Furan Hydrogenation Process for THF to 1,4-BDO Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) from furan using non-fossil fuel feedstocks face challenges with expensive and rare metal catalysts, requiring adjustments in reaction conditions that can shorten catalyst lifespan and affect product selectivity, making it difficult to quickly respond to changes in market demand.
Innovation Solution
A process that adjusts the partial pressure of hydrogen in a reactor vessel containing a catalytic composition of cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, palladium, or platinum on a solid support to alter the molar ratio of THF to 1,4-BDO, allowing for increased production of either THF or 1,4-BDO based on demand, using methods such as changing the reactor pressure or temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If expensive and rare metal catalysts are used to produce 1,4-BDO and THF from furan, then conversion efficiency is improved, but catalyst lifespan is shortened when reaction conditions are adjusted to meet market demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the partial pressure of hydrogen in the reactor to control product selectivity between THF and 1,4-BDO. By varying this parameter, the process can respond to market demand without requiring harsh condition changes that would damage the catalyst, thus maintaining both conversion efficiency and catalyst lifespan.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reactor vessels are used to produce different product ratios, then flexibility to meet market demand is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single reactor vessel that can produce different product ratios (THF and 1,4-BDO) by adjusting the hydrogen partial pressure. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized reactors, reducing device complexity while maintaining flexibility to meet varying market demands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen partial pressure is increased to alter product ratio, then production flexibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controlled parameter changes in hydrogen partial pressure to achieve product ratio adjustment. This approach provides production flexibility while minimizing energy consumption by making targeted, moderate adjustments rather than extreme changes to reaction 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 approach allows for tailoring the product ratio of THF to 1,4-BDO with minimal cost and operational burden, extending catalyst lifespan and maintaining product selectivity, enabling flexible production to meet market demands without the need for multiple reactor vessels.
Implementation Method 1
contacting furan with hydrogen and water in a reactor vessel, at an initial partial pressure of hydrogen and in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising at least one metal on a solid support
Implementation Method 2
The conversion of furan to THF and 1,4-BDO by hydrogenation in the presence of water, acetic acid and Raney nickel or oxide supported nickel catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for increasing the molar ratio of tetrahydrofuran to 1,4-butanediol in a process for the production of 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran, said process comprising contacting furan with hydrogen and water in a reactor vessel at an initial partial pressure of hydrogen, and in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising at least one metal on a solid support, wherein the at least one metal is selected from cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, palladium and platinum and wherein the molar ratio of tetrahydrofuran to 1,4-butanediol is increased by increasing the partial pressure of hydrogen in the reactor vessel above the initial partial pressure of hydrogen.