Catalyst Drying Below 300°C to Prevent Selectivity Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catalysts for producing mono-alkylaromatic compounds, such as ethylbenzene and cumene, face challenges in maintaining selectivity and activity due to steam stabilization methods that can lead to catalyst deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting the catalyst with water followed by drying at a temperature below 300°C with a small catalyst deposit height to improve selectivity without significantly reducing activity, using molecular sieves like MCM-22, faujasite, or zeolite beta.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam stabilization treatment is applied to the catalyst, then the catalyst activity is improved, but the catalyst selectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the drying temperature parameter to below 300°C and controlling the catalyst deposit height to less than 1 meter, which changes the physical state and structure of the catalyst during drying. This results in improved selectivity while maintaining activity, resolving the contradiction between activity improvement and selectivity deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing water contact followed by controlled drying before the catalyst is put into service. This preliminary treatment prepares the catalyst structure in advance to achieve both high activity and high selectivity, preventing the need for steam stabilization that would compromise selectivity.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional drying method with deep fixed bed calciner is used, then the catalyst is thoroughly dried, but the catalyst selectivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing water contact followed by controlled drying before the catalyst is put into service. This preliminary treatment prepares the catalyst structure in advance to achieve both high activity and high selectivity, preventing the need for steam stabilization that would compromise selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the drying temperature parameter to below 300°C and controlling the catalyst deposit height to less than 1 meter, which changes the physical state and structure of the catalyst during drying. This results in improved selectivity while maintaining activity, resolving the contradiction between activity improvement and selectivity deterioration.
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 enhances catalyst selectivity for mono-alkylaromatic compounds production while maintaining catalyst activity, offering an efficient and convenient treatment for alkylation or transalkylation catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the untreated catalyst with water to produce a water-contacted catalyst
Implementation Method 2
drying the water-contacted catalyst with a drying gas without steam being formed at a temperature of less than about 300° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for treating a catalyst that is useful for producing mono-alkylaromatic compounds, the method comprises the steps of (a) contacting the untreated catalyst with water to produce water-contacted catalyst, and (b) drying the water-contacted catalyst with a drying gas without steam being formed at a temperature of less than 300° C. to produce a treated catalyst. The treatment is effective to improve the activity and catalyst selectivity. A process for producing a mono-alkylaromatic compound comprising such a catalyst treatment is also disclosed.