Phillips 66
SYSTEMS FOR CATALYTIC ACTIVATION OF ISOPENTANE-ENRICHED MIXTURES

Abstract:

The present disclosure relates generally to systems operable to produce liquid transportation fuels by converting a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. The system separates the hydrocarbon feed stream to form a first fraction comprising isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons, and a second fraction comprising n-pentane and larger components of the hydrocarbon feeds stream. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate activation reactor containing a separate activation catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each reactor are selected to maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first activation reactor is maintained at a lower temperature than the second activation reactor. Certain embodiments of the system mix at least a portion of the effluents from the first and second activation reactor and convert the resulting mixed effluent in either an oligomerization reactor containing an oligomerization catalyst or an oligomerization reactor containing an alkylation catalyst to provide enhanced yields of upgraded hydrocarbon products that are characterized as a liquid transportation fuel or a blend component thereof.