Composite Catalyst for Aromatization Coke Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aromatization processes face inefficiencies due to the refractory nature of methane and ethane, leading to decreased aromatic hydrocarbon yield and catalyst deactivation, requiring frequent regeneration and resulting in high selectivity to catalyst coke.

Innovation Solution

Development of catalytically active materials comprising a molecular sieve component and a dehydrogenation component, with the molecular sieve present in ≥80 wt. % and the dehydrogenation component including elements from Groups 3 to 15, designed for use in fixed-bed processes to enhance resistance to deactivation and reduce coke selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional aromatization catalysts are used, then aromatic hydrocarbon conversion can be achieved, but catalyst deactivation occurs frequently due to coke accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearomatic hydrocarbon yieldVSAvoidcatalyst stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite catalyst system comprising a molecular sieve component (≥80 wt.%) and a dehydrogenation component (Groups 3-15 elements). This composite structure combines the shape-selective properties of molecular sieves with the dehydrogenation activity of metal elements, creating a synergistic effect that reduces coke formation while maintaining high aromatic hydrocarbon yield and extending catalyst life without frequent regeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional aromatization processes are operated long-term, then continuous production is achieved, but aromatic hydrocarbon yield decreases due to coke accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime-on-streamVSAvoidaromatic hydrocarbon yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of coke accumulation into a beneficial outcome by designing a catalyst system that inherently resists coking. The molecular sieve component (≥80 wt.%) with its specific pore structure and the dehydrogenation component (Groups 3-15 elements) work together to promote aromatic hydrocarbon formation while minimizing coke precursors, allowing long-term operation (extended time-on-stream) without significant yield degradation.

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

3Productivity

If frequent catalyst regeneration is performed, then aromatic hydrocarbon yield is maintained, but process efficiency decreases and coke selectivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearomatic hydrocarbon yieldVSAvoidregeneration energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by designing the catalyst with inherent anti-coking properties built into its structure before operation begins. The molecular sieve component (≥80 wt.%) and dehydrogenation component (Groups 3-15 elements) are configured to promote favorable reaction pathways that minimize coke formation from the outset, eliminating the need for frequent regeneration and reducing energy consumption while maintaining high aromatic hydrocarbon yield throughout the catalyst's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10843981B2Catalytic aromatization
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL PATENTS INC
  • US10843981B2 patent drawing
  • US10843981B2 patent drawing
  • US10843981B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to catalytic aromatization, e.g., for the conversion of non-aromatic hydrocarbon to higher-value aromatic hydrocarbon, to catalysts useful for such aromatization, to methods for making such catalysts, and to systems and apparatus for carrying out aromatization in the presence of the catalyst.