New process for the co-production and separation of ethylbenzene and para-xylene, useful as intermediates for synthesis of styrene and textile fibers

摘要

The process enables the simultaneous production of ethylbenzene and xylene isomers, particularly para-xylene, on the same production site. A process for the co-production of para-xylene and ethylbenzene from an 8C aromatic charge (1) which is initially contacted with a zeolitic adsorbent, in the presence of a desorbent (6a), in a primary adsorption zone (2). A primary fraction (4) rich in para-xylene is recovered and a secondary fraction, R1, (3) enriched in ethylbenzene is contacted with a second adsorbent in a second unit (8) and in the presence of a second desorbent (12a). A third fraction (9) comprising pure ethylbenzene is recovered and a fourth fraction (10), rich in ortho- and meta-xylene, is isomerized (14) in the presence of a catalyst, and the isomerate obtained is recycled to (2).