Ether-Modified Particulate Catalyst for Syngas Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for converting carbon oxides and hydrogen-containing feedstocks to oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compounds, such as alcohols, face challenges in selectivity, catalyst activity, and operating life when using particulate catalysts like molybdenum sulphide, methanol, Fischer-Tropsch, or precious metal catalysts.
Innovation Solution
The process involves reacting carbon oxides and hydrogen in the presence of a particulate catalyst, specifically adding and recycling ethers within the conversion reactor to enhance selectivity and catalyst activity, with preferred catalysts being modified molybdenum sulphide, methanol, or Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, and rhodium, which significantly improves alcohol production and reduces by-products like water and carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional particulate catalysts (molybdenum sulphide, methanol, Fischer-Tropsch, or precious metal catalysts) are used for converting carbon oxides and hydrogen to oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, then the conversion process can proceed, but selectivity, catalyst activity, and operating life are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
An ether compound is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the catalyst and the reaction environment. The ether is fed into the conversion reactor where it interacts with the catalyst surface, modifying its properties to enhance both activity and selectivity. This intermediary approach allows the catalyst to function more effectively without requiring fundamental changes to the catalyst structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical environment parameters within the reactor by introducing the ether compound. This alters the reaction conditions at the catalyst surface, modifying adsorption characteristics, active site availability, and reaction pathway energetics. The parameter change is achieved through controlled addition of the ether substance rather than changing physical conditions like temperature or pressure.
2Productivity
If conventional processes are used for converting carbon oxides and hydrogen to alcohols, then alcohol production occurs, but by-products like water and carbon dioxide are generated, reducing carbon efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ether compound serves to redirect reaction pathways that would otherwise produce unwanted by-products. By introducing the ether, the process converts potential waste formation into beneficial alcohol production, as the ether acts as a carbon source that directs carbon flow toward desired oxygenates rather than CO2 or water.
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 significantly increases alcohol selectivity, particularly ethanol, improves catalyst activity, and extends operating life, while reducing waste and by-products, leading to higher carbon efficiency and improved economics through fewer separation steps and storage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a particulate modified molybdenum sulphide based catalyst and/or a modified methanol based catalyst and/or a modified Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and/or a precious metal based catalyst, such as rhodium
Implementation Method 2
ether(s) are added and reacted inside the conversion reactor
Data Source
AI summary
Process for converting carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen containing feedstocks to oxygen containing hydrocarbon compounds, in the presence of a particulate catalyst, by reacting carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen in the presence of a particulate catalyst in a conversion reactor to form products containing oxygen containing hydrocarbon compounds. Ether(s) selected from ethyl, propyl and butyl ether are added and reacted inside the conversion reactor.