Hydroconversion Process Using High-Halide Ionic Liquid Catalysts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroconversion processes using alkyl halides with less than 55 wt % halide and lower boiling points face inefficiencies in hydrocarbon conversion and alkylation, requiring larger equipment and longer reaction times, and are less effective in producing desired hydrocarbon products like middle distillate and alkylate gasoline.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a mixture of hydrocarbons contacted with an acidic ionic liquid catalyst and an alkyl halide comprising at least 55 wt % halide and a boiling point of 70° C. or higher, such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane or tetrachloroethylene, under hydroconversion conditions, which enhances acidity and selectivity, promoting complete alkylation of olefins and optimizing product yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If alkyl halides with less than 55 wt% halide and lower boiling points are used, then the process requires larger equipment and longer reaction times, but the conversion efficiency and product yield are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the alkyl halide, specifically requiring at least 55 wt% halide content and a boiling point of 70°C or higher. This parameter change transforms the reaction kinetics and catalyst acidity, enabling faster conversion rates and shorter reaction times while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite system combining a specific acidic ionic liquid catalyst with high-halide-content alkyl halides (≥55 wt%). This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the ionic liquid's acidic properties enhance the reactivity of the alkyl halide, simultaneously improving conversion efficiency and reducing reaction time
2Productivity
If alkyl halides with less than 55 wt% halide are used, then the equipment size can be smaller, but the product selectivity and yield are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the alkyl halide composition to ≥55 wt% halide with boiling point ≥70°C, the patent achieves higher product selectivity and yield without requiring larger equipment. The enhanced halide concentration and boiling point properties optimize the reaction pathway toward desired products
3Ease of operation
If low boiling point alkyl halides are used, then the reaction proceeds faster, but the handling safety and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets the alkyl halide boiling point at 70°C or higher, which balances reaction rate with handling safety. This parameter ensures the alkyl halide remains stable during handling and storage while still providing sufficiently fast reaction rates for high productivity
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 reduces equipment requirements, shortens reaction times, and increases yields of middle distillate and alkylate gasoline, while being safer and easier to handle due to the higher boiling point alkyl halides, achieving higher conversion rates and product selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a mixture of hydrocarbons with an acidic ionic liquid catalyst and at least one alkyl halide
Data Source
AI summary
A process comprising: contacting a blend of hydrocarbons under hydroconversion conditions in a hydroconversion zone with a mixture of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst and at least one alkyl halide comprising at least 55 wt % halide and having a boiling point of 70° C. or higher. An alkylation process comprising: contacting a blend of hydrocarbons under alkylation conditions with a mixture of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst that is a chloroaluminate and at least one alkyl halide comprising 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, or a mixture thereof; wherein greater than 99.9 wt % of an at least one olefin in the blend of hydrocarbons is alkylated. Also, a hydroconversion process comprising drying the alkyl halide.