtc technology · as the growth of the paraxylene (px) market...
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Rethinking Aromatics Recovery Low-cost raw material for PX manufacture production
GT-TolAlkSM
Engineered to Innovate®
GT-TolAlkRethinking Aromatics Recovery
Engineered to Innovate
As the growth of the paraxylene (PX) market continues to be driven by increasing global demand, PX prices and margins remain strong and are expected to remain healthy over the next several years. Toluene methylation is an e� ective and economical solution to maximize PX yields by adding the methyl group from low-cost methanol to the aromatic ring. GTC’s expanding technology portfolio introduces GT-TolAlk, a new way to derive PX while eliminating benzene production.
Process Overview� e feedstock, consisting of methanol and toluene, is processed in the toluene methylation reaction section where the toluene is alkylated into xylenes. � e reactor e� uent is processed in the fractionation section to produce the mixed xylene product. Unconverted toluene is separated and recycled back to the reaction section. C9+ aromatics fraction is also produced and separated, and is available as feedstock to the transalkylation unit, as the C9+ cut is rich in tri-methyl benzene.
Concept of Toluene MethylationTraditional toluene-based PX technologies involve re-arrangement of the alkyl groups though various methods. Benzene is the typical by-product due to insu� cient methyl groups compared to phenyl groups. By adding methyl groups to the aromatic ring, GT-TolAlk replenishes the methyl group shortage to yield more xylene over benzene. Figure 1 shows the chemistry of the toluene methylation reaction.
Process Advantages• Simple � xed-bed, low-pressure process
• No hydrogen needed
• High production capacity
• E� ective addition of methyl group to aromatic ring
• Very low EB in C8 aromatics; higher PX content compared to reformate xylenes
• Potential for zero benzene by-product
EconomicsFor a feed rate of 400 KTA, the estimated investment cost is $40MM USD for the reaction section and post fractionation units. Net operating pro� t is projected to be $37MM/yr.
Simple return on investment (ROI) is around 13 months.
� e GT-TolAlk process yields 389 KTA xylenes and 469 KTA methylated aromatics from 400 KTA toluene.
Figure 1 – Reaction Chemistry.
SM
Toluene Methanol Xylenes+ Water+
GTC Technology 900 Threadneedle St., Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77079 Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free [email protected] | www.gtctech.com
GTC Technology
Engineered to InnovateTo learn more about GTC Technology’s leading-edge technology solutions and the many ways we can help improve your operations and pro� tability, call us today at +1-281-597-4800, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our Web site at http://www.gtctech.com.
GT-TolAlkSM is a service mark of GTC Technology US, LLC.
Figure 2 – Simpli� ed Process Scheme.
O� Gas
Light Ends
Waste Water
Mixed Xylenes toParaxylene Unit
C9+ Aromatics toTransalkylation
Separator
Stabilizer
Post-fractionation
Recycle Toluene
Toluene
Methanol
Reactor
Simple, �xed-bed design with no hydrogen compressor or circulation
Engineered to Innovate
GTC Technology 900 Threadneedle St., Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77079 Main +1-281-597-4800 Toll Free [email protected] | www.gtctech.com
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GTC Technology is a global licensor of process technologies and mass transfer solutions with the mission of creating value for our clients. Re� ning, petrochemical and chemical companies around the world rely on GTC’s advanced processes to optimize production capacity and e� ciency. With insightful industry expertise, research capabilities and innovative thinking, GTC solves complex processing problems and has earned a reputation of excellence in designing and delivering high-quality, strategic solutions for clients worldwide. We’re engineered to innovate.
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