Production of benzene, toluene, and xylenes from natural gas via methanol: Process synthesis and global optimization

Abstract

A systematic global optimization‐based process synthesis framework is presented to determine the most profitable processes to produce aromatics from natural gas. Several novel, commercial, and/or competing technologies are modeled within the framework, including methanol‐to‐aromatics, toluene alkylation with methanol, selective toluene disproportionation, and toluene disproportionation and transalkylation with heavy aromatics, among others. We propose a stand‐alone chemicals facility: the main products are aromatics with allowable by‐products of gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity. Several case studies are discussed that produce varying ratios of para‐, ortho‐, and meta‐xylene across multiple refinery capacities. The results indicate that utilizing natural gas for the production of aromatics is profitable with net present values as high as $3800 MM dollars and payback periods as low as 6 years. The required investment for these refineries represents as much as a 65% decrease compared to published estimates of similar coal‐based capacity plants. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1531–1556, 2016

Biomass‐Derived Renewable Aromatics: Selective Routes and Outlook for p‐Xylene Commercialisation

“…All of the above‐mentioned research reported high yields of p ‐xylene among the aromatic fraction; however, several studies concentrated specifically on this target molecule . Niziolek et al .…”

“…All of the above‐mentioned research reported high yields of p ‐xylene among the aromatic fraction; however, several studies concentrated specifically on this target molecule . Niziolek et al . presented a comprehensive techno‐economical study of aromatics refineries that would be feasible and profitable for the production of the BTX (benzene–toluene–xylene) aromatic fraction at greenhouse gas emissions comparable or lower than current fossil‐fuel‐based ones.…”

“…All of the above-mentioned research reported high yields of p-xylene among the aromaticf raction;h owever,several studies concentrated specifically on this targetm olecule. [15i, 19] Niziolek et al [19] presented ac omprehensive techno-economical study of aromatics refineries that would be feasible and profitable for the production of the BTX (benzene-toluene-xylene) aromatic fraction at greenhouse gas emissions comparable or lower than current fossil-fuel-based ones. Natural gas was selected as as ource for the production of aromaticsa lthough this could be easily substituted by bio-derived methane or syngas produced from the gasification of almost any lignocellulosic biomass waste.…”

A Facile Strategy to Prepare Shaped ZSM-5 Catalyst with Enhanced para-Xylene Selectivity and Stability for Toluene Methylation

“…The high profit of para-xylene production has created incentives for researchers to work on various aspects of the technologies. Among the routes for on-purpose production of para-xylene, toluene alkylation with methanol to para-xylene is promising to become an important process in the chemical industry, because toluene is produced beyond market demand [4,5] and methanol is expected to be extensively obtained from converting coal and natural gas [4,6,7].…”

“…para-Xylene, a critical raw material for polyester manufacture, is the most lucrative petrochemical commodity in three xylene isomers [1][2][3][4]. The high profit of para-xylene production has created incentives for researchers to work on various aspects of the technologies.…”