US 2017034950841 cu») United States 2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2017/0349508 Al Montalbano et al. (TL) Applicant: VOP LLC, Des Planes, IL (U ) (72) Inventors: Joseph A. Montalbano, Elmhurst, 1 (US); Patriek €. Whitchureh, Sleepy Hollows; IL (US). Gregory R. Werba, Arlington Heights, IL (US): Ian G. Hora, Streamwood, IL (US) (21) Appl. Now 151598140 (22) Filed: May 17, 2017 Related U, Application Data (G0) Provisional application No. 62/347,018, filed on Jun. 7.2016, Publication Classification (1) Incr, core $27 (2006.01) CUT 606 (2006.01), 100 172 476 trom felt 170 (43) Pub. Date: Dee. 7, 2017 (62) US.CL coc C07C $2732 (2013.01): C07 5277 (201301); CU7C 606 (201301) on ABSTRACT Processes and apparatuses for producing @ Cy aromatic ‘isomer preuct ate provided. The process comprises intro- ducing & reformate stream comprising aromatic hydrocar bons to a reformate spiter column to provide a plurality of steams. One or more steams comprising a lest one stream fiom the plurality of streams is passed to a reformate ‘parading unit to obtain an upgraded reformate steam, The ‘upgraded reformate stream is passed to an aromatics stripper column 10 provide an aromaties stripper sidedraw stream ‘comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons. The aromatics stip- persicae stream is passed toa xylene separation unit to provide the Cy aromatic isomer product and a raffinate product stream, At least a portion of the rainte product Stream is processed in a ligud phase isomerization unit to ‘obtain an isomerized stream, 160 156US 2017/0349508 AI Dee. 7, 2017 Patent Application Publication 9gh O9F we oz 291 | por »Y 891 991- age 22h bet- velUS 2017/0349508 Al LIQUID PHASE ISOMAR PROCESS INTEGRATION CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 10001] This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 62/347,018 filed Jun. 7, 2016, the contents ‘of whieh cited application are hereby incorporated By rek- ference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD. 10002] The teehnival field yenerally relates to apparatuses and processes for producing aC; aromatic isomer product in ‘an aromatics complex. More particularly, the technical field relates to apparatuses and processes for prosucing pan- xylene in an aromatic complex with integration of liquid Phase isomerization and reformate uparading process into the aromaties comple, BACKGROUND 10003] Most new aromatics complexes are designed 10 maximize the yield of benzene and Cy aromatic isomer (ara-xylene, meta-xylene, ethylbenzene and ortho-xylene). Benzene is a versatile petrochemical building block used in many different products based on its derivation including ‘ethylbenzene, cumene, and eyclohexane. In many instances, the sought C, aromatic isomer is para-xylene as parsexylene js an imporiant building block, which is used almost exelo- sively forthe production of polyester fibers, resin, and films Tormed via terephthalic eid or dimethyl terete inter mediates. Accordingly, an aromatics complex may be con- figured in many different ways depending on the desired products, available feedstocks, and investment capital avail- able, A wide range of options permits flexibility in varying the product slate balance of benzene and para-xylene to moot ‘downstream processing requirements 10004) A prior art aromaties complex low sebeme has been disclosed by Meyers in the Haxosoox or Peroni Reroune Paocrssts, 24, dition in 1997 by McGraw-Hill [0005] In an aromatics complex, the production of ca mereial-grade C, aromatic isomers involves multiples ration steps such as fractionation, adsorptive separation andlor erstallization and reaction steps including transalky- Jation, isomerization, dealkylation ete. In typieal aromatic ‘compiexes used to produce high purity C, aromatie isomers, the isomercdepleted raffinate stream from the separation process, cther simulated moving bed adsorption or enystal- is seat to an isomerization process in which the ining xylene isomers are isomerized to produce the ‘desired isomer (near equilibrium concentration) ann convert ional BTX. ‘complexes tse a vapor phase isomar catalyst. As such, the associated Isomar process requires a separator, compressor to reeycleH,, and distillation colanan to remove light gases. 0006) Liquid Phase isomerization (LPD processes have been proposed eliminates the need for the separator, com- pressor, column, and associated equipment. However, sich Tiguid phase isomerization catalyst cannot handle ethylben- zane. Accordingly; such a LPI process requires the addition ‘of auxiliary process o remove ethylbenzene, which eannot be handled by the LPI catalyst. Further, it will require integration of the LPL and the auxiliary process into Dee. 7, 2017 overall BIX process, which is quite complex and require Sullicent optimization to maximize profitability [0007] Accordingly, itis desirable to provide improved rethods and apparatuses for ellective integration of the Tiquid phase isomerization process and the auxiliary process into the overall BIX process. Tuther, itis desimble to ‘integrate the LPL and auxiliary process in BTX configuration so as to maximize profitability. Furthermore, other desirable atures and characterstes ofthe present subject matter will ‘become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the subject matter and the appended claims, taken in con- junetion with the accompanying drawing and this bock- ‘round of the subject mater BRIEP SUMMARY Aapparituses and processes for integration of the LPL and ‘elormate upgrading processes in an aromatics complex. ‘The exemplary embodiments taught herein inelude appara- uses and processes Zor prxducing C, aromatie isomer prod- vet with integration of liquid phase isomerization and refor ‘mate upgniding process into the aromaties comples, 0009)" In accordance with another exemplary embocl- ‘4 process is provided for producing 4 Cy aoa jsomer product froma reformate stream, wherein te process ‘comprises introducing a relamate stam comprising aro- ‘atic hydrocarbons to areformate splitter column to provide ‘plurality of streams, A ane oF more stems compeising at least one stream from the plurality of steams is subjected 0 reformate upgrading conditions in a reformate upgrading ‘unit to convert substantial portion of ethylbenzene to obtain fan uparaded reformate steam. The paraded reformate Stream is passed to an aromatics stripper columa to provide an aromatics Stripper sidedraw stream comprising Cy ato- ‘matic hydrocarbons and an aromatics stripper bottoms steam, The aromaties stripper sidedraw stream is passe to ‘xylene separation unit to provide the C, aromatic isomer product and a rafnate product stream comprising C, aro- ‘mati isomers. At leasta frst portion ofthe rallinate product steam is contacted with an isomerization catalyst in an isomerization unit in liquid phase at isomerization cond ‘ions