Aromatics and Derivatives

BTX AROMATICS

BTX aromatics from naphtha reforming, pyrolysis gasoline or coke oven provide the basis for a variety of products, for end-uses ranging from solvents, textile fibers (polyester and nylon), cosmetics, flavors and fragrances, dyes, drugs, to many types of products for household and automotive industries. The Catalysts business provides one of the most complete product portfolios in the industry for processing/upgrading BTX aromatics and derivatives.

Customers can also take advantage of our close partnership with GTC Technology , a global licensor of process technologies, providing engineering services, process equipment, chemicals and catalysts to the petrochemical and refining industries. Our products are the heart of GTC’s licensed aromatics technologies such as xylene isomerization (GT-IsomPXSM), TDP/Transalkylation (GT-TransAlkSM) and adsorptive recovery of para-xylene (GT-AdsorbPXSM). The exceptionally broad portfolio of complementary products and technologies enables clients to seamlessly integrate our catalysts and GTC processes & services across business lines.

ETHYLBENZENE PRODUCTION

EBUF®-1 is the optimal catalyst for vapor phase alkylation units without transalkylator as it reduces by-product formation. EBUF-2 can further reduce xylenes production in units with transalkylator. This can significantly improve the overall cost efficiency of styrene production. The zeolite-based EBUF catalysts are the result of a joint development with a major oil company and styrene producer.

Small quantities of phenylacetylene are formed over iron oxide-based ethylbenzene dehydrogenation catalysts. These can have a negative effect on certain styrene polymerization processes.

Phenylacetylene is hydrogenated over the HDMax® PA catalyst to styrene at a very high selectivity in the liquid phase.

CUMENE SYNTHESIS

The phosphoric acid on kieselguhr catalyst PolyMax® 131 has been successfully used for decades to alkylate benzene with propylene to form cumene (Isopropylbenzene). This catalyst works under a wide range of different operating conditions, depending on feedstock type and plant design.

PolyMax 131 is manufactured in a strong extruded shape which gives it excellent resistance to attrition losses.