Bulk Multi-Metallic Catalyst for Renewable Feedstock Hydroconversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack efficient processes for converting renewable feedstocks into valuable oleochemicals like fatty alcohols, esters, and normal paraffins, which are essential for sustainable industrial applications, due to the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing prices.
Innovation Solution
A hydrocarbon conversion process involving contacting renewable feedstocks with a bulk multi-metallic catalyst under specific hydroprocessing conditions, including temperatures between 383°F to 662°F and pressures of 800 to 2000 psig, to produce fatty alcohols, aliphatic monoesters, and normal paraffins, utilizing a catalyst precursor composed of Group VIII and Group VIB metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydroprocessing methods are used, then existing oleochemical production processes can be maintained, but conversion efficiency and product selectivity remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing hydroprocessing conditions including temperature (383°F to 662°F), pressure (800 to 2000 psig), and catalyst composition (Group VIII and Group VIB metals in specific ratios) to simultaneously improve conversion efficiency and product selectivity for fatty alcohols, esters, and paraffins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite catalyst materials combining Group VIII metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt) and Group VIB metals (Cr, Mo, W) in specific ratios to create a multi-metallic catalyst system that enhances both conversion efficiency and selectivity for desired oleochemical products
2Reliability
If renewable feedstocks are used to replace fossil fuels, then sustainability is improved, but conversion processes become less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes hydroprocessing parameters specifically for renewable feedstocks like vegetable oils and animal fats, using temperature ranges of 383°F to 662°F and pressures of 800 to 2000 psig to achieve high conversion efficiencies (90-99%) while maintaining sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent tailors the catalyst composition with specific ratios of Group VIII to Group VIB metals (from 1:1 to 10:1) to match the specific requirements of renewable feedstock conversion, creating localized optimization for triglyceride transformation into fatty alcohols, esters, and paraffins
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple products are produced from single feedstock, then process versatility is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal multi-metallic catalyst system capable of producing multiple oleochemical products (fatty alcohols, esters, and normal paraffins) from a single renewable feedstock through hydroprocessing, eliminating the need for separate processing lines for different products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple catalytic functions into a single hydroprocessing unit operation, where the multi-metallic catalyst simultaneously facilitates conversion to fatty alcohols, esters, and paraffins in one integrated process, reducing overall process complexity
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 achieves high conversion rates of triglycerides into desired products, with selectivity to fatty alcohols, esters, and paraffins, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based materials while optimizing production yields and product selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the feedstock with a bulk multi-metallic catalyst under hydroprocessing conditions
Implementation Method 2
contacting a renewable feedstock, under hydroprocessing conditions, with a bulk catalyst to form an effluent
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrocarbon conversion process comprises contacting a renewable feedstock under hydroprocessing conditions with a bulk catalyst to form oleochemicals such as fatty alcohols, esters, and normal paraffins. Advantageously, the reaction conditions can be selected to directly convert the renewable feedstock to the desired product(s).