in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an isomerized steam, [010] In accordance with another exemplary embodt- ‘meat, a process is provided for producing aC, aromatic ‘isomer prot froma reformate stream, wherein the process comprises introducing a reformate stream comprising seo ‘matic hydrocarbons to #reormate splitter column to provide ‘reformate spite bottoms steam comprising C,, aromatic hydrocarbons, a reformate splitter sidedraw stream compris ‘ng C, aromatie hydrocarbons and a reformate spiter ver head stream comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons. A one ‘of more seams comprising the reformate splitter sidedrase stream is subjected 10 reformate vpgriding conditions in a reformate uparsding unit to convert a substantial portion of ethylbenzene fo obtain an upgraded reformate stream. The ‘upgraded reformate sream is passed to an aromatics stripper column 10 provide an aromaties stripper sidedraw stream comprising atomatie hydrocarbons and an aromaties Stripper bottoms stream, The aromatics stripper sidedease stream is passed toa xylene separation unit to provide the C, ‘aromatic isomer prodoct and a ralfinate product stream comprising C, aromatic isomers. At last a first potion of the ralinate product stream is contacted with an isomeriza-US 2017/0349508 Al tion catalyst in an isomerization unit ia liquid phase at merization conditions in the substantial absence of hydro en to obtain an isomerized stream. [W011] In accordance with yet another exemplary embod ‘ment, an apparatus is provided for producing a C aromatic ‘somer pret from a reformate steam, wherein the appa- ‘als comprises a reformatespliter column for frctionsting 4 reformate stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons 10 provides plurality of steams. Areformate upgrading unit is fn communication with the reformate spliter column for subjecting one or more streams comprising at least one stream from the plurity of streams to reformat upgrading ‘conditions in a reformate upgmiding unit to convert substan= tial portion of ethylbenzene fo obtain an upgraded reformate ‘ream in a upgraded reformate line, An aromatics stripper ‘columa isin communication withthe reformate uparading unit via the upgraded reformate line to provide an aromaties stripper sidedraw stream comprising C, aromatic isomers in ‘9 aromtis stripper sidedraw line anda aromatics sieipper bottoms stream in_an aromatics stripper bottoms Tine. A xylene separation unit is in communication with the aro- mati stripper column via the aromaties stripper sidedraw Tine to provide the C, aromatic isomer product and a raffinate product stream comprising C aromatic isomers in raffinate product line. A Tiguid phase isomerization uni runication wit 2 fist raffinate product line for contacting ‘atleast a fit portion of the rafinate produit stream with a ‘isomerization catalyst in an isomerization zone in liquid phase at isomerization conditions inthe substantial absence ‘of hydrogen to obtain an isomerized stream in an isomerized product line 10012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages ‘ofthe present disclosure will come better understood upon. ‘consideration ofthe following detiled description, drawing and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING. 10013] ‘The various embodiments will hereinalter be described in conjunction with the FIG. 1, whervia ike numerals denote like elements 0014) FIG. 1 illustates an aromatics complex having Tiguid phase isomerization and eformate upgrading process Jntegrated into the wromatics complex in the provess accord. Jing to an embodiment of the peeseat disclosure [0015] | Corresponding reference characters indicate core- sponding components throughout the several views of the ‘drawing. Skilled artisans will appreciate that clements in FIG. 1a illustated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Por example, the dimen- sions of same of the elements in FIG. I may’ be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding ‘of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, ‘common but well-understood elements that are useful oF necessary in 8 commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these Various embodiments of the preseat disclosure. Definitions [0016] As used herein, the term “stream” ean include various hydrocarbon molecules and other substances [0017] As used herein, the term “stream”, “feed”, “prod- tet”, “par” oF “portion” can include various hydrocarbon molecules, such as strsightehain and branche! alkanes, Dee. 7, 2017 aphthenes, alkenes, alkadienes, and alkynes, and optionally other substances, such as gases, eg. hydrogen, or impuri- ‘ies, such as heavy metals, and sulfur and nitrogen com- pound. Fach of the above may also include aromatic and ‘non-aromatie hydrocarbons. [0018] As used herein, the tenn “overhead stream” can ‘eat a stream withdmwa at or neaea top ofa vesel, sich fas a column, [0019] As used herein, the term “bottoms stream” ean ‘mean a stram witharen at or near a bottom of a vessel, sch as a column, [0020] Hydrocarbon molecules may be abbreviated C C.,C,, Ca where n" represents the numberof earbon atoms in the one or more hydrocarbon molecules or the abbrevia- ‘ion may be used as an adjective for e.g. nonaromates or ‘compounds. Similarly aromatic compounds may be abbre- viated A, Ay, Ags AN where “n’ represents the number of carbon aioms in the one or more aromatic molecules Funhermore, a superscript “+” or "=" may be used with an abbreviated one oF more hydrocarbons notation, ex, C,, oF . which is inclusive of the abbreviated one or more rocarbons. As an example the abbreviation “C,,” meat fone or more hydrocarbon molecules of tree or more carbon ations. [0021] As used herein, the term “zone” or “unit” ean refer toanarea including one or more equipment tems and/or one ‘ormoresuib-zones, Equipment items ean includ, but are not Jimited to, one or more reactors or reactor vessels, separation vessels, disilaion towers, heaters, exchangers pipes, pumps, compressors, and "controllers. Additionally, an ‘equipment item, such as a reactor, dryer, or vessel, ean funher inckade one or more zones or sub-7ones. [0022] The tenn “column means a distillation column or columns for separating one or more componeats of different volatilities. Unless otherwise indicated, each column includes condenser on an everhead of the column 10 ‘condense and ref portion of an overhead stream back to the top of the column and a reboiler at a bottom of the column to vaporize and send a portion ofa bottoms stream ‘ack tothe bottom ofthe elumn. Feeds tothe cohimas may be proheated. The tp or averiead pressure isthe presse of the overhead vapor at the vapor outlet ofthe column. The bottom temperature isthe liquid bottom outlet temperature, ‘Overhead fines and bottoms lines refer to the net Fines from the column downstream of any relux or rebel tothe eoluma unless otherwise shown, Stripping eolumns omit a reboiler fata bottom of the column and instead provide heating requirements and separation impetus from a Muidized inert ‘media such as steam, [0023] As used herein, the temm “rich” can mean an ‘amount of atleast generally 50%, and preferably 70%, by ‘mole, of a compound of class of compounds in a stream, {0024} As dopicted, process flow lines in FIG. 1 ean be referred t interchangeably as, e 2 lines, pipes, feeds, pases, products, discharges, pats, portions, or steams. 