ATA-12
        Advanced Transalkylation Catalyst








ATA-12 is a new catalyst that utilizes a zeolite as the active material. Developed in the SK Corp and Zeolyst laboratories, it is especially designed for high total conversion and feed composition flexibility. ATA catalyst was commercialized in 1999 and there are a total of 9 units in operations.

Applying sophisticated catalyst manufacturing technology, ATA-12 combines a high activity for conversion of toluene and C9+ aromatics into benzene and low EB content mixed xylenes with superior catalyst stability and yields.

Applications:
ATA-12 is used in aromatics complexes in the toluene disproportionation unit or transalkylation unit when conversion of toluene and C9+ aromatics to mixed xylenes and benzene is required. Processing C9+ aromatics in a transalkylation unit shifts the chemical equilibrium in the unit away from benzene production and towards xylene production. The transalkylation process provides an ideal way of producing additional mixed xylenes from low-value toluene and heavy aromatics. The incorporation of a transalkylation unit into an aromatics complex can more than double the yield of para-xylene from naphtha feedstock.



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Feeds
One of the major benefits of the ATA-12 catalyst is its feed flexibility. The ATA-12 catalyst can process feed compositions ranging from benzene or 100% toluene to 100% C9+ aromatics. This feed flexibility allows the user to optimize feed sources and effectively capture market price swings.


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ATA-12 Advantages

  • Process up to 100% C9+ feed
  • High C9+ aromatics conversion
  • High xylene yields with low EB content
  • High benzene purity – extraction unit can be bypassed
  • Low aromatic losses
  • Low H2 consumption
  • Catalyst stability and long cycle length

    • Activity
    ZEOLYST ATA-12 activity is higher than that of other commercially available transalkylation or toluene disproportionation catalysts. The increased activity allows for a reduction of the required catalyst volume compared to traditional catalysts and the users also benefits in lower utility costs. Activity decline is extremely low and long cycle lengths are expected, but of course cycle length depends also on feedstock, operating severity and unit constraints. The catalytic attributes of the ATA-12 catalyst make it a logical catalyst choice when converting a HDA unit or semi regen reformer into a transalkylation unit.

    Regeneration
    During operation catalyst activity slowly declines mainly because of coke lay-down. The activity can be restored to a large extend by carbon burn-off. The regeneration can be performed in-situ. A small optimized amount of hydrogenating metal is present to abate coke lay-down and assist coke burn-off.

    Commercial Experiences
    ATA-11 has been commercialized since 1999 and has evolved to an improved product ATA-12 in 2002. To date, we have applied the ATA catalyst technology at 9 commercial units.

    Supply and Technical Support  Contact Us
    ZeolystInternational will be pleased to provide performance estimates for ATA-12 catalyst. Zeolyst provides start-up assistance and operational advice. Immediately after start-up the operation conditions will be fine-tuned together with the operational staff. The catalyst performance will be monitored and during normal operation six-moths reviews will be held at the site, and following review operational advice will be given. A telephone help-desk is available.

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