Abstract
Toray has developed the "TATORAY" process which is applicable to produce benzene and xylene from toluene and C9 aromatics by disproportionation and transalkylation technique. The first commercial plant was built in the Kawasaki plant of Toray in summer 1969 and the plant has been successfully on-stream for over one year. Distinguishing features of "TATORAY" process proved in commercial operation are as follows:
(1) Product molar ratio of benzene and xylene is adjustable in accordance with demand of nylon and polyester fibers.
(2) The operating condition is much milder than a conventional hydrodealkylation process. Over all aromatic yield can be maintained over 97% in "TATORAY".
(3) For production of p- and o-xylenes, low content of ethylbenzene (normally less than 2mol%) and high content of p- and o-xylenes (more than 20mol%) are of great advantage because of higher separation efficiency and yield.
(4) Consumption of hydrogen during the reaction is very low since the "TATORAY" reaction is carried out without appreciable side reactions.
(5) The catalyst is totally regenerable and a single on-stream period can be extended over several months, as coke formation on the catalyst is substantially prevented. This makes a single fixed bed reactor system possible.
