Upgraded Bio-Oil from Black Liquor via Bi-Metallic Zeolite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing aromatic compounds like BTX from black liquor are not environmentally friendly and do not yield sufficient amounts of these valuable chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A process involving pyrolysis treatment of black liquor followed by catalytic conversion using a bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst, specifically incorporating transition metals like Zinc, Lanthanides, or Group IB metals, to enhance the production of benzene, toluene, xylene, and naphthalene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pyrolysis treatment is applied to black liquor, then some aromatic compounds are produced, but the yield of BTX is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the catalytic conversion process by changing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst composition to optimize BTX yield. The bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst with specific metal combinations (e.g., Ni-Fe, Co-Mo) operates under controlled conditions to maximize aromatic compound production from pyrolyzed black liquor gas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs bi-metallic modified zeolite catalysts that combine multiple metals (e.g., Ni-Fe, Co-Mo, Pt-Pd) on a zeolite support to create a composite catalytic system. This composite structure enhances the conversion of pyrolyzed black liquor gas into BTX by leveraging the synergistic effects of different metals and the zeolite framework.
2Productivity
If catalytic conversion is performed to increase BTX production, then aromatic compounds are formed, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pyrolysis and catalytic conversion steps into an integrated process flow where pyrolyzed black liquor gas is directly fed to the catalytic converter. This combination reduces process complexity by eliminating separate treatment stages and improving overall efficiency of BTX production.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the conversion of pyrolyzed black liquor gas into aromatic compounds. The catalyst mediates the chemical transformation under controlled conditions, simplifying the overall process by providing a single effective conversion step.
3Productivity
If existing catalysts are used for catalytic conversion, then some aromatic products are obtained, but the BTX to naphthalene ratio is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by selectively promoting specific catalytic reactions on the bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst surface. The catalyst structure and metal distribution are optimized to favor BTX formation over naphthalene production, achieving a higher BTX to naphthalene weight ratio through localized catalytic activity enhancement.
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 process significantly increases the yield of BTX while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach, improving the BTX to naphthalene weight ratio and enabling the production of valuable aromatic compounds for further use.
Implementation Method 1
Catalytic conversion of said pyrolyzed black liquor gas by contacting at least part of the latter with a bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst with formation of the upgraded bio-oil
Implementation Method 2
Subjecting black liquor to a pyrolysis treatment with formation of a pyrolyzed black liquor gas and a solid mass, which comprises char and salts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an upgraded bio-oil derived from black liquor, comprising the following steps: —Providing black liquor, which comes from the pulp and paper manufacturing industry; —Subjecting black liquor to a pyrolysis treatment with formation of a pyrolyzed black liquor gas and a solid mass, which comprises char and salts; —Catalytic conversion of said pyrolyzed black liquor gas by contacting at least part of the latter with a bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst with formation of the upgraded bio-oil, which comprises benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), naphthalene and non-BTX products.