0025} ‘Te term “communication” means that material Tow is operatively pemnitted between enumerated compo- 0026] The term “downstream communication” means that atleast a portion of material flowing to the subject in downstream communication may operatively low from the jobject with which it communicates 0027] The term “direct communication” means that flow {rom the upstream component enters the downstream comUS 2017/0349508 Al ponent without undergoing compositional change de to Plsical fractionation or chemical conversion {0028} The tem “substantia ean mean an amount of at least generally about 80% preferably about 10% and opt mally about 9%, by weigh, of a compound ce class of ‘compounds in a sre, 0029) The term “passing” means thatthe material passes froma condi or vesel to an objet DETAILED DESCRIPTION 10030] The following detiled description is merely exem- plary in nature and is not intended to Timit the various ‘embodiments or the application and uses thereof. Further. more, there is no intention to be bound by aay thoory presented in the preceding background or the following sailed description. Moreover, the reaction conditions including selection of temperature, pressure, LHSV and ‘catalyst in the various units in the aromatics complex {described below are conventional which ae known to one of ‘ordinary skill inthe art, unless wherever mentioned. 10031] An exemplary embodiment of the process. and ‘apparatus for producing a C, aromatie isomer product ia a ‘aromatic complex is addressed with reference to a process fan apparats 100 illustrating an aromatics complex having Tiguid phase isomerization and refoemate upgrading process integrated into the aromatics complex, according to an ‘embodiment as shown in FIG. 1. The process and apparatus 4100 includes a reformate spliter column 104, an aromaties stripper column 116, an aromaties rerun column 124, 2 xylene separation unit 130, an extract column 136, a xylene ‘column 144, a rafinate column 150, an isomerization unit 162, an aromatics extraction unit 170, a clay treater 176, 2 benzenestolnene (BT) column 180, a transalkylation unit 190, a transalkylation stripper 194, a stabilizer 202 and a heavy aromatics column 208. 10032] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG, 1, reformate stream in line 102 comprising aromatic hydrocarbons may be introduced to the reformate spliter columa 104 to provide a plurality of streams via fractionation. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG, 1, a reformate spiter overhead steam, ‘comprising C;_ aromatic hydrocarbons in reformate over- head line 106, 3 reformate splitter sidedraw stream compris- ing Cy aromatie hydrocarbons in reformate sidedraw line 4108 and a reZormuatespiter bottoms stream comprising Cy, aromatic hydrocarbons in reformate bottoms line 110 are withdrawn from the reformate spiter column 104. In accor- dance with an instant embodiment as shown, an overhead stream from the reformate spliter column 104 may be ‘condensed and separated ina receiver with a portion ofthe ‘condensed Tiguid being refluxed back (0 the reformate spliter column 104 to obtsin the reformate splitter overhead slrwam from a net portion in Tine 106, Further, as lustated, the reformate splitter column 104 may include a reboler at a bottom of the column to vaporize and send a portion ofthe reformate spliter bottoms stream back to the bottom of the ‘cola, 10033] | Subsequently, atleast one stream from the plurality ‘of streams may be passed to the reformate upgrading unit 112. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the reformate splitter sidedraw stream in reformate sidedriw Fine 108 may be passed to the reformate upgrading unit 112. Accordingly, the formate upgrading unit 112 may’ bein direct, dawastream communication with Dee. 7, 2017 the reformate spliter column 104. Further, an aromaties rerun column overhead stream in Hine 126 obained from the ‘aromatics rerun column 124 and a second portion of the ‘ulnate product strum in second rallinate product Tine 158 ‘oblained from the rafinate column 150 may'also be passed to the reformate upgrading unit 112, Accordingly, in the instant aspoct, the one or more streams may comprise the reformat splitersidedenw stream, the aromatics renan cole mn overhead stream and the portion ofthe rafinate product stream. The one oF more streams may be subjected to reformate upgrading conditions in the reformate upgrading ‘unit 112 to convert substantial porion of ethylbenzene present in the one of more steams to obtain an upgraded reformat seu in upgraded refommate line 14, Therefor ‘mate upgrading 112 unit ean remove a substantial portion of ethylbenzene via conversion to other hydrocarbons such as benzene. As shown in FIG. 1, both the reformate split Sideveaw stream and the aromaties rerun overhead stee ‘may be passed to the formate upgrading unit 112. In such ‘an aspect, «substantial amount of C, olefins will be removed from the upgraded reformate stream. Accordingly, the instant process as shown in FIG. 1 does not require & clay treater downstream of the reformate upgrading tn [0034] The upgraded refomate stream in the uparaded reformate line 4 may be passed tothe aromatics stripper column 116 for separation. Accordingly, the aromaties stip- per column 116 may be in downstream communication with ‘he reformate upgrading unit 112 via the upgraded reformate line 114. At least a portion ofan isomerized stream may also be passe to the aromatics stripper column 116, Ia accor dance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 second portion ofthe isomerized stream in second isomer ied product ine 168 may be passed tothe aomaties stripper columa 116. Further, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown ia FIG. 1, a BT column bottoms Stream in fine 188 and « xylene eokumn bottoms stream in Tine 148 may be passed tothe aromatics stripper column 116. ‘The incoming feedstreams undergo separation in the sro matics stripper columa 116 and an aromatics stripper over head stream in line 118 comprising C and lighter hydro- carbons, an aromaties tipper sidedaw stream comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons in fine 120 and an aromatics stripper bottoms stream comprising Cy, aromatie hydrocar- bons in line 12 are withdrawn from the aromatics stripper columa 116. In aecondaace with an exemplary embodiment, the aromatics stripper column 116 may be a divided wall