Social
Menu Search
selective toluene

Selective toluene disproportionation (PxMax℠)  

Learn about PxMaxSM selective toluene disproportion technology, available for license from ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil’s PxMax℠ process is the industry benchmark Selective Toluene Disproportionation (STDP) process. The technology, based on the ex-situ selectivated EM-2300 catalyst, offers unmatched paraxylene selectivity and product yields, as well as exceptionally long and stable cycles. The PxMax process is also licensed by our alliance partner, Axens, as part of the ParamaX® technology suite for grassroots aromatics complexes. ExxonMobil’s Dividing-Wall Column (DWC) technology is also available for licensing in combination with the PxMax process.

Contact us Share this page Download factsheet

Key benefits

  • dollar sign icon

    Superior process performance

    • Ultra-high PX selectivity
    • Higher total xylene yields
    • Superior xylenes/benzene ratio
    • Benzene product with greater than 99.9% purity

  • dollar sign icon

    Extremely long catalyst cycles

    • No in-situ regeneration need (cycles > 15 years)
    • Performance improves over the catalyst cycle

  • gage sign

    Lower costs

    • Reduced size of reactor and PX recovery unit
    • Lower metallurgy cost
    • Lower operating costs

Ultra-high paraxylene selectivity, superior yields, extremely long catalyst cycles  

The EM-2300 catalyst is at the heart of the unique performance and superior yields of the PxMax process. The catalyst is manufactured using a proprietary ex-situ selectivation technique which increases the relative diffusivity rate of paraxylene versus those of the larger isomers. As a result, the PxMax process yields ultra-high paraxylene selectivity at SOC (> 96%). Paraxylene selectivity further increases as the cycle progresses making the PxMax process by far the most paraxylene selective STDP process on the market.

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 startup support
  • Technology improvement
  • Performance monitoring and technical assistance throughout the life of the catalyst

    • PxMax flowscheme  

    Compared with traditional STDP processes requiring in-situ coke selectivation, the PxMax process offers the following advantages:  

    • Ultra-high paraxylene selectivity (>96%) which increases throughout the cycle
    • Higher total xylenes yield
    • Superior xylenes/benzene ratio
    • Benzene product with greater than 99.9% purity
    • Very stable catalyst yielding extremely long cycles (more than 15 years)
    • No in-situ selectivation requirement, resulting in:
      • - Simplified operation (no lost time for selectivation)
      - Easier retrofit into existing equipment
      - Lower metallurgy investment cost and operating cost
    • High weight hourly space velocity (WHSV)
    • Very low H₂ consumption
    • Reduced size for associated paraxylene separation unit resulting in lower investment and operating cost due to the very high paraxylene content in the C₈ aromatic product
    Recyled Toulene

    Featured resources

    View highlighted news, events, technical papers and case studies below. To see our full collection of resources, browse our Library.
    • ExxonMobil Chemical play button icon

      Introduction to ExxonMobil Catalysts and Technology Licensing

      See an overview of ExxonMobil's refining, chemical manufacturing and gas processing technologies along with their assortment of specialty catalysts. These technologies and catalysts are used at ExxonMobil's own facilities and are offered for license to customers.

      Watch the video
    Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out Quick links to explore additional content.
    Loading