Alkaline-Earth Metal Zeolite Catalyst Steam Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Zeolite catalysts used in synthesizing lower hydrocarbons from dimethyl ether and methanol face deactivation due to aluminum elimination from the zeolite framework and carbonaceous deposit formation, leading to reduced catalytic activity and increased costs due to the need for specific regeneration methods and equipment.

Innovation Solution

An alkaline-earth metal compound-containing zeolite catalyst is developed, comprising a composite material with a specific molar ratio of Si/Al, combined with aluminum oxides or hydroxides and calcium compounds, which is resistant to aluminum elimination and has improved steam resistance, allowing for a simple and cost-effective regeneration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zeolite catalyst is exposed to reaction atmosphere containing steam, then aluminum elimination from zeolite framework occurs, but catalytic activity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst stabilityVSAvoidcatalytic activity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Alkaline-earth metal compounds (Ca, Sr, or Ba) are introduced as intermediary substances that mediate between the steam environment and the zeolite framework. These metals form protective species that prevent direct interaction between steam and aluminum in the zeolite framework, thereby preventing aluminum elimination while maintaining catalytic activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite catalyst system combining zeolite with alkaline-earth metal compounds. This composite structure leverages the synergistic effects where the alkaline-earth metals provide steam resistance while the zeolite maintains its catalytic function, resolving the contradiction between stability and activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If carbonaceous deposits are formed on zeolite catalyst, then catalytic activity decreases, but regeneration requires specific reagents and complex processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidregeneration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alkaline-earth metal-containing zeolite catalyst exhibits inherent resistance to carbonaceous deposit formation and easier regenerability. The catalyst essentially regenerates itself through simple steam treatment or air exposure without requiring complex external reagents or processes, making the regeneration system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst by incorporating alkaline-earth metals, which fundamentally alters the catalyst's interaction with carbonaceous deposits. This compositional change enables simpler regeneration conditions (steam or air treatment) compared to conventional catalysts that require specific chemical reagents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional zeolite catalyst is used, then aluminum elimination occurs requiring specific regeneration methods, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst lifetimeVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the catalyst from a disposable component requiring expensive regeneration into a long-lived catalyst that can be easily regenerated with steam or air. The alkaline-earth metal addition enables the catalyst to withstand steam treatment without aluminum elimination, effectively making the catalyst reusable and reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If steam treatment is applied to regenerate catalyst, then carbonaceous deposits are removed, but aluminum elimination accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst regenerationVSAvoidzeolite framework integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The alkaline-earth metal compounds are introduced beforehand to cushion or protect the zeolite framework from the harmful effects of steam treatment. These metals form protective species that prevent aluminum elimination during steam treatment, enabling steam to be used for regeneration without compromising framework integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The alkaline-earth metal compound-containing zeolite catalyst exhibits extended catalytic lifetime, reduced frequency of catalyst recharging, and lower production costs, with improved steam resistance and high yields of propylene and reduced methane and carbon monoxide production.

Implementation Method 1

elimination of tetrahedral aluminum from zeolite framework is not likely to occur

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding stabilization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

exhibits slow formation rate of carbonaceous deposits during reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption resistance: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8673803B2Alkaline-earth metal compound-containing zeolite catalyst, method for preparing same, method for regenerating same, and method for producing lower hydrocarbons
Publication Date: 2014.03.18 JGC CORP
  • US8673803B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An alkaline-earth metal compound-containing zeolite catalyst composed of a composite material comprising at least a first component, a second component, and a third component. The first component is composed of at least one of zeolites selected from a group consisting of proton-type zeolites and ammonium type zeolites. The second component is composed of at least one of alkaline-earth metal compounds. The third component is composed of at least one selected from a group consisting of aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxides, silicon oxides, silicon hydroxides, and clay minerals. The first component has a molar ratio of Si/Al of 10 or more and 300 or less. Content of the second component relative to the first component is 0.3 mass % or more and less than 10 mass % as alkaline-earth metal. Content of the third component relative to the first component is 15 mass % or more and 200 mass % or less.