Hydroprocessing Diesel Biomolecules for Cold Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing biodiesel fuels from biocomponent sources often result in products with unfavorable cold flow properties, such as high cloud points, making them unsuitable for commercial use, especially in extreme cold climates.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing a biocomponent feed with a mineral feed to form a combined feedstock, which is then treated with an isomerization/dewaxing catalyst comprising specific molecular sieves and hydrogenation metals under controlled conditions to achieve a cloud point of -20°C or less, effectively removing oxygen content and improving cetane values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If biocomponent feed is converted to biodiesel through conventional methods, then fuel production is achieved, but cloud point becomes too high for commercial use
Solution Approach 1:
The process segments the feedstock into biocomponent and mineral portions, treating them differently before combination. The biocomponent portion undergoes specific hydroprocessing and isomerization to reduce cloud point, then is blended with mineral diesel to achieve overall specification compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the biocomponent feed through hydroprocessing (adding hydrogen to remove oxygen) and isomerization (rearranging molecular structure). These parameter changes transform the feed into a low-cloud-point component suitable for blending.
2Manufacturing precision
If isomerization catalysts are used to reduce cloud point, then cold flow properties improve, but n-paraffin content remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The process extracts and removes n-paraffins from the isomerized biocomponent stream through a dedicated removal step before blending. This extraction ensures that even though isomerization occurs, the final product has reduced n-paraffin content meeting specifications.
3Productivity
If biocomponent feed is used alone, then renewable fuel production is achieved, but cold climate suitability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the processed biocomponent stream with a mineral diesel stream in a controlled blend. This combination allows the renewable portion to contribute to productivity while the mineral portion provides the cold flow properties needed for cold climate suitability.
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 produces diesel fuels with improved cold flow properties, meeting commercial standards and enabling their use in extreme cold climates while maintaining high cetane values.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the combined feedstock with an isomerization/dewaxing catalyst... under effective isomerization/dewaxing conditions... being effective to remove about 99% of the oxygen content
Implementation Method 2
contacting the combined feedstock with an isomerization/dewaxing catalyst... under effective isomerization/dewaxing conditions including a temperature of at least about 350° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Non-hydrotreated biocomponent feeds can be mixed with mineral feeds and processed under catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions. The catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions can be selected to advantageously also substantially deoxygenate the mixed feed. Diesel fuel products with improved cold flow properties can be produced.