Cyclohexane Production Unit
Cyclohexane is an important facility in petrochemical and refinery-integrated complexes, producing high-purity cyclohexane primarily for downstream caprolactam, adipic acid, and nylon production.
The primary objective of a cyclohexane production unit is to hydrogenate benzene into cyclohexane with high selectivity, safe operation, and optimized production economics.
Commercial cyclohexane plants are designed for continuous operation with high reliability and are often integrated with aromatic extraction units and downstream nylon intermediates. Proven licensed technologies, robust catalyst systems, and high-quality equipment are essential to achieve long operating cycles and consistent product quality.
OGSCM supports industrial operations by coordinating procurement, logistics, and supply chain execution to ensure continuous operational efficiency.
Production Process Overview
Benzene Hydrogenation Route
Cyclohexane is commercially produced through the catalytic hydrogenation of benzene in the presence of hydrogen. The reaction is carried out in fixed-bed reactors under controlled temperature and pressure to ensure high conversion and selectivity.
- High benzene conversion with minimal by-products
- Continuous operation with integrated hydrogen recycle
- Excellent product purity suitable for nylon intermediates
- Proven and widely licensed industrial process
This route dominates global cyclohexane production due to its operational simplicity, scalability, and strong economic performance.
Licensed Technologies and Process Providers
Cyclohexane production units are based on established and licensed technologies supplied by globally recognized licensors.
Major technology providers include:
- UOP (Honeywell)
- Axens
- Lummus Technology
- Sinopec Engineering
- KBR
These licensors provide complete process packages including reactor design, catalyst selection, heat integration, and operating guidelines.
Catalysts
Catalysts are a critical component of cyclohexane production units, directly affecting conversion efficiency, selectivity, and unit cycle length.
Common catalyst systems:
- Nickel-based hydrogenation catalysts
- Noble metal catalysts for high-purity applications
Leading global catalyst suppliers:
- BASF
- Clariant
- Albemarle
- Johnson Matthey
- Axens
OGSCM Group supports cyclohexane producers by sourcing and supplying licensor-approved catalysts with full technical documentation and reliable logistics.
Leading suppliers: BASF, Clariant, Albemarle, Johnson Matthey, Axens. OGSCM supports cyclohexane producers by sourcing and supplying licensor-approved catalysts with full technical documentation and reliable logistics.
Chemicals
Stable supply of high-quality feedstock and auxiliary chemicals is essential for uninterrupted cyclohexane production.
Key chemicals include:
- Benzene – primary aromatic feedstock
- Hydrogen (H₂) – hydrogenation reactant
- Nitrogen (N₂) – inerting and purging
- Process Water / Demineralized Water – cooling and washing
Standard Industrial Packaging and Supply Modes:
- Bulk pipeline or tank storage (benzene, hydrogen)
- ISO tanks and road tankers
- IBC containers (1,000 L)
- Steel drums (200–220 L)
OGSCM Group supplies cyclohexane process chemicals in approved industrial packaging formats, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and consistent quality.
Major Global Chemical Brands
Chemicals and auxiliaries used in cyclohexane production units are typically sourced from internationally recognized manufacturers.
Key global brands include:
- BASF
- SABIC
- INEOS
- Shell Chemicals
- ExxonMobil Chemical
- Sinopec
OGSCM collaborates with approved global suppliers to deliver competitive commercial terms and full technical documentation.
Main Equipment
- Hydrogenation reactors
- Separators
- Recycle gas systems
- Distillation columns
Manufacturers: L&T Heavy Engineering, Doosan Enerbility, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Technip-approved fabricators, Sinopec-approved manufacturers. OGSCM provides sourcing and supply solutions for reactors, vessels, and associated mechanical components.
Heat Exchangers
- Alfa Laval
- Kelvion
- API Heat Transfer
- Hisaka
- Tranter
OGSCM Group supplies heat exchangers and critical spare parts suitable for benzene and cyclohexane service.
Instrumentation
| Tag | Full Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| PT | Pressure Transmitter | Reactor pressure monitoring |
| TT | Temperature Transmitter | Reaction temperature control |
| FT | Flow Transmitter | Benzene and hydrogen flow control |
| LT | Level Transmitter | Separator and column level control |
| AT | Analyzer Transmitter | Product purity monitoring |
Valves
- Emerson (Fisher, Vanessa)
- Cameron (SLB)
- Flowserve
- L&T Valves
- Kitz
- Neway
OGSCM Group offers comprehensive procurement solutions for control, isolation, and safety valves required in cyclohexane production units.