Diisopropyl Ether Decomposition Handling Impure Feedstocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for decomposing ethers to their corresponding alkenes and alkanols, particularly for producing propylene and butene, are inefficient when using impure feedstocks containing various hydrocarbons and alcohols, as they require pure isopropyl ether and do not effectively handle secondary olefins production.
Innovation Solution
A process involving passing a stream containing diisopropyl ether, isopropanol, and C6-C12 olefins over an acid catalyst at 180-300°C and 0.01-3 bar pressure, using an acid catalyst such as gamma-alumina oxide, to achieve high yield and selectivity of propylene or butene, while recycling the produced alkene back to the hydration reaction zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing decomposition processes are used with pure isopropyl ether, then high conversion and selectivity are achieved, but the process cannot effectively handle impure feedstocks containing hydrocarbons and alcohols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the decomposition process, specifically using a temperature range of 180-300°C and a pressure range of 0.01-3 bar g with an acid catalyst. These parameter adjustments enable the process to maintain high conversion (80%+) and selectivity while effectively handling impure feedstocks containing diisopropyl ether, isopropanol, and C6-C12 olefins, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acid catalyst as an intermediary substance that facilitates the decomposition of diisopropyl ether to propylene in the presence of impurities. The catalyst mediates the reaction between the ether and produces the desired alkene while tolerating the presence of alcohols and hydrocarbons in the feedstock, thereby enabling both high selectivity and feedstock versatility
2Productivity
If pressure is increased to improve reaction rate, then productivity increases, but the optimal pressure for high selectivity is atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pressure control, operating within a flexible pressure range of 0.01-3 bar g rather than at a fixed high pressure. This dynamic approach allows the process to maintain atmospheric pressure (1 bar g) for optimal selectivity while still achieving high productivity through the use of an acid catalyst and appropriate temperature conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and selectivity
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 achieves high conversion and selectivity of propylene or butene even with impure feedstocks, with conversion rates of DIPE to propylene exceeding 80% and maintaining efficiency across varying pressures, specifically at atmospheric pressure for optimal results.
Implementation Method 1
passing a stream over an acid catalyst at a temperature of 180-300°C and a pressure of 0.01 - 3 bar g
Implementation Method 2
contacting water and a propylene-containing feedstock in a hydration reaction zone with a hydration catalyst to produce isopropanol
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing propylene or butene is disclosed, comprising passing a stream comprising 10-70wt% of diisopropyl ether or 30-95wt% of di-sec butyl ether over an acid catalyst at a temperature of 180-300°C and a pressure of 0.01 - 3 bar g. Also disclosed is a process for producing either isopropanol or 2-butanol, comprising contacting water and a propylene- or butene- containing feedstock in a hydration reaction zone with a hydration catalyst to produce a stream comprising either isopropanol and a by-product stream or 2-butanol and a by-product stream, passing said by-product stream over an acid catalyst at a temperature of 180-300°C and a pressure of 0.01 - 3 bar g to produce either propylene or butene, and then recycling said propylene or butene to the hydration reaction zone.