Split-feed two-stage parallel aromatization for maximum para- xylene yield

摘要

A full boiling hydrocarbon feed is reformed to enhance para- xylene and benzene yields. First, the hydrocarbon feed is separated into a C. sub.5- cut, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut, and a C.sub.8+ cut. The C.sub.6 - C. sub.7 cut has less than 5 lv. % of C.sub.8+ hydrocarbon, and the C.sub. 8+ cut has less than 10 lv. % of C.sub.7- hydrocarbon. The C.sub.6 -C. sub.7 cut is subjected to catalytic aromatization at elevated temperatures in a first reformer in the presence of hydrogen and using a non-acidic catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal and a non- acidic zeolite support to produce a first reformate stream; and the C. sub.8+ cut is subjected to catalytic aromatization at elevated temperatures in a second reformer in the presence of hydrogen and using an acidic catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal and a metallic oxide support to produce a second reformate stream. Less than 20 wt. % of the total amount of C.sub.8 aromatics produced in the first and second reformer is ethylbenzene, and more than 20 wt. % of the total amount of xylenes produced in the first and second reformer are para- xylenes.