column, Applicants have found tha the divided wall eoluma results in more ecient removal of C., aromatic hydroca bons from the aromaties stripper sidedraw stream being passed tothe xylene separation unit 130. As the presence of ,, aromatic hydrocarbons contaminates the C, aromatic isomer product to be obtained Irom the xylene separation ‘unit 130, use of a divided wall column improves the efi ciency of the xylene separation unit and results in beter sradict quality, In various embodiments, the amount of fd higher aromatic hydrocarhons present i the feed to the para-xylene unit 130 is Tess than 1 W 8. [0035] Referring back to the reformate spliter column 104, the reformate spite booms stream inline 10 may be passed to the aromaties rerun column 124, Further, the fromaties stripper bottoms stream in fine 122 may also be passed 0 the aromatics rerun column 124. The aromaties rerun column overhead stream in line 126, an aromatics renin coluain sidedraw stream ia line 127 and an aromatUS 2017/0349508 Al rerun column bottoms stream in line 128 are withdraw fom the aromatics ren column 124, The aromatics rerun ‘columa overhead stream inline 126 i rich in C, aromatic hydrocarbons and may be passed (othe reformate upgrading unit 112 to recover additional C8 aromatic hydrocatbons, 10036] Refering back to aromaties stripper column 116, the aromatics stripper sidedraw stream comprising C, aro- matic hydrocarbons inline 120 may be passed to the xylene separation unit 130 t0 provide the C, aromatic isomer product and a ralfnate product stam comprising Cy aro- atic isomers. The atomaties stripper sidedraw steam in Tine 120 including. para-xylene, meta-xylene and oftho- slene may be passe! tothe xylene separation unit 130 0 ‘obtain desired C, aromatie isomer product Via a separation, process, The xylene separation anit 130 may be one of 2 para-xslene separation unit, a meta-xylene separation unit oF an ortho-xylene Separation unit depending on the C, aro- matic product desired and the operating conditions ean be tailored accordingly. In accordance with an exemplary ‘embodiment as discussed, the xylene separation unit 130 is, ' para-xylene separation tit and will be referred to as the para-xylene separation unit 130 for the purpose of the ‘discussion ofthe instant embodiment. In acendance with an ‘exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, fst portion of the isomerized stream in ist isomerized product line 166 may also be passed to the para-xylene separation unit 130. Tnaecondance with te instant embodiment as discussed, the separation process in the par-xylene separation unit 130 ‘operates, preferably via simulated moving adsorption bed (SMB) employing a desorbent, to provide a xylene exteact siream in Tine 132 which is” pari-xylene extract stream ‘comprising a mixture of paraexylene and desorbent for the insti entbodiment. In accordance with various embodi- ments, the desorbent may be any aromatic hydrocarbon with ‘2 lower boiling point than the C, ammatic secordance with the instant embodiment, toluene the desorbent 10037] The para-xylene extract stream inline 132 may be passed fo the extract column 136 which separates para- slene fom the desorbent, A pari-xylene steam in line 140 may be withdrawn comprising the desired para-xylenes rom the exirct columa 136, Purkher, a first retur desorheat stream i Tine 142 is withdrawn which may be subsequently recycled tothe paru-xylene separation unit 130. In an aspect as shown in FIG. 1,2 desorbent drag stream in Hine 138 may ‘also be withdmwa from the exirect column 136, In accor dance with an exemplary embodiment, the desorbent drag stream in line 138 may comprise primarily C; hydrocar- bons and may be passed tw the BT column 180. ‘The para-xylene stream inline 140 may be passed tothe xylene ‘column 144. in accordance with the instant embodiment as ‘discussed, the xylene column is a para-xylene column. The para-xylene column 144 may separate the para-xylene prod- Uct inline 146 from the heavier hydrocarbons obtained as 9 bottoms stream in line 148 which may be subsequently recycled fo the aromaties stripper column 116 and processed further as previously described to. maximize para-xylene recovery. In accordance with an instant embodiment as shown, an overhead stream from the para-xylene column 144 may be condensed and separated with a portion ofthe ‘condensed liquid being refluxed back to the para-xylene ‘column 146 to obtain the paruexylene product from 2 net portion in line 146. Further as illustrated, the para-xylene ‘column 144 may include a reboiler a bottom ofthe eolum Dee. 7, 2017 { vaporize and send portion ofthe bottoms stream back to the bottom of the colina. In an aspect, presure in pare ‘xylene column 144 is approximately about 60 psig In sueh ‘an aspect, the condenser of the pari-xjlene cola L4¥ ca be used to rebol the reformate spiter column 104 with the ‘se of high flux tubes. In another aspect, such high Mux tubes ray be used on the para-xylene column 144 so that high pressure steam can be used as heat source. Accordingly, the present disclosure reduces overall steam use. [038] raffinate stream in Hine 134 comprising. non- ‘equilibrium mixture of C, aromaties raffnate and the des- forent may be also withdrawn from the para-xylene sepa ration unit 130. The rafinate stream in line 134 may be passed to the raffnate column 150, In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a second ‘oluene-eariched stream in line 186 fea the BT coluna 180 ‘ay also be intodiced to the rafinate column 180 which may act as a makeup for the toluene being used as the desorhent ia the para-xylene separation process as per the stant embodiment, The ralinte column 180 separates 8 rallinate product stream in line 156 for isomerization in isomerization unit 162 from second retwm desorbent stream in line 152. In accomdance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the fist desorbent return Stream in fine 142 and the second! desorbent rer stream in line 182 may combine to provide a combined desorbent ‘eur stream in ine 154 which may be subssquently passed to the pari-xylene separation unit 130, [0039] Atleast a portion ofthe raffiaae produet stream in Tine 156 comprising @ non-equilibrium mixture of xylene isomers is introduced to the isomerization unit 162 to provide an isomerized steam in line 168. In accordance with ‘anexemplary embodiment as shown ia FIG. 1, first portion ‘ofthe raffinate proict stream in fist raffinaie product line 160 is contacted with an isomerization catalyst in the ‘isomerization unit 162 in liquid phase at isomerization conditions in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtaia the isomerized stream in line 164. Accordingl, in various ‘embodiments, the isomerization unit 162 may Be refered to fas the liquid phase isomerization (LPI) unit [0040] The isomerization unit 162 comprises isomeriza- tion targeted specifically to the