γ-Ketovaleric Acid Catalyst for Hydrotreatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrotreatment catalysts face challenges in efficiently reducing sulfur and nitrogen content in diesel fuels and gasolines to meet stringent pollution standards, particularly with heavy crude oils and complex feedstocks, requiring improved hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst comprising alumina or silica-alumina support, elements of group VIII and VIB, and γ-ketovaleric acid, which enhances catalytic performance by lowering operating temperatures and extending cycle times, while being easy to prepare and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hydrotreatment catalysts are used, then the catalyst structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the catalytic activity is insufficient for refractory feedstocks requiring higher operating temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidoperating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst by incorporating specific metal combinations (Co, Ni, Mo, W) in optimized ratios, along with promoters like phosphorus and sulfur. This changes the catalytic properties to achieve high activity at lower operating temperatures, directly resolving the contradiction between catalytic activity and operating temperature requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst employs a composite structure combining multiple metal elements (Group VIb and Group VIII metals) with support materials and promoters. This composite approach creates synergistic effects that enhance catalytic activity while maintaining stability at reduced temperatures, addressing the limitation of conventional single-phase catalysts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional catalysts are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the catalyst stability and cycle time are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle timeVSAvoidcatalyst composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst undergoes preliminary sulfurization treatment during manufacturing to pre-form the active sulfided phases. This preliminary action ensures that the catalyst achieves optimal stability and longevity from the start of operation, extending cycle time while the complex composition is already optimized for durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs relatively inexpensive metal combinations and promoters that can be readily replaced after extended service life. The optimized composition allows the catalyst to serve through multiple regeneration cycles, making the complexity worthwhile by significantly extending operational duration between replacements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional catalysts are used, then the preparation process is straightforward, but the hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation capabilities are insufficient for meeting stringent emission standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation capabilityVSAvoidcatalyst composition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst design segments different functional responsibilities to specific metal components: Group VIb metals (Mo, W) handle hydrodesulphurization, Group VIII metals (Co, Ni) handle hydrodenitrogenation, and promoters enhance specific activities. This functional segmentation enables simultaneous optimization of multiple reactions, achieving stringent emission standards through a coordinated multi-element system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst composition is designed with multi-functionality, where the metal combination and promoters work together to perform multiple functions: hydrodesulphurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrogenation. This universal approach allows a single catalyst to meet diverse emission requirements across different feedstock types and product specifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 demonstrates increased activity and stability, allowing for reduced sulfur and nitrogen content in fuels, meeting stringent emission standards with improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A catalyst based on γ-ketovaleric acid and its use in a hydrotreatment and/or hydrocracking process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

conventionally comprises an oxide support and an active phase based on metals of groups VIB and VIII in their oxide forms, as well as phosphorus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodesulphurization:

Implementation Method 3

aim of removing the sulphur-containing or nitrogen-containing compounds contained therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodenitrogenation:

Implementation Method 4

Preparation of these catalysts generally comprises a step of impregnation of the metals and of the phosphorus on the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpregnation:

Implementation Method 5

followed by drying and calcination making it possible to obtain the active phase in their oxide forms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCalcination:

Implementation Method 6

Before they are used in a hydrotreatment and/or hydrocracking reaction, these catalysts are generally subjected to sulphurization in order to form the active species

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSulphurization:

Data Source

PatentUS10464054B2Catalyst based on γ-ketovaleric acid and use thereof in a hydrotreatment and/or hydrocracking process
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • US10464054B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a catalyst comprising a support based on alumina or silica or silica-alumina, at least one element of group VIII, at least one element of group VIB and γ-ketovaleric acid. The invention also relates to the process for the preparation of said catalyst and the use thereof in a hydrotreatment and/or hydrocracking process.