Liquid phase xylenes isomerization (LPI)
The LPI process is the latest generation of liquid phase isomerization technology and is available for license by ExxonMobil directly, as well as by Axens as part of the ParamaX® technology suite for grassroots aromatics complexes.
Key benefits
-
- Smaller vapor phase isomerization unit ideal for grassroots projects
- Simpler unit configuration
- Inexpensive debottlenecks
-
- Consistent with modern turnaround schedules
-
- Significant energy savings
- Low temperature operation
- Ultra-low xylene losses
- High PX selectivity
LPI process: Significant energy savings, ultra-low xylenes losses, inexpensive debottlenecking
The LPI process is the latest addition to ExxonMobil’s portfolio of xylenes isomerization processes available for license. The technology operates at low temperature with xylene losses less than the best performing vapor phase isomerization technology, the XyMaxSM-2 process. The LPI process can be deployed in parallel with vapor phase isomerization units in existing plants, yielding both energy savings and debottlenecking opportunities. Because of its very low EB conversion per pass, the LPI process is often operated in combination with a vapor phase isomerization process, where most EB removal is achieved. However, in situations where the C8 aromatics stream to be isomerized contains very low EB, xylenes isomerization can be carried out via the LPI process only, and EB purge is managed by other means.
LPI advantages:
- Significant energy savings
- Low temperature operation
- Elimination of two costly steps - (1) raffinate vaporization and (2) isomerate condensing
- Reduced traffic through the high temperature vapor phase isomerization unit - Ultra-low xylene losses
- Low catalyst costs
- Low metallurgy costs
- Debottlenecking opportunity for existing plants or significant reduction of the vapor phase isomerization unit size in grassroots facilities
- High paraxylene selectivity
- Long cycles consistent with modern aromatics complexes turnaround schedule
LPI flowscheme
The following simplified flowscheme shows the LPI process in a typical fractionation and recovery section of an aromatics complex.
Life cycle support
- Initial discussions to confirm client objectives and tailor the solution
- Detailed yield estimate
- Feasibility study
- Commercial proposal
- Process design package
- Technology transfer, training, catalyst loading and start-up support
- Technology improvement
- Performance monitoring and technical assistance throughout the life of the catalyst
Featured resources
View highlighted news, events, technical papers and case studies below. To see our full collection of resources, browse our Library.
-
A Particle of Difference
How ExxonMobil Catalysts and Technology Licensing solves shared challenges through expertise, specialty catalysts, technology licensing and collaboration.
-
ExxonMobil Catalysts and Technology Licensing – summary of technologies offered
Learn about the cutting-edge, proprietary catalysts and advantaged process technologies that ExxonMobil provides for refining, gas and chemical needs.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out Quick links to explore additional content.