Heavy aromatics upgrading using noble metal promoted zeolite catalyst

Heavy C-9(+) aromatics can be converted to more valuable benzene, toluene and xylene products (BTX) such as in the traditional Tatoray unit. However, existing commercial catalysts not only deactivate rapidly but also are difficult to regenerate. A precious metal promoted zeolite catalyst is developed to maximize the conversion of the heavy aromatics (HA) and to extend the life of the catalyst. The catalyst developed exhibited Pot only high C-9(+) conversion and high xylene yield over a wide range of feedstock compositions but also showed a high stability and regenerability for the transalkylation of C-9(+) aromatics with toluene. The catalyst has been commercialized and has been on stream for two years without yet requiring regeneration. In this study, experimental data obtained in the laboratory and kinetic explanations in accordance with catalytic results are presented. Some commercial data are also provided.