Methanol&toluene to para-xylene(PX)&light olefins technology, coupling methanol to olefins(MTO) and toluene methylation reactions, was proposed for the first time in the world. PX and light olefins (ethylene and propylene), the two basic raw materials for manufacturing polyesters, can be produced simultaneously with high selectivity in a process. This original technology will lead the formation and development of the emerging industry of coal-to-polyesters, and provide a new favorable way for the clean and efficient utilization of coal.

The pilot-plant test with a scale of 1,000 t/a has been completed, and the corresponding scientific and technologic achievement passed the national identification organized by China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. The expert group appraises thatthe technology developed is with independent intellectual property rights, strong innovation and the international leading level. This technology has the following technical features: fluidized bed process; the adjustable ratio of PX/light olefins; high PX selectivity in xylenes(95%), adsorption separation process is not necessary; toluene conversion per pass, >35%; methanol conversion per pass, >95%.

Methanol&toluene to para-xylene(PX)&light olefins technology can be applied byvarious options: (1) build the new industrial plant in the region with abundant methanol and toluene (benzene) resources; (2) by coupling this technology, the aromatics complex in petrochemical plants can increase PX production by more than 40% and doesn’t produce benzene ideally.