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Vapor phase xylenes isomerization (XyMax℠-2)

The XyMax℠-2 process is the latest generation of vapor 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 unit ideal for grassroots projects
- Higher capacity
- Extremely long catalyst cycles
- Lower operating costs
- Ultra-low xylene losses
- Higher benzene purity
- Unmatched process performance and catalyst cycles
- High PX approach to equilibrium
- Higher EB conversion
- Consistent yields and conversion across the cycle

XyMax-2 flowscheme

The following simplified flowscheme shows the XyMax-2 process in a typical fractionation and recovery section of an aromatics complex.

XyMax-2 process: Lower operating costs, ultra-low xylenes losses, extremely long cycles

XyMax-2 process is the seventh generation of vapor-phase isomerization technology licensed by ExxonMobil. The process features a higher activity catalyst, higher weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) and expanded temperature window compared to prior ExxonMobil vapor phase isomerization technologies. The XyMax-2 process is ideal for debottlenecking xylenes isomerization units as it requires lower catalyst volumes than any process currently in service, achieves higher ethylbenzene (EB) conversion per pass and offers the flexibility of operating at temperatures similar to or lower than existing processes.

LPI advantages

Higher WHSV
Higher throughput for revamps
Reduced unit size for grassroots applications
Lower catalyst inventory
Ultra-low xylene losses
High Paraxylene approach to equilibrium (100% or more) throughout the cycle
Low operating costs
Lower reactor temperature
Lower hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio
Higher EB conversion reducing EB traffic in the xylenes loop
Higher benzene product purity
Extremely long cycles with consistent conversions

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.

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.
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Maximizing existing xylene loop profitability

By implementing a xylene isomerization process, users achieve energy savings through both reduced traffic in the xylene loop and lower temperature requirement of the high activity isomerization catalyst.
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