Low Silica Zeolite Catalyst for Alkylation Poison Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Alkylation catalysts in alkylation systems experience rapid deactivation due to poisons present in the input stream, leading to frequent regeneration and replacement needs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a preliminary alkylation system with a zeolite catalyst having a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 25 or less to reduce poison levels before the main alkylation system, and using a first alkylation system with a different zeolite catalyst to extend catalyst life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional alkylation catalyst is used directly in the main alkylation system, then the alkylation reaction can proceed, but the catalyst experiences rapid deactivation due to poisons in the input stream

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activity stabilityVSAvoidcatalyst life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a preliminary alkylation system before the main alkylation system. This preliminary system processes the input stream first, removing poisons and contaminants before they reach the main catalyst. The preliminary system performs the protective function in advance, preventing catalyst deactivation in the main system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing a preliminary alkylation system between the input stream and the main alkylation system. This intermediary system acts as a buffer or mediator that processes the harmful input stream and protects the main catalyst from direct exposure to poisons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the zeolite catalyst is increased to improve catalyst stability, then catalyst strength increases, but catalyst deactivation occurs more rapidly due to poison accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst composition stabilityVSAvoidcatalyst resistance to deactivation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the zeolite catalyst to a specific range (20-40). This parameter optimization balances the catalyst's stability and resistance to deactivation. The patent also changes operational parameters like temperature and pressure to enhance catalyst performance and reduce deactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly reduces catalyst deactivation and extends the life of alkylation catalysts, minimizing the need for frequent regeneration and replacement.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the input stream with a preliminary catalyst including a zeolite catalyst having a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 25 or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

contacting the input stream with an alkylation catalyst to form an output stream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS8680354B2Process for the reduction of alkylation catalyst deactivation utilizing low silica to alumina ratio catalyst
Publication Date: 2014.03.25 FINA TECH INC
  • US8680354B2 patent drawing
  • US8680354B2 patent drawing
  • US8680354B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Alkylation systems and methods of minimizing alkylation catalyst regeneration are described herein. The alkylation systems generally include a preliminary alkylation system adapted to receive an input stream including an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and contact the input stream with a preliminary alkylation catalyst disposed therein to form a first output stream. The preliminary alkylation catalyst generally includes a zeolite catalyst having a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of less than about 25. The alkylation systems further include a first alkylation system adapted to receive the first output stream and contact the first output stream with a first alkylation catalyst disposed therein and an alkylating agent to form a second output stream.