(563c) Evaluation of Para- and Ortho-Xylene Adsorption on Beta Zeolite Using the Headspace Chromatography

Xylenes isomers are aromatic compounds obtained from the petroleum and have a large industrial importance. Separation of xylene isomers is a key issue in the petrochemical industry. In this study, the headspace chromatography method was used to evaluate the selectivity of adsorption of o-xylene and p-xylene on Beta zeolite (Si/Al = 25 and crystal diameter = 6 µm). This technique consists of evaluate the vapor phase in equilibrium with the liquid and adsorbed phases in a sealed cell. This method is very useful for the selection of adsorbents, as well as in the investigation of selectivity variation at different conditions. The experiments were carried out at different temperatures and molar ratio of p-xylene/o-xylene. Results are comparable to other more costly and time-consuming techniques. Para-xylene selectivity was observed for the Beta zeolite sample (α_px/ox> 2).