Systems and methods are provided for performing multistage naphtha reforming with intermediate separation of aromatics using a swing adsorption process. Use of a swing adsorption process can allow aromatics to be selectively removed from the intermediate reforming effluent while reducing or minimizing the energy costs for cooling and subsequent reheating of the intermediate reforming effluent. The resulting aromatics-rich stream generated from swing adsorption can have a substantially higher aromatics content than an aromatics-rich stream generated by conventional separation methods during multi-stage naphtha reforming. In some aspects, selective thermal purging (either hot or cold) can be used to further facilitate adsorption or desorption of components by the adsorbent in the swing adsorption vessel.

Systems and methods are provided for performing multistage naphtha reforming with intermediate separation of aromatics using a swing adsorption process. Use of a swing adsorption process can allow aromatics to be selectively removed from the intermediate reforming effluent while reducing or minimizing the energy costs for cooling and subsequent reheating of the intermediate reforming effluent. The resulting aromatics-rich stream generated from swing adsorption can have a substantially higher aromatics content than an aromatics-rich stream generated by conventional separation methods during multi-stage naphtha reforming. In some aspects, selective thermal purging (either hot or cold) can be used to further facilitate adsorption or desorption of components by the adsorbent in the swing adsorption vessel.

Processes for reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock by selectively reforming different sub-components of the feedstock using at least two compositionally-distinct reforming catalysts. Advantages may include a decreased rate of reforming catalyst deactivation and an increased yield of a liquid hydrocarbon reformate product that is characterized by at least one of an increased octane rating and a decreased vapor pressure (relative to conventional one-step reforming processes and systems).

Processes for reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock by selectively reforming different sub-components of the feedstock using at least two compositionally-distinct reforming catalysts. Advantages may include a decreased rate of reforming catalyst deactivation and an increased yield of a liquid hydrocarbon reformate product that is characterized by at least one of an increased octane rating and a decreased vapor pressure (relative to conventional one-step reforming processes and systems).

An integrated process for producing para-xylenes may include catalytically reforming a naphtha feed stream; separating the reformate stream into a C.sub.1-C.sub.7 hydrocarbon stream and a C.sub.8+ hydrocarbon stream; exposing the C.sub.1-C.sub.7 hydrocarbon stream to a first solvent in a solvent extraction unit to form a non-aromatic hydrocarbon stream and an aromatics stream; upgrading the aromatics stream to form a toluene-rich transalkylation feed stream; separating the C.sub.8+ hydrocarbon stream into a C.sub.9+ hydrocarbon stream, a para-xylene stream and a xylene isomer stream; dealkylating the C.sub.9+ hydrocarbon stream; separating the dealkylation product stream into an additional xylene stream and a tri-methyl benzene rich stream; and upgrading the toluene-rich transalkylation feed stream and the tri-methyl benzene rich stream with a hydrogen stream to produce an alkyl-benzene stream and additional xylene stream, wherein a ratio by weight of the toluene-rich transalkylation feed stream to the tri-methylbenzene rich stream is from 0.3 to 3.

A reforming reactor and process of using same in which residence time of feed within a chamber of a reactor is shortened. Feed is injected into the reactor into a non-reactive zone. The non-reactive zone has two portions, a first portion receiving the feed, and a second portion receiving a purge gas. The purge gas will flow from the second portion to the first portion to prevent flow of the feed from the first portion to the second portion. The combined gas may be passed to a reaction zone for catalytic reforming. The first portion and the second portion may be separated by a baffle.

A reforming reactor and process of using same in which residence time of feed within a chamber of a reactor is shortened. Feed is injected into the reactor into a non-reactive zone. The non-reactive zone has two portions, a first portion receiving the feed, and a second portion receiving a purge gas. The purge gas will flow from the second portion to the first portion to prevent flow of the feed from the first portion to the second portion. The combined gas may be passed to a reaction zone for catalytic reforming. The first portion and the second portion may be separated by a baffle.