Ways to prevent pump-around heat exchanger fouling and extend run lengths on a benzene hydrogenation unit

Abstract

A process for hydrogenation of an aromatic hydrocarbon including introducing a hydrocarbon feed comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, a hydrogen feed comprising hydrogen, and a hydrogenation catalyst into a hydrogenation reactor operable with a liquid phase and a gas phase to produce a hydrogenation product; removing a gas phase product stream comprising the hydrogenation product; withdrawing a portion of the liquid phase; subjecting the withdrawn portion to heat exchange to provide a reduced-temperature withdrawn portion; introducing the reduced-temperature withdrawn portion back into the hydrogenation reactor; and at least one of: (a) providing at least two heat exchangers to effect the subjecting of the withdrawn portion of the liquid phase to heat exchange; (b) separating a decomposition product of the hydrogenation catalyst, the hydrogenation catalyst, or both, from the withdrawn portion of the liquid phase prior to the heat exchange; and (c) reducing exposure of the hydrogenation catalyst to an oxygen-containing species.