Hydrocracking Polyaromatics to Monoaromatics Using M/A/Zeolite Catalyst

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes for producing monoaromatic hydrocarbons from heavy hydrocarbon feeds with polyaromatics have high selectivity for unwanted side-products like methane and lower paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as LPG and non-aromatic C5-C9 hydrocarbons.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocracking process using a M/A/zeolite catalyst under specific conditions of ambient-40 bara pressure, 350-500 °C temperature, and a hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio of 1-20, which promotes ring opening reactions and reduces successive cracking, thereby selectively converting polyaromatics to monoaromatic hydrocarbons with reduced production of unwanted side-products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional hydrocracking processes are used to convert heavy hydrocarbon feeds with polyaromatics, then monoaromatic hydrocarbons are produced, but high selectivity for unwanted side-products like methane and lower paraffinic hydrocarbons occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonoaromatic hydrocarbon productionVSAvoidunwanted side-products (methane, LPG, non-aromatic C5-C9 hydrocarbons)
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the catalyst composition (adding element A from Group 1 or 2), adjusting reaction temperature (350-500 °C), pressure (ambient-40 bara), and hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio (1-20) to optimize the conversion process and minimize unwanted side-products while maintaining monoaromatic production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite catalyst system comprising a zeolite support combined with metal component M and element A, creating a multifunctional catalyst that simultaneously promotes desired ring-opening reactions while suppressing excessive cracking to unwanted side-products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If successive cracking reactions are promoted to increase conversion, then more monoaromatics are produced, but selectivity for non-aromatic C5-C9 hydrocarbons increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion of polyaromaticsVSAvoidselectivity for monoaromatics vs. non-aromatic C5-C9 hydrocarbons
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the balance between conversion and selectivity by optimizing reaction parameters (temperature, pressure, hydrogen ratio) and catalyst composition, ensuring that ring-opening reactions proceed to monoaromatics without excessive successive cracking to non-aromatic C5-C9 hydrocarbons

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Element A acts as an intermediary in the catalyst system, moderating the cracking activity to prevent excessive successive cracking while still enabling the necessary ring-opening reactions to convert polyaromatics to monoaromatics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficiently converts polyaromatic hydrocarbons to monoaromatic hydrocarbons with a significant reduction in unwanted side-products like methane and C5-C9 hydrocarbons, achieving high selectivity for monoaromatics and producing a product stream rich in BTXE (benzene, toluene, xylenes, and ethylbenzene).

Implementation Method 1

contacting said feed in the presence of hydrogen with a M/A/zeolite catalyst under hydrocracking process conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Implementation Method 2

M/A/zeolite catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

ring opening reactions and reduces successive cracking, thereby selectively converting polyaromatics to monoaromatic hydrocarbons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrocracking:

Data Source

PatentEP3356035B1Process for producing aromatics from a heavy hydrocarbon feed
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for producing monoaromatic hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon feed comprising polyaromatics, the process comprising contacting said feed in the presence of hydrogen with a M/A/zeolite catalyst under hydrocracking process conditions.