Hydrogenation/Desulphurization Unit:
Benzols material is steam stripped and decanted to remove water. It is flash evaporated and Hydrogen is added. At 45 bars, it runs through the hydrogenation reactor using Cobalt Molybdenum catalyst (removed). H2S and residual H2 go into the fuel gas network. The heavies stream is burned in an incinerator. The final Raffinate is 75% Benzene and 25 % Toluene/Xylene (no Sulfur). The process is all carbon steel, but much of it is high pressure capable. The capacity is 290 ton/day.
Purification:
This unit consists of two 50 meter tall, 70-bubble cap tray distillation columns with associated equipment. The first column removes the light components such as cyclopentane. The second column removes Toluene and Xylene out the bottom and 99.6% pure Benzene out the top. The process is all carbon steel. The capacity is 330 ton/day.
Cyclohexane:
If desired, the Benzene can be converted to Cyclohexane by Hydrogenation. Benzene is heated and mixed with Hydrogen before being passed over Nickel Chrome catalyst in a high pressure reactor. This process is mainly carbon steel with a small amount of stainless. The capacity is 260 ton/day. The process can also make small amounts of paramenthane (used in organic peroxide production) if desired.