isomerization of xylenes in the feedstock to a nearequilibsium mixture with minimal conversion to lighter and heavier products. The isomeriza- tion conditions may comprise temperature ranging fr about 100° C. to about S00” C., and preferably from about 200° C. 10 400° C. The pressure is from about 500 kPa 10 fahout § MPa absolute. The isomerization unit contains « sulicent volume of catalyst to provide a liquid hourly space velocity with respect to the feed steam of from about 0.S har® t0 50 hr!, and preferably 0.5 he"* w 20 he". The isomerization is caried out in the presence of minimal hydrogen, ie. the amount of hydrogen present is ess than about 0.2 moles/mole of feed. In accordance with an exem- plary embodiment, the isomerization is earied out in the substantial absence of hydrogen and in the Higuid phase with no five hydrogen being added to the fesd stream; inthis event, any dissolved hydrogen from prior processing is substantially less than 0.05 moles/mole of feed, frequently Jess than 0.01 molesimole, and possibly not detectable by ‘sual analytical means [041] The isomerization unit 162 may comprise a single reactor oF two or more scpaate reactors with stitable means there between to ensure thatthe desired isomerization tem-US 2017/0349508 Al perature is maintained a the entrance to each reactor The Feactans may he contacted wil the catalyst bed in poral ‘ownwvards o rif fashion. 10042] The isomerization cays favorably comprises & Zoli aluminosieate selected rom those which have a Si:Al, ratio greater than about 10, preferably preter han 20, and pore diameter of about 5 8 angstroms (A) Specific ‘examples of suitable olives are the MFT, MEL, EUO. FER, MES, MTT, MTW, TON, MOR and FAU types of zlites A paricularly favored MFtype zeolite is galium-MPL ‘vith gallium as. component ‘of the erystal structure. & Preferrad Ga-MET has 4 Si'Ga2 mole rat of lest Uhan 500, fn preferably less than 100; the aluminum content con: ‘comitantl s Very low, with an SWI mole rai of arester than $00 and preferably greater than 1000. The proporion of ~zlie in the eatalyt generally sin the range of fom about wt % to 99 wt %, and preferably from about 25 wt % 1 bout 75 6. The merization catalyst aay contain om host O01 wt % to 20 wi 9% ofa platinn-sroup met favorably platinum, but preferably has the substantial absence of metic compound.Aniorganic-oxde binder, preferably alumina, comprises the blance ofthe catalyst. A Prefered catalyst shape is a spore, with an atemtive Suitable shape being an extradate 10043] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. the second portion ofthe rafnate pret stream in second rlinate product lie 188 is passed (othe rofoemate upgrading unit M12 and processed further as previously deseribed. In accordance with various ealbodie ments, the fist portion ofthe rllinate pret steam may ‘ary fom 0 to" 100% with remainder being the second penton of the rafnate product stream. {1048} Refesing back to the isomerization unit 162, inthe instal process as discussed for the production of para- lene, the LPI process converts mexslene aed xylene the rafinte prod scam foe part conversion back to paglene. It is an advantage that LPT uniquely opertes ‘without Hi alition so that no light gases are presen in the ‘bomerzation product. Accoringy, a portion of te isomer ized steam canbe paso to disclyt the para-xylen ont 130 and anther orton can be seat aromatics stripper columa 1610 remove heavier components long with some benzene and Tolvene. As shown in FIG. 1, the isomerized strc in ine 164 may be withdrewn fom the smerization uit 162. The fist porion of isomerized steam in fist Iromerized product ine 166 may be pased deel to the paa-xylene separation unit 130” and processed furler as previously dosed. Accordingly, Ihe puraxene separie tion unit 130 may’ be i direct, downsteam communication with the isomerization unit 162 vin the Fist isomerized product fine 166. The second portion of the isomerized "ream in second isomerized pric line 168 may be passed to the aromatis stripper column 116 and processed furhee a previously deserib. Accordingly, as portion of the isomerized stream is passed drety othe parsexylene unit 4130 in the present diselonire, amount of feo to Ue aos jos stripper column 116i eed. The instant strangement provides an avantage as lowering the fed tothe aromatics Stripper column 116 reduces rehoilee heat nee and column 0045], Refering back to the reformat spliter column 104, the reformate plier overead steam in. reformate ‘ovesad line 106 comprising C,aromatic hydrocarbons tay be passe tan aromatis-exracton ada faetionation Dee. 7, 2017 step to provide a benzene product stream and a toluene cntiched stream, The reformate overhead stream in refor mate overhead line 106 may be passed 10 the aromaties extraction unit 170, The aromatis extraction unit 170 can comprise different methods of separating aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream. One industry standard is the Sulfo- Jane" process, which is an extractive distillation process wiliring stlfolane to facilitste high purty extraction of aromatics. The Sulfolane™ process is well known to those slalled in the art, An aromatics extract stream in line 174 comprising benzene and toluene anda ralinate stream in line 172 comprising now-aromatic hydrocirhons may be withdrawn from the aromaties extraction unit 170. The ‘aromaies extract steam in line 174 may be passed to the BT column 180 to provide benzene and tolvene via separation In aecordance with an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the aromatics extract steam in line 174 may be passed through a clay treater 176 to treat residual olefin contaminants and provide a tested aromatics extract stream in line 178 prior to being passed wo the BT column 180. transalkylation stripper bottoms steam in line 198 from the ‘eansalkylation stripper column 194 may also be passed 10 the BT column 180. A benzene-enriched stream in ine 182, 4 first toluene-eariched stream in Tine 184 and the second toluene-enriched stream in line 186 are withdrawn from the BI column 180. Further, the BT column bottoms str Jine 188 is withdrawn and sent to the aromatics stripper column 116 for further processing as previously deseribed ‘The second toluene-enriched stream in line 186 may be passed to the rallinste column 150, The first toluene-en- Fiched stream in line 184 may be passed to the transalky- Jation unit 190 for production of additional xylenes and benzene 10046] In secondance with an exemplary embodiment as shown i FIG. 1, in dition wo first toluene-eariched stream, the aromatics rerun cohamn sidedraw stream in line 127 rich nC, and C,. alkylaromatics may’ be passed othe transalky- Jation unit 190 slong with » heavy eromatics column over Jbead stream in Hine 210 rich in C, and C,o alkylaromaties from the heavy aromatics cluma 208A make-ip hydrogen sas stream (aot shown) may also be provided