Technology

Process Summary

Lummus Technology and UOP's EBOne ethylbenzene technology is a liquid-phase process using a fixed-bed zeolite catalyst system. The catalyst provides a run-length
of three to five years, thus eliminating the need for regeneration equipment. The process provides high yields and is energy efficient. Xylene impurity formation is practically eliminated, resulting in an EB product of excellent quality.

Process description

The manufacture of EB involves the alkylation of benzene with ethylene to yield a mixture of alkylated benzenes and excess benzene. The mixture is distilled to recover the EB product. Unreacted benzene, and the higher ethylated benzenes produced by alkylation reactions, are separated and recycled to the reactors. These higher ethylated benzenes are transalkylated with benzene to form additional EB. The recycle benzene is sent back to the alkylator and transalkylator reactor vessels, and the EB product is sent to the dehydrogenation section of the styrene unit.

The process has been commercially proven, exhibiting efficient, predictable and stable operation. Use of regenerated catalyst is also commercially proven.

References

LUMMUS Technology, 23^rd Sep 2020, Ethylbenzene / Styrene Monomer Tech Sheet.