Adsorptive isomer distillation of gasoline related molecules
Advancing the chemical engineering fundamentals
Distillation, Absorption & Extraction - I (T2-10a)
Keywords: hydrocarbon separation, adsorption distillation
Adsorptive isomer distillation of gasoline related molecules
Simon Ivar Andersen* & Peter Mune#
Haldor Topsøe A/S
Ny Møllevej 55
Dk-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Denmark
Corresponding author: *sia@topsoe.dk
#pjm@topsoe.dk
Keywords: hydrocarbon separation, adsorption.
ABSTRACT
The importance of highly branched isomers as octane improvers in gasoline is well known. Where as isomerisation processes are well described and used, the further separation of the effluent streams of these reactors into high RON (research octane number) compounds and low RON compounds is complex and energy demanding. Simple distillation of isomers requires large and very effective columns and high reflux ratios.
Various technology solutions have been proposed and are used in the refining industry. The most common are apparently adsorption processes either as simulated moving bed, chromatographic separation or pressure swing adsorption. Most of these processes are technologically complicated and requires extensive post treatment of product streams.
In an attempt to enhance the separation we have developed a novel concept of adsorptive distillation. The process consists of a hybrid between extractive distillation and adsorption. The process uses a packed column which is operated at isothermal conditions, and the packing is made up from beads or extrudates of an adsorbent with specificity for a given molecular structure or type.
The paper describes the development of the process with the aim to separate n-heptane and methylcyclohexane.
Presented Monday 17, 11:52 to 12:11, in session Distillation, Absorption & Extraction - I (T2-10a).
