AM-07-40 Unlocking High Value Xylenes from Light Cycle Oil

Description:

The rapid expansion of world aromatics markets and the search for increased amounts of xylene feedstocks have been the driving forces at UOP to identify and develop the synergy between refining and petrochemicals for LCO. The result is a new process technology that produces high quality xylenes from LCO. This accomplishment has required advanced analytical capabilities to identify the aromatic building blocks in LCO _ techniques that go well beyond the basic physical and chemical properties required for most common refining and blending operations. This detailed knowledge of the feed properties, coupled with innovative flow schemes, optimized catalysts, and unique process conditions has resulted in a new technology that can allow significant added value to be captured from LCO. This paper discusses the development of this UOP process technology and illustrates how it can be used to generate additional revenue from LCO while meeting the needs of the aromatics industry.