n-Paraffin Production
The Molex process offers you an opportunity to upgrade straight-run
kerosene to normal paraffins (n-paraffins). The Molex process is a
commercially proven, cost-effective process that efficiently separates
n-paraffins from the branched and cyclic analogs.
Normal paraffins are used primarily as a raw material to produce linear alkylbenzene,
which is then used to produce surfactants. The first Molex unit began commercial
operation in 1968. Today, more than 2.5 MM metric tons of n-paraffins
are produced from Molex units around the world.
The Molex process uses the Sorbex simulated-moving-bed technique to recover
high-purity n-paraffins by continuous adsorptive separation. This technique
is similar in concept to liquid chromatography, but done on a very large commercial
scale.
In an n-paraffin complex, the feed to the Molex unit is generally hydrotreated
in a Unionfining unit which, along with UOP’s hydrotreating catalyst,
ensures trouble-free production of top quality n-paraffins.
ADS-34 adsorbent is a high-performance molecular sieve zeolitic adsorbent which
enables a Molex unit to produce 99 wt% pure n-paraffin products at more than
97 wt% recovery per pass.
Find out how UOP’s technologies can help you produce n-paraffins or optimize
your current n-paraffin production. Contact us today using our information request form.
To find complementary products and services, click on the following
links:
Hydrotreating
LAB Production
Higher Olefins
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