ACA0809

Hydrodemethlyation of Toluene

H2 Purification

Benzene Fractionator
Stabilizer
Reactor Flash Drum

(Source: sci-hub.tw/10.1002/0471238961.02051426061 )
Process Description
Benzene is produced from the hydrodemethylation of toluene under catalytic or thermal
conditions. The main catalytic hydrodealkylation processes are Hydeal and DETOL. Two widely used
thermal processes are HDA and THD. These processes contribute 25– 30% of the world’s total
benzene supply.
DeETOL process converts alkyl aromatics in the C7 to C10 range. Also converts C9-C10
aromatic concentrates to C8 aromatics. Mainly requires hydrodealkylation.
The feedstock at elevated pressure with recycle aromatic precursors, make-up and recycle
hydrogen is heated by exchanger and a fired furnace to 1000° to 1200 F° reaction temperature. In the
reactor precursors are dealkylated and, in some cases, dehydrogenated. Materials not producing
aromatics are converted to light hydrocarbons. Reactor effluent is cooled, flashed, and the hydrogen-
rich vapor recycled with excess sent to fuel. Liquid is stabilized to remove dissolved hydrocarbons
boiling below benzene. Products of desired purity are fractionated from stabilizer bottoms and
unconverted precursors are recycled.
Reference
Fruscella, W. (2002). Benzene. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology. doi:10.1002/0471238961.0205142606182119
HYDRODEALKYLATION PROCESSES. (1962). Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, 54(2), 28–33.
doi:10.1021/ie50626a004