Hydrothermal ODH Catalyst Preparation via Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing oxidative dehydrogenation catalysts using hydrothermal treatment are variable, leading to inconsistent catalyst reactivity and reproducibility, particularly in small-scale laboratory procedures.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the preparation of an aqueous slurry with specific molar ratios of Mo, V, and Te salts, followed by hydrothermal treatment in a reaction vessel at controlled temperatures and pressures, with agitation and removal of gaseous byproducts, and subsequent calcination to produce a catalyst with consistent activity and selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hydrothermal treatment is used, then catalyst production is achieved, but catalyst reactivity and reproducibility are inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst reactivity consistencyVSAvoidcatalyst production consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling hydrothermal treatment conditions including temperature (100-250°C), pressure (1-10 MPa), treatment time (1-48 hours), and pH values. These controlled parameter variations produce consistent catalyst phases and improve both reactivity and reproducibility across different production scales.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action through pre-treatment steps including slurry preparation with specific metal ratios, drying at controlled temperatures (50-150°C), and calcination before hydrothermal treatment. These preliminary actions ensure uniform catalyst precursor formation, which leads to consistent final catalyst properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If hydrothermal treatment variables are increased, then catalyst activity may improve, but reproducibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidreproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring and adjusting pH values during hydrothermal treatment, controlling treatment duration within specific ranges (1-48 hours), and adjusting temperature and pressure parameters. This feedback mechanism maintains catalyst activity while ensuring reproducible results across different batches and scales.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by optimizing the interaction between multiple variables including temperature (100-250°C), pressure (1-10 MPa), and treatment time (1-48 hours). The dynamic balance among these parameters allows the system to achieve high catalyst activity while maintaining reproducibility through controlled variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 results in a catalyst with high selectivity to ethylene, achieving conversion rates of at least 90% and maintaining activity across various reaction conditions, improving the consistency and effectiveness of the oxidative dehydrogenation process.

Implementation Method 1

heating the slurry in a reaction vessel at a temperature from 150° to 185°C at a pressure from 960 kPa to 1300 kPa

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrothermal treatment:

Implementation Method 2

simultaneous removal of gaseous byproduct species produced during the reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control:

Data Source

PatentEP3487621B1Controlled pressure hydrothermal treatment of ODH catalyst
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 NOVA CHEM (INT) SA
  • EP3487621B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The preparation of an oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst comprising Mo, V, Nb and Te using a hydrothermal step the activity and reproducibility of the catalyst is improved by conduction the hydrothermal step at higher pressures while permitting gaseous products to leave the reactor. In some instances a condenser may be upstream of the pressure relief valve.