Hydrotreating Catalyst Activation Using Liquid Nitrogen Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for activating hydrotreating catalysts, particularly during hydrocracking, face challenges such as reaction runaway due to exothermic cracking reactions, leading to catalyst deactivation and equipment damage, and existing nitrogen compounds like ammonia and aniline pose handling and safety risks while being ineffective in controlling catalyst activity.
Innovation Solution
A method using nitrogen compounds with specific characteristics, such as a nitrogen content of 15-35 wt%, 2-5 nitrogen atoms per molecule, boiling point of 140-175°C, and being in liquid form at room temperature, for in-situ activation and passivation of hydrotreating catalysts, including a step of sulphiding with a sulphiding agent, to inhibit catalyst activity temporarily without affecting its long-term effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nitrogen compounds (ammonia, aniline) are used for passivation, then catalyst activity control is achieved, but operator safety and handling become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the passivation agent by using organic nitrogen compounds with specific molecular weights (50-300 g/mol) and nitrogen content (15-35 wt%), replacing traditional ammonia and aniline. This parameter change maintains catalyst passivation effectiveness while improving safety and handling properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available organic nitrogen compounds that are easier to handle and less hazardous than traditional passivation agents. These compounds serve their passivation function effectively and can be easily removed or decomposed, reducing long-term safety concerns.
2Productivity
If hydrocracking reactions proceed without control, then productivity increases, but reaction runaway occurs causing catalyst deactivation and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing passivation agents before or during the hydrocracking process to pre-control catalyst activity. This prevents reaction runaway by ensuring the catalyst maintains appropriate activity levels throughout operation, avoiding both deactivation and equipment damage while sustaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through the use of passivation agents that respond to reaction conditions. The organic nitrogen compounds adjust their passivation effect based on the hydrocracking progression, providing continuous control over catalyst activity to maintain stable operation at high productivity levels.
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 method provides a safer, more controlled, and effective activation of hydrotreating catalysts, reducing operator exposure risks and improving catalyst stability, suitable for biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass and petroleum cuts, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional nitrogen compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a step of passivation of the catalyst in the presence of the nitrogen compound
Implementation Method 2
a step of sulphiding the catalyst in the presence of a sulphiding agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use, in a method for in-situ activation of at least one hydrotreating, in particular hydrocracking, catalyst, of at least one nitrogen compound having at least one of the following characteristics:a) a nitrogen content by weight in the range from 15 to 35 wt %, relative to the total weight of the nitrogen compound;b) a number of nitrogen atoms in the range from 2 to 20;c) a boiling point in the range from 140° C. to 300° C.; andd) said nitrogen compound being in liquid form at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.The present invention also relates to the method for in-situ activation of at least one hydrotreating catalyst comprising at least one step of sulphiding said hydrotreating catalyst in the presence of a sulphiding agent, and a step of passivation of said hydrotreating catalyst in the presence of said at least one nitrogen compound.