to the ‘ransalkylation unit 190. Inthe ansalkylation unit 190, the incoming feedstreams may be contacted with a transaky- Jation catalyst under transalkylation conditions. In the ‘ransalkylation unit 190, the process continues by transalky- Jating C, and Co alkylaromaties with toluene. A translly- Jated stream in ‘Tine 192 comprising benzene and xylenes may be withdrawn from the translkylation unit 190. ln aecordance with an exemplary embodiment, the reformste ‘paroding unit 112 and the transalkyation unit 190 share @ jomnmon compressor, [0047] Transalkylation catalysts that can be used in the present disclosure includ conventional trnsalkytioneata- Iysts such as thse disclosed in USS. Pat. No, 6,740,788, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Conditions employed in the transalkylation wait 190 nor ‘mally include a temperature of from about 200° C. to about ‘540° C. The trasalkylation unit 190 is operated at moder- ately elevated pressures broadly ranging from sbout 1 glem* to about 60 kg/em®, The transakylation reaction ean be effected over a wide range of space velocities, with higher space velocities affecting a higher ratio of paraxylene atthe expense of conversion, Liguid hourly space velocity gener ally isin the range of rom about 0.1 hx“ to about 20 hr“US 2017/0349508 Al [0048] The tansekylated stream in Hine 192 may be sent to transalkylation stripper 194 to recover the transalkylation ripper bottoms stream ia Tine 198, Light ends may be removed in transalkylation stripper overhead steam in line 196 and a net overhead stream in fine 200 comprising Cand Tighter hydrocarbons may also be withdrawn from the teansalkylation stripper 194, Snbsoquently, the wansalky- lation stripper bottams stream in line 198 may be recycled ‘© the BT column 180 to recover benzene product and tuncoaverted toluene for further processing as previously described. The net overhead stream in line 200 along with the aromatics stripper overhead stream in line 118 may’ be passed tothe stabilizer 202 to provide a stabilizer overhead Vaporous sium inline 204 aad stabilizer bottoms seam {in Fine 206. In various embodiments, the stabilizer bottoms stream in Fine 206 may be passed to the aromatics extraction ‘unit 170. In other embodiments, the stabilizer bottoms stream 206 may be passed to the transalkylation stripper 194. [0049] Referring back to the aomaties rerun column 124, the aromatic rerun colusan bottoms stream in Tine 128 rich Jn C, and heavier alkylaromatie hydrocarbons is passed 10 the heavy aromatics column 208 1 separate heavy dromaties ‘comprising C,. slkylaromatic hydrocarbons from Cy and ‘Cyealkvlaromaties recovered as the heavy aromaties columa, ‘overhead stream inline 210. The Cy, alkylaromatic hydro- ‘carbons may be withdrawn trom the heavy aromatics eol- ‘umn 208 as a bottoms seam in ine 212. The heavy ‘aromatics coum overhead steam in line 210 rich ia C, and Co alkylaromaties may be passed to the transalkylaion unit, 190 for production of additional xylenes and benzene as previously deseribed SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 10050] While the following is deseribed in conjunction ‘with specific embodiments, it will be understood that this, ‘description is intended wo ilustate and aot limit the scope of the preceding description and the appended elaims. 10051] frst embodiment ofthe invention is process for producing a C, aromatic isomer product from a reformate ream, wherein the process comprises inteducing & refor male sircam comprising aromatie hydrocarbons to a refor- mate spliter column to provide a plurality of streams; Subjecting one or more streams comprising at least one stream from the plurality of streams to reformat upgrading ‘conditions in areformate upgrading unit to convert substan= tial portion of ethylbenzene to obtain an upgraded reformate stream; passing the upgraded reformate stream (o an aro- matics stripper columa to provide an aromatics stripper sdedraw stream comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons and fn aromatis stripper bottoms streams; passing the aromaties SMripper sidedraw stream to a xylene separation unit t0 provide the C, aromatic isomer product and a raffinate product stream comprising C, aromatic isomers; and con- tacting at Feast fist portion ofthe ralfinate prxlut sream with an isomerization catalyst in an isomerization unit in Jiguid phase at isomerization conditions in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an isomerized stream. An ‘embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior ‘embodiments in this paragraph up through the first embodi- ‘ment in this paragraph further comprising passing ot least @ fist portion ofthe isomerized stream to the xylene separa- tion ‘uit and passing at least a second portion of the isomerized stream 10 the aromatics stripper columa. Aa Dee. 7, 2017 embodiment of the invention is one, any oF all of prior embodiments inthis paragraph up through the first embodi- ‘meat in this paragraph, wherein the plurality of streams comprise a reformate splitter bottoms stam comprising C,. aromatic hydrocarbons, a reformate splitersidedeaw stream comprising C, aromatic hydeoearbons and a refor ‘mate splitter overiend stream comprising C,_ aromat hnydrocarbons and theat lest one stream being the reformate splite sidedraw steam, An embodiment othe invention is fone, any oF all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the fist embodiment in this paragraph forher comprising passing the relormate split hottoms stream and the aromatics stripper bottoms stream to an aromaties ‘renin column to provide a aromatics reran column overhead steam comprising Cy aromatic hydrocarbons, An embodi- ‘meat ofthe invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the first embodiment in this paragraph further comprising passing the aromaties rerun column overhead steam anda second portion ofthe ralfnate pradict stream tothe formate upgrading unit, An embodi- ‘men ofthe invention is one, any oral of priar embodiments fin this paragraph up through the fist embodiment in this paragraph further comprising passing the reformate spliter ‘overhead stream to an aomaticsextracion and a fraction- ation step o provide a benzeve product stream and toluene ‘atiched siream. An embodiment of the inveation sone, any forall of prior embodiments inthis parggraph up through the first embodiment inthis paragraph further comprising pass- ‘ng the tohuene enriched! stream and an aromatics rerun column sidedraw stream rich in C, and Cy alkylaromaties from the aromatics rerun column to a tansalkyltion unit. AAn embodiment of the invention is one, any ofall of prior ‘embodiments inthis paragraph up through the fist embodi- ‘meat in this paragraph, whercia the reformate upgrading ‘unit and transalkyation unit share a common compressor ‘An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior cembodinients inthis