Reduction of benzene content of reformate by reaction with cycle oils

摘要

Conversion of benzene to heavier aromatics by contact with alkyl polynucleararomatics, preferably FCC heavy cycle oil, in the presence of an alkylation/transalkylation catalyst is disclosed. Efficient conversion of relatively dilute benzene in reformate is possible. Use of alkyl polynucleararomatics as a source of alkyl groups, with reduced use of monocyclic alkyl aromatics, permits robust reaction conditions to be used without a net formation of benzene by dealkylation. The process preferably uses a solid zeolite based acidic catalyst disposed in a fixed, moving or fluid bed reactor. Preferred catalysts comprise MCM-22 or ZSM- 5.