Graphitic Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst for Sulfur Removal Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrodesulfurization processes for gasoline cuts face challenges in maintaining catalytic activity while improving selectivity, particularly in reducing sulfur content without significantly hydrogenating olefins, leading to a loss in octane number.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst containing a graphitic material with a specific H/C ratio and no oxygen, combined with metals from groups VIb and VIII, is used for hydrodesulfurization, facilitating selective conversion of organosulfur compounds into hydrogen sulfide while minimizing olefin hydrogenation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional hydrodesulfurization catalysts are used to maximize sulfur removal, then sulfur content is reduced, but olefin hydrogenation increases causing loss of octane number

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesulfur content reductionVSAvoidoctane number loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst by incorporating graphitic carbon material with specific H/C ratio (0.2-1.5) and controlling carbon content (0.2-6%). This parameter modification transforms the catalyst's selectivity properties, enabling preferential hydrodesulfurization over olefin hydrogenation, thus resolving the contradiction between sulfur removal and octane preservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite catalyst material combining traditional sulfide catalyst components (Group VIb and Group VIII metals) with graphitic carbon material. This composite structure synergistically enhances both the hydrodesulfurization activity and selectivity, allowing effective sulfur removal while minimizing unwanted olefin hydrogenation and octane loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional catalysts are used for hydrodesulfurization, then sulfur is removed, but hydrogen consumption increases due to olefin hydrogenation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesulfur content reductionVSAvoidhydrogen consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By modifying the catalyst's chemical composition to include graphitic carbon with controlled H/C ratio and content, the patent alters the reaction pathway selectivity. This enables the catalyst to favor hydrodesulfurization reactions over hydrogenation reactions, thereby reducing hydrogen consumption while maintaining effective sulfur removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically harmful effect of carbon deposition (coking) into a beneficial feature by deliberately incorporating graphitic carbon material into the catalyst structure. This carbon component enhances catalyst selectivity and stability, transforming what is usually a deactivating factor into a performance-enhancing element that reduces hydrogen waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 process enhances selectivity and maintains catalytic activity, effectively reducing sulfur content without substantial olefin hydrogenation, thus preserving the octane number and reducing hydrogen consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a process for the hydrodesulfurization of a gasoline cut containing sulfur-comprising compounds and olefins, in which said gasoline cut, hydrogen and a catalyst are brought into contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodesulfurization: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

to limit the hydrogenation of the olefins present in this type of gasoline concomitantly with the hydrodesulfurization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentUS12590254B2Method for hydrodesulfurisation of a petroleum fraction using a catalyst containing a graphitic material characterised by the H/C ratio thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.31 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for capturing organometallic impurities in a gasoline-type hydrocarbon feedstock containing sulfur compounds and olefins, wherein said feedstock is brought into contact with hydrogen and a capture mass comprising a nickel-based active phase, and a mesoporous and macroporous alumina substrate having a bimodal distribution of mesopores and wherein: —the volume of mesopores having a diameter greater than or equal to 2 nm and less than 18 nm corresponds to between 10 and 30% by volume of the total pore volume of said substrate; —the volume of mesopores with a diameter greater than or equal to 18 nm and less than 50 mm corresponds to between 30 and 50% by volume of the total pore volume of said substrate; the volume of macropores having a diameter greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than 8000 mm corresponds to between 30 and 50% by volume of the total pore volume of said substrate.