Process for the isomerization of benzene containing feed streams

摘要

A process for saturating benzene in a light paraffin isomerization process can accommodate varying quantities of benzene through the incorporation of progressive steps that control temperatures in the isomerization zone while performing a majority of the saturation within an immediately upstream benzene saturation zone. The process is suited for saturating benzene to very low levels while feedstream concentrations of benzenes may vary from 2 to 25 wt % throughout a given period of operation. The process can accommodate rapid swings in benzene concentration that may occur on a daily basis. The invention is particularly suited for the use of a sulfated zirconia catalyst that allows the utilization of existing reactor vessels in an isomerization process.