Hydrogenation Catalyst Regeneration via Low-Temperature Oxygen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalyst regeneration methods for aromatic ester hydrogenation are inefficient, particularly when substances other than water need to be removed, leading to low regeneration effects and potential catalyst damage from high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A regeneration process using a gas flow with oxygen concentrations between 380 ppm and 9000 ppm at temperatures of 15 to 170 °C, specifically designed for catalysts with transition metals like ruthenium on carrier materials, to improve catalyst activity without causing oxidation or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high temperature calcination is used to remove deposits from the catalyst, then the regeneration effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases and catalyst damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from high temperature calcination (>200°C) to low temperature treatment (15-170°C), and introduces oxygen concentration as a new control parameter (380-9000 ppm) to achieve effective regeneration without high energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of oxygen (which could cause oxidation damage at high concentrations) into a beneficial regenerating agent by controlling it at low concentrations (380-9000 ppm), where it effectively removes deposits without causing catalyst damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If high temperature calcination is used to remove deposits from the catalyst, then the regeneration effectiveness is improved, but the catalyst damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidcatalyst oxidation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from high temperature calcination (>200°C) to low temperature treatment (15-170°C), and introduces oxygen concentration as a new control parameter (380-9000 ppm) to achieve effective regeneration without high energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a partial amount of oxygen (380-9000 ppm, not pure oxygen) which is sufficient for regeneration but insufficient to cause catastrophic oxidation damage, applying just the right amount needed for the desired effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If inert gas flushing is used to dry the catalyst, then the catalyst is protected from oxidation, but the regeneration effectiveness is too low when other substances need to be removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst oxidationVSAvoidcatalyst activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the gas composition parameter by introducing small amounts of oxygen (380-9000 ppm) into the gas stream, transforming it from purely inert to mildly oxidative, enabling removal of various deposits while maintaining catalyst protection through low oxygen concentration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the gas stream composition dynamic and adjustable (380-9000 ppm oxygen range), allowing optimization between regeneration effectiveness and catalyst protection depending on the specific regeneration needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively enhances catalyst activity, allowing for more efficient core hydration operations while preventing oxidation and maintaining catalyst integrity, even at low oxygen concentrations, thus extending catalyst lifespan and operational effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

passing a gas stream having an oxygen content of 380 ppm to 9000 ppm over the catalyst to be regenerated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4015079B1Method for regenerating hydrogenation catalysts
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 EVONIK OXENO GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for regenerating a catalyst used for the core hydrogenation of an aromatic compound, in particular an aromatic ester, wherein a gas stream containing a certain amount of oxygen is used for the regeneration.