CATALYTIC HYDROCRACKING PROCESS CAN MAXIMIZE BENZENE FROM ALBERTA FEEDSTOCKS.

Improved profitability and greater flexibility in benzene production from current and future Alberta feedstocks are offered by a selective catalytic hydrocracking process. Benzene yields from naphtha derived from conventional crude can be increased nearly 24%. Even larger percentage increases might be obtainable from such synthetic crudes as those derived from Canadian oil sands. Three Alberta feedstocks could be processed for benzene in a reforming hydrodealkylation complex. Specifically, naphthas for processing would be derived from: a Kaybob condensate, present feedstock; an Interprovincial Pipeline (IPL) crude, near-term feedstock; and a hydrotreated GCOS synthetic crude (tar-sands naphtha), a possible future feedstock.