Diol to Olefin Conversion via Dioxolane Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercial viability of butanediols, such as 2,3-butanediol, is limited by the energy-intensive process of separating them from aqueous solutions, which is necessary for their conversion to hydrocarbon products like olefins, due to their high boiling point and the accompanying high water content in fermentation mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the conversion of diols to dioxolanes by reaction with aldehydes or ketones in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by phase separation and subsequent catalytic conversion of the dioxolanes to olefin products using a metal-loaded zeolite, bypassing the need for energy-intensive diol separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distillation is used to separate butanediol from aqueous solution, then butanediol can be recovered for conversion to hydrocarbons, but energy consumption increases significantly due to high boiling point and high water content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organic solvent as an intermediary substance that selectively extracts butanediol from the aqueous fermentation broth. This solvent acts as a mediator between the aqueous phase containing butanediol and the subsequent conversion process, enabling separation without energy-intensive distillation. The solvent forms a separate organic phase that selectively dissolves butanediol, allowing for easy phase separation and butanediol recovery.
2Use of energy by moving object
If direct conversion of butanediol in aqueous solution is attempted, then energy-intensive separation can be avoided, but conversion efficiency decreases due to water content inhibition
Solution Approach 1:
The organic solvent serves as an intermediary extraction medium that selectively transfers butanediol from the aqueous phase to the organic phase. This mediation allows the conversion process to proceed in the organic phase with higher butanediol concentration and lower water content, thereby maintaining high conversion efficiency while avoiding the energy penalty of complete water removal through distillation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the reaction medium by introducing an organic solvent that creates a biphasic system. This parameter change selectively modifies the local environment where butanediol conversion occurs, providing high butanediol concentration and low water content in the organic phase while leaving the bulk aqueous phase unchanged, thus enabling efficient conversion without energy-intensive separation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional separation methods are used to remove water from butanediol, then conversion to olefins can proceed, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The organic solvent acts as a simple intermediary that simultaneously achieves both separation and conversion enablement. By selecting a solvent that is immiscible with water but miscible with butanediol, the process achieves automatic phase separation based on density differences, eliminating the need for complex separation equipment while ensuring the conversion reaction occurs in the appropriate phase environment.
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 allows for a more straightforward and less energy-intensive conversion of diols to olefin fractions, reducing the need for costly water extraction and enabling the direct processing of diols in their native solutions, thereby enhancing the efficiency and viability of butanediol upgrading.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a diol of the formula HO—R—OH in solution with a carbonyl-containing molecule of the formula: in the presence of an acid catalyst to result in a dioxolane molecule
Implementation Method 2
By virtue of the reduced solubility of the dioxolane in the solution, the dioxolane can be easily removed from the solution by simple phase separation
Implementation Method 3
contacting the dioxolane molecule with a metal-loaded zeolite at a temperature of 100-500° C. to convert the dioxolane molecule to an olefin fraction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting a diol in solution to an olefin fraction, the method comprising: (i) reacting a diol of the formula HO—R—OH in solution with a carbonyl-containing molecule of the formula:in the presence of an acid catalyst to result in a dioxolane molecule of the formula:wherein R is a hydrocarbon linker containing 1-12 carbon atoms, and R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen atom and hydrocarbon groups containing 1-12 carbon atoms, wherein R1 and R2 optionally interconnect; (ii) removing the dioxolane molecule from the solution by phase separation; and (iii) contacting the dioxolane molecule with a metal-loaded zeolite at a temperature of 100-500° C. to convert the dioxolane molecule to an olefin fraction.