David G Freyman

US Patent:

58659862, Feb 2, 1999

Filed:

Nov 3, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/552769

Inventors:

John Scott Buchanan - Trenton NJ
Jane C. Cheng - Clarksburg NJ
David G. Freyman - Kenner LA
Werner Otto Haag - Lawrenceville NJ
Mohsen N. Harandi - Langhorne PA
Dominick N. Mazzone - Wenonah NJ
Roger A. Morrison - Lambertville NJ
Norman J. Rouleau - Yardley PA
Charles M. Sorensen - Wilmington DE
Hye Kyung C. Timken - Woodbury NJ
Robert Adams Ware - Wyndmoor PA

Assignee:

Mobil Oil Corporation - Fairfax VA

International Classification:

C10G 3506
C07C 418

US Classification:

208 65

Abstract:

This is a process for upgrading a petroleum naphtha fraction. The naphtha is subjected to reforming and the reformate is cascaded to a benzene and toluene synthesis zone over a benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst comprising a molecular sieve of low acid activity. The preferred molecular sieve is steamed ZSM-5. The benzene and toluene synthesis zone is operated under conditions compatible with the conditions of the reformer such as pressures of above about 50 psig (446 kPa) and temperatures above about 800. degree. F. (427. degree. C). In one aspect of the invention, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst includes a metal hydrogenation component such as cobalt, nickel, platinum or palladium. In one mode of operation, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst replaces at least a portion of the catalyst of the reformer. The process produces a product containing an increased proportion of benzene and toluene, and a reduced proportion of C8 aromatics, particularly ethylbenzenes, as compared to the reformate.