Inclined Ring Catalyst for Low Pressure Loss Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Catalysts used for gas-phase catalytic oxidation of unsaturated aldehydes like acrolein suffer from high pressure loss, low conversion rates, and reduced selectivity of unsaturated carboxylic acid production, leading to coking issues and reduced yield due to non-uniform reactor loading and small catalyst surface area.

Innovation Solution

A ring-shaped or columnar catalyst with the outer peripheral edge part inclined relative to the center line is used, enhancing the catalyst's surface area and reaction efficiency, reducing pressure loss, and allowing for high selectivity and conversion rates of unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated carboxylic acids, with the option to regenerate coked catalysts using an oxygen-containing gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ring-shaped catalyst or hollow cylindrical catalyst with curved end face is used, then the catalyst can be loaded in a reactor, but the pressure loss is high and the gas amount decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst loadingVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst employs an asymmetric shape where the outer peripheral edge part is inclined relative to the center line, creating a non-symmetric geometry that optimizes gas flow patterns while maintaining structural integrity for reactor loading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a specific geometric dimension by inclining the outer peripheral edge part at a defined angle relative to the center line, adding a dimensional parameter that simultaneously addresses loading ease and pressure loss reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a ring-shaped catalyst is used, then the catalyst structure is simple, but the catalyst surface area is small and conversion rate is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst structureVSAvoidconversion rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst applies local quality by creating an inclined outer peripheral edge part with different geometric properties from the central axis region, where the inclined surface provides enhanced reaction characteristics while the overall structure remains relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the catalyst shape by inclining the outer peripheral edge part at a specific angle, which modifies the surface area to volume ratio and enhances the conversion rate without significantly complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the pressure loss is high, then the gas amount decreases, but coking increases and selectivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure lossVSAvoidselectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined outer peripheral edge part design preliminarily counteracts the harmful effect of high pressure loss by creating optimized gas flow patterns that prevent coking formation and maintain high selectivity before the reaction proceeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 inclined catalyst design reduces pressure loss, suppresses coking, and maintains high conversion rates and selectivity for unsaturated carboxylic acid production, even in coked states, compared to conventional shapes, ensuring efficient and effective gas-phase catalytic oxidation.

Implementation Method 1

causing gas-phase catalytic oxidation of an unsaturated aldehyde such as acrolein and an oxygen-containing gas to produce a corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalytic oxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3488926B1Catalyst, acrylic acid production method, and catalyst production method
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP
  • EP3488926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3488926B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3488926B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst ensuring that in the case of causing gas-phase catalytic oxidation of an unsaturated aldehyde and an oxygen-containing gas with use of the catalyst to produce a corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acid, the pressure loss can be kept low and an unsaturated carboxylic acid can be produced with high selectivity. The present invention relates to a ring-shaped or columnar catalyst, which is used at the time of producing a corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acid by causing gas-phase catalytic oxidation of an unsaturated aldehyde and an oxygen-containing gas, wherein the outer peripheral edge part is inclined relative to the center line.