pargraph up through the fist embodi- ‘meat in tis paragraph wherein the aromatics stripper eol- ‘uma is divided wall colnman. An embodiment of the inven- ‘ion sone, any oral of prior embodiments inthis paragraph ‘up through the frst embodiment in tis paragraph, wherein the xylene separation unit isa simulated moving bed adsoep- ‘ion unit. An embodiment of the invention is one, any oF ll of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the frst tembodinien inthis paragraph, wherein the xylene separa- ‘ion unit uses a desorbent with a osser Boiling poi than the CC, aromatic isomers. An embodiment of the invention is fone, any oF all of prior embodiments in this parauraph up ‘through the frst embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the ‘desorbent is toluene. An embodiment ofthe invention is one, ‘ay oral of prior embodiments in this paragraph up trough the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the C, faromatie isomer product is one of a para-xylene oF met xylene, [0052] _ second embodiment ofthe invention is a process Tor producing a Cy aromatic isomer produet From a refor ‘mate stream, wherein the process comprises introducing & reformate steam comprising aromatie hydrocarbons (0 a reformate splitter column to provide a reformate spliter bottoms stream comprising C., aromatic hydrocarbons, a reformate splitter sidedraw stream comprising C. aromatic hydrocarbons and a reformate splitter overhead steam com- prising C,_ aromatic hydrocarbons; subjecting one or more ‘Streans comprising the refonmate spite sdedraw stea toUS 2017/0349508 Al reformate upgrading conditions in a reformate upgrading nit to couvert substantial portion of ethyIbeazene to obtain ‘an upgraded reformate stream: passing the upgraded refor- ‘ate stream to an aromatics stripper column to provide an aromatics stripper sidedraw stream comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons and an aromatics steipper bottoms stream: passing the aromates stripper sidedraw stream to a xylene Separation unit «© provide the C, aromatic isomer product ‘andl ralinae product steam comprising Cy agonnatic iso- mers; and contacting at least a fist portion ofthe raffinate product sts with an isomerization catalyst in an isomer ‘zation unit a liquid phase at isomerization conditions i the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an isomerized ‘ream. An embodiment ofthe invention is one, any ar all of prior embodiments inthis parapraph up through the second ‘embodiment ia tis paragraph further comprising passing at Feast a portion of the isomerized stream 10 the xylene separation unit, An embodiment ofthe invention i one, any ‘orall of prior embostimeats inthis paragraph up through the second embodiment in this paragraph further comprising passing the reformate spliter bottoms steam and the aro- ‘matics stripper hottoms stream to an atomatics rerun cola to provide a aromatics rerun column overhead stream con- prising C, aromatic hydrocarbons. An embodiment of the {vention is one, any ofall of prior embodiments ia this paragraph up through the second embodiment in this pari- raph further comprising passing the aromatics rerun eol- lumn overhead stream and a second portion ofthe raffinate product steam to the reformate upgrading unit. An embod ‘ment ofthe invention is one, any oral of prior embodiments {inthis paragraph up through the second embodiment in this paragraph furher comprising passing the reformate spliter ‘overhead stream to an aromatiesextraction and a fraction= ‘ation step to provide a benzene produet stream aad a toluene ‘enriched stream. An embodiment ofthe invention is one, any ‘orall of prior embodiments inthis paragraph up through the second embodiment in this paragraph further comprising passing the toluene enriched stream and an aromates rerun ‘column siecraw stream rich in C, and Cy, alkyaromaties fom the aromatics rerun column to a transalkyltion Unit. An embodiment ofthe invention is one, any oF all of prior ‘embodiments in his paragraph up through the second ‘embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the reformate ‘upgrading unit and trnsalkylation unit share @ common ‘compressor. 10083] A thi embodiment of the invention isan appara tus for producing a C, aromatic isomer product from & reformate stream, wherein the apparatus comprises a reor- ‘mate splitter column for fractonating a reformat stream ‘comprising aromatic hydrocarbons to provide «plurality of streams; a reformate upgrading unit in communication with the reformate spliter column for subjecting one oF more streams comprising at least one seam from the plurality of streams to reformate upgrading conditions in a reformate ‘upgrading unit to convert substantial portion of ethylben- zene to obiain an upgraded reformate stream ina uparaded reformate line; an aromatics stripper column in communi- ‘ation with the reformate upgrading unit via the upgraded reformate line to provide an aromatics stripper sidedraw stream comprising C, aromatic isomers ina aromatics strip- per sidedrav line and an aromatics stripper bottoms stream Jn an aromatics stripper bottoms line: xylene separation unit in communication with the aromatics stripper columa via the aromatics stripper sidedaw Tine to provide the C, Dee. 7, 2017 ‘aromatic isomer product and a rafinte product trea ‘comprising C, aromatic isomers in a rafinate product line ‘and liquid phase isomerization unit in communication with ‘ft ralfimate product line for contacting at leat a frst portion ofthe rafinate prodnet stream with an isomerization catalyst in an isomerization zone in liguid phase at isomer- ‘nation conditions in the substantial absence of hydrogen to ‘obtain an isomerized strcam in an isomerized predict line ‘An embodiment of the invention is one, any ofall of prior ‘embodintents inthis paragraph up through the third embodi- ‘meat in this paragraph, wherein the plurality of steams comprise & reformate splitter botioms seam comprising (Cy, atomatie hydrocarbons in @reformate bottoms line, @ relarmate splitir sidedraw stream comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons ina reformate sidedraw line and a reformate spliter overhead stream comprising C,. aromatic hydrocar- ‘bons in a refomate overhead line, the reformate uparading ‘nit being in downstream commbniction withthe reformate sidedraw fine. An embodiment of the invention is one, any ‘ral of prior embodiments inthis parvgrapl up trough the ‘third embodiment in this paragraph, furhor comprising aan ‘aromaties extraction unit in communication with reformate ‘overhead fine; and benzene-olvene (BT) column in com ‘munication with aroosaties extraction nit. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the thiel embodiment in this paragraph further comprising a transalkylation unit in com ‘munication With the BT column and an aromatics rerun column. