| |
| Technology for manufacturing para-xylene
|
| Reference: |
IRCPK/11/TO/24 |
| Organization: |
Cracow University of Technology |
| IRC Name: |
IRC South Poland |
| Country: |
Poland |
| Entry Date: |
Tue, November 13, 2001 |
| Last Update: |
Tue, February 04, 2003 |
| Deadline: |
Wed, February 04, 2004 |
| Abstract:
P-xylene is one of the three most valuable xylene isomers. This
compound is used in large quantities as a raw material for
manufacturing polyester plastics and fibres.
A Polish research
team is offering a technology for manufacturing of p-xylene using
simple compounds as a feed. They are looking for an industrial
partner for collaboration. |
| Description:
The large demand for p-xylene used as a raw material in chemical
industry is a driving force for searching for additional sources of
this compound. One viable method is based on the alkylation of
toluene with methanol. We have developed such a process using
zeolite catalysts.
The process consists of single alkylation
step, where toluene and methanol are used as substrates. The
reaction is catalysed by specially modified ZSM-5 type zeolite. The
xylene fraction obtained is rich in p-xylene and contains from 50 to
70 % of this isomer. Finally, pure p-xylene is separated from the
fraction.
Innovative Aspects:
The application of
environment-friendly shape-selective zeolite catalysts yielding a
xylene fraction rich in p-xylene. The catalysts do not contain any
additives, which could be hazardous to the environment. The design
of the catalysts led to suppression of the most side reactions, thus
allowing producing p-xylene with high selectivity.
The
technology complies with the regulations concerning the dangerous
substances and preparations (Official Journal of the Republic of
Poland no. 79 (513), pp. 2961-2991; 27 June, 1998).
Main
Advantages:
The process is viable from economic standpoint. It
does not create any risk to environment.
The technology allows
one to transform the surplus of toluene actually present on the
world market into much more valuable products (xylene isomers).
Starting from the relatively cheap raw materials (toluene and
methanol) the method yields a xylene fraction containing
predominantly the most valuable isomer para. This compound achieves
the highest price on the market. |
| Technology Keywords: |
|
| Current Stage of Development: |
Development phase - Laboratory tested
|
| Exploitation of RTD Results: |
None |
| Intellectual Property Rights: |
Copyright(s) registered
|
| Comments |
Copyright registered in Poland. |
| Organisation/Company Type: |
Research institute/University |
| Organisation/Company Size: |
50-249 |
| Brief Market Application Codes: |
Comments
|
| Detailed Market Application Codes
(VEIC): |
Keywords
Highlights
The
manufacture of polyester plastics based on p-xylene is growing
significantly. This technology will provide additional amounts of
p-xylene on the market. |
| Collaboration Type: |
- Technical Co-operation
- License agreement
- Manufacturing agreement (Subcontracting & Co-contracting)
- Financial resources
Comments
Searching
for a partner to carry out development of the alkylation process
(scale-up, design and implementation of the full-scale industrial
process). |
| Preferred Countries for diffusion: |
ALL |
| Additional
Information: |
|
| Contact Name: |
Kubik |
| Contact First name: |
Artur |
| Phone: |
+48 12 628 2845 |
| Fax: |
+48 12 632 4795 |
| Email: |
mailto:akubik@transfer.edu.pl |