BaX Zeolite Granules via Organic Binder Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing zeolite granules for SMB processes face challenges such as complex filtering and washing processes, residual binder impurities, decreased mechanical strength, and limited adsorption properties due to the use of clay-type inorganic binders, which hinder effective para-xylene separation under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of a carbohydrate-based molding promoter to NaX type zeolite powder, blending with alumina and silica sols, heat-treating to form pores, and hydrothermal conversion of the binder components to zeolite, followed by ion-exchange with barium ions to produce BaX type zeolite granules with improved strength and adsorption properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clay-type inorganic binders are used for granulation and molding, then mechanical strength is improved, but adsorption properties deteriorate due to residual binder impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful clay-type inorganic binder component from the system by using only organic binding agents (carbohydrates, proteins, synthetic polymers) that can be completely decomposed or removed, eliminating residual binder impurities that would otherwise contaminate the zeolite and reduce adsorption performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binding agent from inorganic (clay) to organic (carbohydrates, proteins, synthetic polymers), enabling complete decomposition or removal without leaving harmful residues, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and adsorption properties
2Manufacturing precision
If complex filtering and washing processes are used, then purity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable organic binding agents that decompose or dissolve completely during the drying and calcination process, eliminating the need for complex filtering and washing steps that would be required if permanent inorganic binders were used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition (decomposition and vaporization) of organic binding agents during drying and calcination to completely remove the binder from the final product, achieving high purity without requiring complex filtration or washing operations
3Strength
If binder content is increased for granulation, then mechanical strength is improved, but adsorption capacity decreases due to binder occupying active sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the binder from the final product through decomposition and vaporization during drying and calcination, so that no binder remains to occupy active sites, thereby maintaining both mechanical strength during processing and full adsorption capacity in the final product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs binder removal action preliminarily during the drying and calcination stages before the zeolite is put into service, ensuring that the final adsorbent contains no residual binder that would interfere with adsorption performance
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 resulting BaX type zeolite granules exhibit excellent adsorptive separation properties, high bulk density, and superior mechanical strength, enabling efficient para-xylene adsorption and generation with high purity under SMB process conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heating the formed granules to convert alumina and silica components to aluminosilica so as to generate pores inside the formed granules
Implementation Method 2
carrying out ion-exchanging by Ba ions
Implementation Method 3
BaX type zeolite is most preferably used... excellent selective adsorption properties to a desired substance
Implementation Method 4
zeolite has micropores having a diameter of 3-10 Å, having a molecular sieving effect
Implementation Method 5
hydrothermally treating the resulted granules in a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution under the conditions for zeolite synthesis, thereby converting a portion of the aluminosilica, i.e. the binding agent component inside the formed granules, to zeolite
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for preparing a BaX type zeolite granules comprising: adding a carbohydrate-based molding promoter to NaX type zeolite powder and thereto subsequently spraying and blending alumina sol and silica sol to form granules of the mixture; heating the formed granules to convert the alumina and silica component to aluminosilica so as to generate pores inside the formed granules; hydrothermally treating the resulted granules in a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution under the conditions for zeolite synthesis, thereby converting a portion of the aluminosilica to zeolite; and carrying out ion-exchanging by Ba ions. The present invention also provides BaX type zeolite granules which have excellent strength and can be suitably used as an adsorbent in simulated moving bed (SMB) application.