Feedstock Purification via Acid-Adsorbent Nitrogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for effectively removing or reducing nitrogen-containing compounds from feedstocks, which are essential for producing high-quality fuels and fine chemicals, as these compounds can contaminate and impair the catalytic processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of an acid and a mineral-based adsorbent, such as silica, to the feedstock, followed by heating and separation, effectively reduces or removes nitrogen-containing compounds, including amines and amides, to produce a purified feedstock suitable for industrial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional purification methods are used, then the feedstock can be processed, but nitrogen-containing compounds remain that contaminate and impair catalytic processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts nitrogen-containing compounds from the feedstock by converting them into water-soluble forms through acid treatment, then removing these soluble compounds through phase separation. This extraction process selectively removes harmful nitrogen compounds while leaving the desired lipid feedstock intact, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining catalytic performance and eliminating nitrogen contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (acid) that facilitates the removal of nitrogen-containing compounds. The acid acts as a mediator by converting nitrogen compounds into water-soluble forms, enabling their subsequent removal through phase separation. This intermediary approach allows effective nitrogen removal without directly attacking the feedstock lipids, thus protecting catalytic process performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If acid and adsorbent are added to remove nitrogen compounds, then nitrogen-containing compounds are significantly reduced, but additional separation and neutralization steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated process. The acid treatment step simultaneously achieves several objectives: converting nitrogen compounds to water-soluble forms, facilitating their phase separation, and preparing the feedstock for subsequent neutralization. By combining these functions into one operational sequence, the patent reduces overall process complexity despite the multiple chemical transformations involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acid treatment to convert nitrogen-containing compounds into water-soluble forms before the main separation process. This preliminary action prepares the nitrogen compounds for efficient removal in subsequent phase separation steps, reducing the need for complex multi-stage purification processes and simplifying the overall workflow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the feedstock is heated during processing, then nitrogen-containing compounds are effectively removed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes, specifically temperature modulation, to enhance the effectiveness of nitrogen compound removal. By heating the feedstock during acid treatment and phase separation, the patent improves the solubility conversion of nitrogen compounds and facilitates more efficient phase separation. This parameter change approach achieves effective nitrogen removal while maintaining reasonable energy consumption levels through optimized heating conditions.
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 method significantly reduces nitrogen-containing compounds to less than 1% in the feedstock, enabling the production of high-purity feedstocks for fuels and fine chemicals, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of downstream processes.
Implementation Method 1
adding an acid to the feedstock in a) together with an adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
heating the mixture obtained in step b)
Implementation Method 3
separating the adsorbent from the mixture obtained c)
Implementation Method 4
separating the adsorbent from the mixture obtained c)
Implementation Method 5
removing and/or neutralising the acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a novel for removing or reducing nitrogen containing compounds from a feedstock.