Low-Pressure Glycerol Hydrogenation Catalyst for 1,2-Propanediol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing 1,2-propanediol from glycerol-containing streams, particularly those from biodiesel production, face challenges in achieving high yields and selectivity due to high water content and impurities, which affect catalyst efficiency and product quality.
Innovation Solution
A process involving low-pressure hydrogenation of glycerol-containing streams with a water content of less than 20% using a copper-containing, heterogeneous catalyst, including metals like Cu, Al, La, W, Mo, Ti, and Zr, at pressures below 100 bar, with optional work-up steps to remove impurities and improve stream purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional high-pressure hydrogenation processes are used to produce 1,2-propanediol from glycerol-containing streams, then reaction completeness can be achieved, but the process complexity and energy consumption increase significantly due to high water content and impurities requiring extensive pre-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing reaction conditions including temperature range (150-300°C), pressure range (1-100 bar), and catalyst composition to achieve high conversion efficiency without requiring extensive pre-treatment of glycerol-containing streams, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available catalysts such as copper, zinc oxide, and aluminum oxide that can be easily prepared and replaced, avoiding the need for complex catalyst systems and extensive pre-treatment facilities, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity
2Quantity of substance
If high water content streams are used in hydrogenation, then the availability of glycerol streams from biodiesel production is improved, but catalyst efficiency and product quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific catalysts acting as intermediaries that facilitate the hydrogenation reaction even in the presence of water and impurities. The catalysts (copper-based, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide) mediate between the crude glycerol stream and the hydrogenation reaction, enabling high product quality without extensive pre-treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (150-300°C), pressure (1-100 bar), and catalyst composition to achieve high selectivity for 1,2-propanediol even when processing glycerol streams with water content up to 80% and various impurities, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while utilizing available streams
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive pre-treatment processes are applied to remove water and impurities, then catalyst efficiency and product quality are improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, readily available catalysts that tolerate water and impurities, eliminating the need for complex and time-consuming pre-treatment processes. The catalysts can be easily prepared and replaced, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes reaction conditions including temperature (150-300°C), pressure (1-100 bar), and catalyst composition to achieve high conversion efficiency and selectivity without requiring extensive pre-treatment, thus reducing processing time while maintaining manufacturing precision
4Productivity
If high hydrogen pressure is applied to achieve complete hydrogenation, then conversion completeness is improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including pressure (1-100 bar), temperature (150-300°C), and catalyst composition to achieve high conversion completeness at moderate hydrogen pressures, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional high-pressure processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available catalysts that enable complete hydrogenation at lower pressures, avoiding the need for expensive high-pressure equipment and reducing operational energy costs while maintaining conversion completeness
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 enables high yields and selectivity for 1,2-propanediol production, even with high glycerol concentration streams, by optimizing reaction conditions and catalyst composition to handle impurities and water content effectively.
Implementation Method 1
subjects the glycerine-containing stream to hydrogenation in the presence of a copper-containing, heterogeneous catalyst
Implementation Method 2
low-pressure hydrogenation of glycerol-containing streams
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing 1,2-propandiol, wherein a flow containing glycerine, in particular a flow produced on an industrial scale during the production of biodiesel, is subjected to low-pressure hydrogenation.