C5 Raffinate Hydrogenation and Reverse Isomerization for Higher Olefin Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing ethylene from natural gas liquids (NGLs) and C5 streams in pyrolysis liquid furnaces are inefficient in maximizing light olefin yield and feedstock utilization, leading to suboptimal profitability and carbon loss.
Innovation Solution
The integration of hydrogenation reactors and reverse isomerization reactors to preprocess NGL streams, converting C4 and C5 hydrocarbons into saturated forms and recycling them to enhance the n-C5 feedstock stream for pyrolysis furnaces, thereby increasing ethylene and propylene yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NGL streams are directly pyrolyzed without preprocessing, then the process is simple, but light olefin yield and feedstock utilization are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by hydrogenating C5 raffinate streams before pyrolysis to convert olefins to paraffins, preventing unwanted side reactions during pyrolysis. This preprocessing step improves light olefin yield by ensuring better feedstock quality entering the pyrolysis furnace, while the complexity is managed through integrated reactor design
2Productivity
If C5 raffinate is recycled directly without hydrogenation, then the process is simpler, but feedstock utilization and ethylene production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the C5 raffinate stream through hydrogenation, converting olefinic components to paraffinic components. This parameter change improves feedstock quality and ethylene production efficiency by preventing polymerization and coking in the pyrolysis furnace, while energy consumption is optimized through controlled hydrogenation conditions
3Productivity
If hydrogenation and reverse isomerization are integrated, then light olefin yield increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hydrogenation and reverse isomerization functions into an integrated reactor system where C5 raffinate undergoes hydrogenation followed by reverse isomerization in a unified process flow. This combination maximizes light olefin yield by simultaneously converting olefins to paraffins and isomerizing n-pentane to isopentane, while the integrated design reduces overall system complexity compared to separate units
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 significantly enhances the productivity of light olefins, particularly ethylene, by improving the efficiency of feedstock utilization and light olefin yield in pyrolysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
converting C4 and C5 hydrocarbons into saturated forms
Implementation Method 2
reverse isomerization reactors to provide a n-C5 feed stream
Implementation Method 3
pyrolysis of natural gas liquids (NGLs) and/or other C5 streams in liquid furnaces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for producing light olefins from a natural gas liquid (NGL) or other C5 stream are provided. The method may include supplying a NGL or other C5 stream to a reverse isomerization unit to produce a n-pentane enriched NGL stream and supplying the n-pentane enriched NGL stream to a liquid furnace to produce a pyrolyzed product stream. The method may also include separating the C2 hydrocarbons, the C3 hydrocarbons, the C4 hydrocarbons, the C5 hydrocarbons, and the C6+ hydrocarbons in the pyrolyzed product stream in a separation train and supplying the separated C5 hydrocarbons, or a portion thereof, to a hydrogenation reactor to produce a saturated C5 hydrocarbon stream, followed by recycling the saturated C5 hydrocarbon stream to the reverse isomerization unit.