Integrated etherification process with isomerization pretreatment
US4754078A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C5/2791
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A multistep hydrocarbon conversion process for the production of ethers including methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from light paraffins and alcohols is disclosed. A mixture of C.sub.4 isoparaffins, normal paraffins, an etherification recycle and butane isomerization effluent enter a deisobutanizer column. Normal paraffins withdrawn from the fractionator are isomerized and returned to the fractionator, and isoparaffins are withdrawn from the fractionator and dehyrogenated. The resulting olefins enter an etherification zone for reaction of isobutene with a C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alcohol. Unreacted paraffins and olefins comprise the etherification effluent entering the deisobutanizer. Normal butanes and olefins are withdrawn as a sidecut from the deisobutanizer. Hydrogenation of the sidecut saturates any olefins contained therein which would interfere with the isomerization of normal butanes. The saturated sidecut passes to an isomerization zone and a mixture of isobutane and normal butane is recycled to the deisobutanizer. In a highly perferred embodiment, spent catalyst from the isomerization zone fulfills the catalyst requirement of the dehydrogenation zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.