Ammonia Gas Phase Hydrodeoxygenation Yield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroprocessing methods for converting renewable feedstocks and oxygenates into transportation fuels often result in the formation of high boiling products, which can reduce yield and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating moderate amounts of ammonia in the gas phase during hydroprocessing, specifically at partial pressures of at least 0.1 mbar, to reduce the formation of high boiling products by neutralizing Lewis acidic sites on the catalyst carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydroprocessing methods are used to convert renewable feedstocks and oxygenates into transportation fuels, then the conversion process proceeds, but high boiling products are formed which reduce yield and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing ammonia at controlled partial pressures (0.1-20 mbar) to modify the chemical environment in the reactor. This parameter change neutralizes Lewis acidic sites on the catalyst carrier, thereby reducing the formation of high boiling products and improving the yield of transportation fuels in the desired boiling point range.
2Reliability
If ammonia is added to neutralize acidic feedstock, then equipment is protected and polymerization is reduced, but the amount of ammonia required is large and may affect the desired reaction equilibrium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using low amounts of ammonia (partial pressures of 0.1-20 mbar) that are sufficient to neutralize Lewis acidic sites on the catalyst carrier and reduce high boiling product formation, but insufficient to significantly neutralize the bulk acidic feedstock. This selective partial neutralization achieves the desired effect while minimizing ammonia consumption and avoiding disruption of reaction equilibrium.
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 presence of ammonia in the gas phase effectively limits the formation of high boiling products, thereby increasing the yield of transportation fuels within the desired boiling point range.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating moderate amounts of ammonia in the gas phase during hydroprocessing, specifically at partial pressures of at least 0.1 mbar, to reduce the formation of high boiling products by neutralizing Lewis acidic sites on the catalyst carrier.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for production of a hydrocarbon fraction from an oxygenate feedstock, comprising the steps of providing a process feed comprising an amount of an ammonia precursor, hydrogen and an amount of oxygenates at a temperature above 200° C., directing said process feed to contact a material catalytically active in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) under hydrotreating conditions to provide a hydrodeoxygenated intermediate product, wherein said ammonia precursor provides an amount of ammonia corresponding to a partial pressure of NH3 in the presence of said material catalytically active in hydrodeoxygenation being at least 0.1 mbar, This has the associated benefit that the ammonia precursor releases ammonia by thermal reaction, such that the presence of ammonia may limit the extent of formation of high boiling product in the hydrodeoxygenation process.