Process Technologies

Chiyoda’s SPERA Hydrogen, “on purpose” MCH DeHydrogenation

Thanks to our Cooperation, Axens can offer SPERA Hydrogen, Chiyoda’s technology for grass roots DeHydrogenation projects, which will provide your project with the best performance. 

Axens / Chiyoda, the right team for your LOHC project

Axens’ MCH DeHydrogenation, “the shortest way”

The most cost effective and rapid way to DeHydrogenate MethylCycloHexane (MCH) is to retrofit an idle Catalytic Reforming unit historically designed to DeHydrogenate fossil naphtha into high octane and aromatic rich Gasoline basis. While adapting a few pieces of equipment as well as operating conditions, it is possible in a short time frame to release Hydrogen from MCH.  

As a Licensor Axens has an impressive know-how in retrofitting Refining & Petrochemicals units and especially Catalytic Reformers. 

Toluene (TL) Hydrogenation

Technology

Axens has in its portfolio two industrial technologies for aromatics Hydrogenation:  

• Heterogeneous catalysis technology Benfree™: developed to limit Benzene content in commercial gasoline with 50 references, 
• Homogeneous catalysis technology for pure benzene Hydrogenation: to produce high purity cyclohexane for Nylon production with 35 references. 

Considering technical and economical comparison, Axens considers that for Toluene the best option is homogeneous type Hydrogenation for the following reasons: 

• Flexibility / robustness: catalyst make-up rate adjusted in function of the plant capacity and in function of the content of poisonous impurities in the Toluene and Hydrogen feeds.  
• Reliability: No catalyst changeout in case of catalyst severe poisoning.   
• Safety: In case of runaways, the reactor liquid hold-up constitutes the simplest safety device with vaporization of the liquid. 
• Performance / efficiency: exceptionally high selectivity and purity of MethylCycloHexane (MCH), leading to maximum Hydrogen pick-up and flexibility in dealing with impurities. 

With several decades providing similar technologies, catalysts and services for Petrochemical application, Axens currently has an unmatched experience in pure aromatics Hydrogenation.