Hydrotreating Catalyst Segmentation for Metal Accommodation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy raw oils contain metal impurities and large molecule substances that cause catalyst deactivation and product quality issues due to metal depositing and coking, necessitating improved hydrogenation conversion and metal accommodation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst combination comprising hydrogenation protection, demetalling, and treatment catalysts with specific alumina supports and metal elements, optimized for pore structure and metal content, is used for hydrotreating heavy raw oils, enhancing both asphaltine conversion and metal accommodation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hydrogenation catalysts are used for heavy raw oils, then the process can proceed, but metal impurities cause catalyst deactivation and coking, reducing operation period and product quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activity stabilityVSAvoidoperation period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst system is divided into multiple functional segments: a protection catalyst layer that removes metal impurities first, followed by a main hydrogenation catalyst layer. This segmentation prevents metal poisoning of the main catalyst, maintaining its activity and extending the operation period without frequent regeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection catalyst acts as an intermediary between the heavy raw oil feed and the main hydrogenation catalyst. It selectively removes metal impurities (Ni, V, Fe, Ca) and converts them into removable forms, protecting the main catalyst from deactivation while allowing the hydrogenation process to proceed efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If hydrogenation conditions are intensified to improve asphaltine conversion, then conversion efficiency increases, but metal deposition and catalyst coking worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasphaltine hydrogenation conversionVSAvoidmetal deposition and coking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection catalyst performs preliminary removal of metal impurities and conversion of problematic substances before the oil reaches the main hydrogenation catalyst. This preliminary action prevents metal deposition and coking on the main catalyst, allowing intensified hydrogenation conditions to be applied without the usual penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protection catalyst converts harmful metal impurities and intractable substances into beneficial forms that can be easily removed or that improve the overall process. Metal impurities are converted into removable complexes, and some intractable large molecules are converted into more manageable species, turning potential catalyst poisons into process benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Quantity of substance

If catalyst pore structure is optimized for metal accommodation, then metal removal improves, but hydrogenation activity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetal accommodation capacityVSAvoidhydrogenation activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst system segments the functions of metal accommodation and hydrogenation activity into different layers. The protection catalyst layer has optimized pore structure for metal accommodation, while the main hydrogenation catalyst layer has optimized structure for hydrogenation activity. This segmentation allows both functions to be optimized independently without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 catalyst combination effectively prolongs catalyst life, improves product quality by maintaining high hydrogenation activity and reducing metal deposition, thereby extending operation periods and enhancing the quality of hydrotreated heavy raw oils.

Implementation Method 1

A catalyst combination for hydrotreating raw oils such as heavy raw oils, and a process for hydrotreating raw oils such as heavy raw oils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the support has a pore volume measured by the mercury porosimetry of 0.94.2 mL/g, preferably 0.95-1.15 mL/g; the support has a specific surface area of 50-300 m2/g, preferably 80-200 m2/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9657236B2Process for hydrotreating heavy raw oils
Publication Date: 2017.05.23 CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a catalyst combination for hydrotreating raw oils and a process for hydrotreating raw oils with the catalyst combination. The catalyst combination comprisesone or both of at least one hydrogenation protection catalyst I and at least one hydrogenation demetalling catalyst I;at least one hydrogenation demetalling catalyst II; andat least one hydrogenation treatment catalyst III.