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments inthis paragraph up through the third fembodiment in this paragraph, wherein the reformate ‘parading unit and transalkylation unit share a common compressor. An embodiment of the invention is one, any or all of prior embodiments in this paragraph up through the third embodiment ia this paragraph, whercia the xylene separation unit is indirect communication with the isomer- ‘vation unit via a fist isomerized product line comprising at Jeast a portion ofthe isomerized stream. [0054] Without further elaboration, it is believed that ‘using the preceding description that ane skilled in the art can utilize the present invention to is fullest extent and easily ascertain the essential characteristics ofthis invention, with- out departing from the spirit and seope thereof, to-make various changes and modifications of the invention and to adapt it to various usages and conditions. The preceding preferred specific embodiments ar, therefore, 10 be con- ‘Srued as merely illustrative, andl not Fimiting the remainder fof the disclosure in any way whatsoever, and that itis jntended to cover various modifications and equivalent ‘arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. [0055] In the foregoing, all temperatures are set forth in degrees Celsius an, al parts and percentages ae by weight, ‘unless otherwise indicated, 1.A process for producing a C, aromatic isomer product from 2 reformate stream, wherein the process comprises: (a) introducing a reformate stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons toa reformate spite eolumn to provide 2 plurality of streams: (subjecting one oF more streams comprising at Feast one stream from the plurality of streams to reformate Uupgrding conditions ina reformate upgrading wit %0 ‘convert substantial portion of eiylbenzene to obtain an paraded reformate stream;US 2017/0349508 Al (©) passing the upgraded reformate stream to an aromaties ripper columa to provide aa aromatics stripper side cedaw stream comprising Cy aromatic hydrocarbons fand an aromaties stripper bottoms seam: @ passing the aromaties stripper siedraw stream to a ‘xylene separation unit wo provide the Cy aromatic i= ‘mer product anda ralfinate product stream comprising Cy aromatic isomers; and () Contacting at least @ first portion of the raffinate product stroam with an isomerization catalyst in an Hsomerization unit in Tiguid phase at isomerization conditions ia the substantial absence of hydrogen to ‘obtain an isomerized stream, 2. The process of cluim 1 furher comprising passing at least a first portion of the isomerized steam to the xylene Separation unit and passing at last a second portion of the ‘somerized stream to the aromaties stripper column, 3. The process of ela wherein the plurality of teams ‘comprise a reformate spliter botioms stream comprising ,, aromatic hydrocarbons, 2 reformate splitersidedraw scam comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons and a refor- mate splitter overhead stream comprising C,_ aromatic hyerocarbons an the at least one stream being the reformate spliter sidedraw stream “The process of claim 3 further comprising passing the reformat spite bottoms stream and the aromatics stripper bottom stream to an aromatics rerun column to provide & ‘romatics rerun column overhead sieeam comprising Cy fromatie hydrocarbons. ', The process of claim 1 further comprising passing the sromaties rerun column overhead stream and a second portion of the rainate product stream to the reformate Upgrading unit 6, The process of claim 3 further comprising passing the reformate splitter overhead stream to am aromatice-extrc- tion and a fratonation step to provide a benzene product Sreum and «toluene eariched stream, 7. The process of claim 6 further comprising passing the toluene enriched stream and an aromatics rerun columa sedraw stream ich in C, and Co alkylaromaties from the fromaties rerun column to transalkylation anit '8. The process of claim 7 wherein the reformate upgrad= ing unit and trasalkylation unit share a common compres: 9, The process of claim 1 wherein the aromatics steipper ‘column is divided wall column, 10, The process of claims 1 wherein the xylene separation unit isa simulated moving bed adsorption unit, 11, The process ofeaim 10 wherein the xylene separation unit uses @ desorbent with a lower boiling point than the C. 12, The process of claim 11 wherein the desorbent is toluene Dee. 7, 2017 13, The process of claim 1 wherein the Cy aromatic isomer privet is one ofa parsexylene or mets-xylene. 14, A process for prolucing a C, aromatic isomer product from s reformate stream, wherein the process comises (@) introducing a reformate steam comprising aromatic hydrocarbons to a reformate spliter column to provide ‘8 reformate spiter bottoms stream comprising Cy, aromatic hydrocarbons, a reformate splitter sided Stream comprising Cy aromatic hydrocarbons amd 3 reformate splitter overhead stream comprising C,_ aro matic hydrocarbons: (subjecting one oF more streams comprising the refor- mate spite sidedraw stream to reformate upgrading conditions in a reformate upgrading unit t0 convert substantial portion of ethylbenzene to obtain an ‘upgraded reformate steams (©) passing the upgraded reformate stream tan aromatics Stripper column to provide an aromatics stripper sid ‘ede siream comprising C, aromatic hydrocarbons ‘and an aromaties stripper bottoms stream; (@) possing the aromatics stripper sidedraw stream (0 a ‘xylene separation unit to provide the C, aromatic iso mer product and a raffnate product stream comprising C, aromatic isomers; and (e) Contacting at least a first portion of the ralinate ‘product stream with an isomerization catalyst in an ‘somerization unit in Tiquid phase at isomerization conditions in the substantial absence of hydrogen #0 ‘obtain an isomerized stream, 15, The process of elaim 14 further comprising passing st least a portion of the isomerized siream to the xylene 16, The process of claim 14 further comprising passing the reformate spliter bottoms stream and the aromatics stripper bottoms stream to an aromaties rerun column 10 provided aromatics renin column overhead stream compeis- ing C, aromatic hydrocarbons. 17. The process of claim 16 further comprising passing ‘he aromaties rerun column overhead siream anda second portion of the maffinate product stream to the reformate ‘parading wait 18, The process of claim 14 further comprising passing the reformate spliter overhead. stream wan aromatics: extraction and a fractionation step to provide @ benzene product stream and a toluene enriched! steam, 19. The process of claim 18 further comprising passing the toluene enriched stream and an aromaties rerun column sideviaw stream rich in C, and C, alkylaomaics from the Aromatics rerun columa 16 2 transatkylation unit. 20. The process of claim 19 wherein the refommate ‘upgrading unit and transalkylation unit share common compressor.