Basic Catalyst Conversion for Nitrogen Removal in Hydrocarbon Streams
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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 aromatic conversion process efficiency, as they require expensive acidic zeolites for effective removal.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting the hydrocarbon feed stream with a basic catalyst at elevated temperatures and in the presence of water to convert weakly basic nitrogen compounds into more easily removable basic nitrogen compounds, followed by using an acidic adsorbent to adsorb these compounds, thereby extending catalyst life without the need for expensive acidic zeolites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive acidic zeolites are used to remove weakly basic nitrogen compounds, then removal effectiveness is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nitrogen removal process is divided into two separate stages: first, a basic catalyst converts weakly basic nitrogen compounds to more polar basic nitrogen compounds; second, an acidic adsorbent removes the converted compounds. This segmentation allows each stage to use less expensive, more specialized materials rather than requiring expensive acidic zeolites for the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The basic catalyst performs a preliminary conversion of weakly basic nitrogen compounds into more polar basic nitrogen compounds before the adsorption step. This preliminary action transforms the target compounds into a form that can be more effectively and economically removed by the acidic adsorbent in the second stage.
2Quantity of substance
If basic catalysts are used to convert weakly basic nitrogen compounds, then material cost is reduced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basic catalyst and acidic adsorbent are combined in a single integrated guard bed system, allowing both conversion and removal functions to occur in one unit. This merging reduces overall process complexity compared to separate systems while maintaining the cost advantages of using less expensive basic catalyst materials.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If water is present in the feed stream, then catalyst life is extended, but adsorption effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The process operates at elevated temperatures (above the dew point) to change the physical state and reduce the interfering effects of water vapor on adsorption. This parameter change allows water to remain in the feed stream for catalyst protection while minimizing its negative impact on the adsorption effectiveness of the acidic adsorbent.
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 approach effectively reduces the concentration of weakly basic nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon stream, prolonging catalyst life and reducing material costs by using less expensive basic catalysts and acidic adsorbents, while maintaining process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the hydrocarbon feed stream with a basic catalyst at contacting conditions including a temperature of at least 50° C. and the presence of water in an amount of at least 50 ppm relative to the hydrocarbon feed stream on a weight basis, to convert the weakly basic nitrogen compound to a basic nitrogen compound
Implementation Method 2
contacting the intermediate stream with an acidic adsorbent to 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 a basic catalyst to convert a portion of the weakly basic nitrogen compounds to basic nitrogen compounds. The method also includes contacting the hydrocarbon feed stream with an acidic adsorbent to adsorb the basic nitrogen compounds from the stream. The hydrocarbon feed stream comprises an aromatic compound and a weakly basic nitrogen compound.