CoMo Catalyst Hydrodeoxygenation for Propylene Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refinery methods face challenges in processing renewable diesel fuels due to the high oxygen content in biologically-derived feedstocks, which can lead to catalyst poisoning and contaminant build-up, and existing methods for oxygen removal do not effectively manage the by-products, such as CO, that inhibit catalyst activity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a supported CoMo hydrotreating catalyst with CO in the reaction environment to perform hydrodeoxygenation, which generates propylene instead of propane, allowing for its separation and recycling of hydrogen, thereby reducing the burden on refinery resources and mitigating catalyst inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional hydroprocessing methods are used to remove oxygen from biologically-derived feedstock, then oxygen content is reduced, but catalyst poisoning and contaminant build-up occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of CO byproduct into a beneficial catalyst promoter. CO, which normally inhibits catalyst activity, is instead used to enhance the selectivity of the CoMo catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation reactions, thereby converting a harmful byproduct into a useful catalyst modifier that improves the overall process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment parameters by introducing CO at specific concentrations (300-10,000 vppm) into the hydroprocessing system. This parameter change modifies the catalyst's electronic properties and selectivity, enabling preferential hydrodeoxygenation over other reactions, thus reducing oxygen content while maintaining catalyst activity.
2Productivity
If CO is present in the reaction system to inhibit catalyst activity, then propylene is formed instead of propane, but catalyst deactivation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using low concentrations of CO (300-10,000 vppm) rather than high concentrations that would cause complete catalyst deactivation. This partial presence of CO is sufficient to shift the reaction pathway toward propylene formation while maintaining enough catalyst activity to sustain the hydrodeoxygenation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring CO concentration and adjusting it dynamically to maintain optimal propylene yield while preventing catalyst deactivation. The system continuously regulates CO levels based on real-time catalyst performance and product distribution, ensuring sustained productivity.
3Productivity
If hydrogen is recycled to reduce burden on refinery resources, then process efficiency improves, but CO accumulation may inhibit catalyst activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces CO as an intermediary substance that mediates between hydrogen recycling and catalyst performance. CO acts as a selective promoter that enables the catalyst to preferentially perform hydrodeoxygenation reactions, thereby allowing hydrogen recycling to proceed efficiently without causing unwanted side reactions or complete catalyst deactivation.
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 enables effective deoxygenation of triglyceride-containing feeds, producing propylene and reducing oxygen content, while allowing for the recycling of hydrogen and minimizing catalyst deactivation, thus enhancing refinery efficiency and product yield.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a feedstock, the feedstock comprising at least 40 wt % of a biocomponent feed containing triglycerides, to a first catalyst in the presence of hydrogen and at least 300 vppm of CO under first effective deoxygenation conditions for forming an at least partially deoxygenated effluent
Implementation Method 2
exposing a feedstock, the feedstock comprising at least 40 wt % of a biocomponent feed containing triglycerides, to a first catalyst in the presence of hydrogen and at least 300 vppm of CO under first effective deoxygenation conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Feeds containing triglycerides are processed to produce a diesel fuel product and propylene. The diesel product and propylene are generated by deoxygenating the triglyceride-containing feed using processing conditions that enhance preservation of olefins that are present in the triglycerides. The triglyceride-containing feed is processed in the presence of a catalyst containing a Group VI metal and a Group VIII non-noble metal and in the presence of CO.