Hydrodeoxygenation of Vegetable Oils Using Ni-Mo Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrodeoxygenation processes for converting vegetable oils and animal fats into renewable diesel face challenges in achieving high yields and maintaining catalyst activity over time, particularly in producing paraffinic hydrocarbons within the desired carbon range for diesel fuel.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodeoxygenation process using a Nickel-Molybdenum catalyst supported on alumina-titania (IMP-DSD-17) in a fixed bed reactor, with activation through sulfuration, operates at specific temperature and pressure conditions to convert triacylglycerides into paraffins, carbon oxides, and water, achieving high conversion rates and green diesel yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydrodeoxygenation processes are used to convert vegetable oils into renewable diesel, then the conversion process can proceed, but the catalyst activity decreases over time and the yield of paraffinic hydrocarbons in the desired carbon range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the catalyst composition with specific weight ratios of Ni (1-10%), Mo (1-10%), and Al2O3 (80-98%), along with controlled sulfuration treatment to achieve optimal catalytic activity and stability for high-yield paraffinic hydrocarbon production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite catalyst material combining Ni-Mo on Al2O3 support with controlled sulfuration, creating a multi-component system that enhances both catalyst activity and durability, resolving the contradiction between maintaining catalyst activity and achieving high productivity
2Productivity
If high conversion rates are achieved through optimized catalytic conditions, then green diesel yield increases, but the process complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a sulfuration treatment step before the main hydrodeoxygenation reaction, where the catalyst is pre-treated with dimethyl disulfide to form active sulfided species, thereby simplifying the main reaction process and achieving high conversion rates more efficiently
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 achieves greater than 99% conversion of non-edible vegetable oils to green diesel with a paraffin distribution primarily in the C15-C18 range, maintaining catalyst activity and producing fuel with suitable physical and chemical properties for direct use or blending with fossil diesel.
Implementation Method 1
A catalytic process allows the conversion of triacylglycerides and free-fatty acids into paraffins and iso-paraffins within the range of naphtha, kerosene, and diesel. The biomass conversion is carried out by hydrotreatment at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of catalysts and in an atmosphere of hydrogen.
Implementation Method 2
The process comprises a hydrogenation and deoxygenation reaction zone where the HDO of triacylglycerides occurs to produce paraffinic hydrocarbons, propane, and water.
Implementation Method 3
The hydrotreatment process of vegetable oils or animal fats includes hydrogenation and deoxygenation reactions (e.g. decarboxylation, decarbonylation and deoxygenation reactions), in order to remove the oxygen content of triacylglycerides and thus achieve the production of H2O, CO, CO2, as well as paraffinic hydrocarbons.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for the hydrodeoxygenation of vegetable oils or animal fats to produce green diesel, which comprises contacting the vegetable oil or animal fat with a Nickel-Molybdenum or Cobalt-Molybdenum catalyst supported on alumina-titania or titania, respectively; in a fixed bed reactor in the presence of hydrogen. The process involves hydrocracking, hydrogenation, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, carried out in a fixed bed reactor at temperature of about 270° C. to about 360° C., pressure of about 40 kgf/cm2 to about 60 kgf/cm2, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) between about 0.8 h−1 to about 3.0 h−1, and H2/oil ratio of about 2,700 ft3/bbl to about 7,000 ft3/bbl, that allows to obtain a conversion up to 99% and up to 92.7% yield on green diesel.