Acidic Clay Adsorption for Weakly Basic Nitrogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing weakly basic nitrogen compounds from hydrocarbon streams are costly and inefficient, leading to catalyst poisoning and reduced lifespan in aromatic conversion processes, as these compounds are difficult to remove using conventional adsorbents and require expensive acidic zeolites.
Innovation Solution
Contacting the hydrocarbon feed stream with acidic clay at temperatures of at least 100°C and in the presence of at least 50 ppm water converts weakly basic nitrogen compounds to more basic forms, which are then adsorbed by the clay, effectively removing them without the need for additional catalysts or adsorbents downstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adsorbents are used to remove weakly basic nitrogen compounds, then the removal process is simple, but the effectiveness is poor and catalyst poisoning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adsorbent by acidifying the clay, transforming it from a neutral to an acidic material. This parameter change enables the adsorbent to effectively remove weakly basic nitrogen compounds through acid-base interaction, resolving the contradiction between simple process implementation and effective nitrogen removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs acidified clay, a cost-effective and readily available material, as a disposable adsorbent that can be easily replaced. This eliminates the need for expensive zeolites while providing effective nitrogen compound removal, addressing both the cost effectiveness and removal efficiency requirements.
2Reliability
If expensive acidic zeolites are used to remove weakly basic nitrogen compounds, then the removal effectiveness is high, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive acidic zeolites with inexpensive acidified clay that performs the same function. The clay is a common, low-cost material that can be acidified in-situ, providing cost-effective nitrogen removal without sacrificing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of acidic zeolite using acidified clay. By applying acid to the clay, it replicates the acidic properties needed for nitrogen removal while using a much cheaper material, thus maintaining effectiveness while reducing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If water is present in the hydrocarbon stream, then the acidic clay adsorbent becomes less effective, but removing water requires additional process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary water removal from the hydrocarbon stream before the nitrogen removal step. This preliminary action ensures that the acidic clay adsorbent operates under optimal conditions without water interference, maintaining its effectiveness while keeping the overall process simple through sequential operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces the concentration of weakly basic nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon stream, extending the life of downstream catalysts and reducing the need for expensive zeolites, while maintaining process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
converting the weakly basic nitrogen compound to a basic nitrogen compound
Implementation Method 2
remove the basic nitrogen compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for removing weakly basic nitrogen compounds from a hydrocarbon feed stream by contacting the hydrocarbon feed stream with acidic clay to produce a hydrocarbon effluent stream having a lower weakly basic nitrogen compound content relative to the hydrocarbon feed stream. The hydrocarbon feed stream comprises an aromatic compound and a weakly basic nitrogen compound.