Xylenes and ethyl benzenes are C8 benzene homologues with the molecular form ula C8 H10. The three-xylene isomers are ortho-xylene (o-xylene),meta-xylene (m-xylene) and para-xylene (p-xylene,), which differ in the positions of the two-methyl groups on the benzene ring. The term mixed xylenes describes a mixture of ethyl benzene and the three xylenes isomers. Mixed xylenes are largely derived from petroleum.Ethyl benzene is always present, except in the small amount of xylenes produced by toluene disproportionation. Ethyl benzene is diluents, which can accumulate in the recycle processing schemes, and hence has a strong impact on the separation of the individual xylene isomers.

Introduction

Properties&uses

Methods of Production

Material Balance

Energy Balance

Design of Equipments

Pollution control&Safety

Cost Estimation&Economics

Plant Location&Layout

Bibliography