Ferrierite Zeolite Catalyst for Dimethyl Ether Carbonylation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The carbonylation of dimethyl ether in ethanol production using zeolite catalysts faces rapid deactivation due to coke deposition, which is not effectively addressed by existing methods, particularly with ferrierite zeolite, and requires regeneration in a fluidized bed reactor, posing infrastructure and economic challenges.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst system comprising a support with a specific density and ferrierite zeolite particles bonded via a polymer binder, forming a core-shell structure, which is prepared using a method that controls the weight ratio and firing conditions to maintain catalyst activity and prevent coke deposition, allowing for regeneration in a fluidized bed reactor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ferrierite zeolite is used as catalyst, then coke production is reduced and catalyst deactivation is suppressed, but catalyst density is too small for fluidized bed reactor operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst deactivation resistanceVSAvoidfluidized bed reactor compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ferrierite zeolite particles with a binder material to create a composite catalyst structure. The ferrierite zeolite component maintains low coke production and deactivation resistance, while the binder adds density and mechanical strength, enabling the catalyst to function properly in a fluidized bed reactor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The ferrierite zeolite particles are embedded within or coated onto a support structure with higher density. This nested structure allows the active ferrierite component to maintain its catalytic properties while the outer support structure provides the necessary density for fluidized bed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If mordenite zeolite is used as catalyst, then catalyst activity is achieved, but coke is easily produced and catalyst deactivation occurs quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidcatalyst deactivation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ferrierite zeolite with specific structural characteristics that create different local environments for reaction. The unique channel structure and pore size distribution of ferrierite provide active sites for catalysis while simultaneously reducing coke formation compared to mordenite zeolite.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If ferrierite zeolite density is increased via pellet preparation and compression, then fluidized bed reactor compatibility is achieved, but special apparatus and infrastructure are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidized bed reactor compatibilityVSAvoidapparatus and infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex pellet preparation and compression apparatus, the patent modifies the catalyst formulation by adding binder materials or support structures that inherently provide the necessary density. This changes the physical parameters of the catalyst through composition rather than through complex mechanical processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The catalyst exhibits high activity in converting dimethyl ether to methyl acetate with reduced deactivation and coke production, enabling stable and economical ethanol production by maintaining catalyst activity and allowing for efficient regeneration.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst for carbonylation of dimethyl ether, the catalyst comprising: a support having a first density; and ferrierite zeolite catalyst particles bound to a surface of the support via a polymer binder and having a second density smaller than the first density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

ferrierite zeolite catalyst particles bound to a surface of the support via a polymer binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20230001394A1Catalyst for carbonylation of dimethyl ether and method for preparing the same
Publication Date: 2023.01.05 RES & BUSINESS FOUND SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIV
  • US20230001394A1 patent drawing
  • US20230001394A1 patent drawing
  • US20230001394A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a catalyst for carbonylation of dimethyl ether that has high catalyst activity and can be regenerated using a fluidized bed reactor, and a method for preparing the same. The catalyst for carbonylation of dimethyl ether includes a support having a first density; and ferrierite zeolite catalyst particles bound to a surface of the support via a polymer binder and having a second density smaller than the first density.