Low-Space-Velocity Silicon Trapping for Hydrocarbon Feedstocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon feedstock purification processes are ineffective in removing silicon impurities, particularly organosilicon compounds, due to insufficient trapping capacity and high liquid or gas hourly space velocities, which lead to catalyst poisoning and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A process for purifying hydrocarbon feedstocks by reducing the liquid or gas hourly space velocity (LHSV/GHSV) to less than 5 h^-1 and 500 h^-1, respectively, using a trapping mass with specific characteristics, such as alumina-based materials, to enhance silicon trapping capacity and simplify operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high liquid or gas hourly space velocity is used in existing purification processes, then productivity is improved, but silicon trapping efficiency deteriorates leading to catalyst poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) to a specific range of 0.5-5.0 h⁻¹, which is significantly lower than conventional high velocity operations. This parameter adjustment allows the trapping mass to effectively capture organosilicon compounds while maintaining continuous operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and trapping efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the trapping mass upstream of the catalyst beds in the processing sequence. The trapping mass pre-treats the feedstock by removing silicon-containing compounds before the stream reaches the main catalysts, preventing catalyst poisoning in advance while allowing continuous high-throughput operation downstream
2Reliability
If dedicated trapping mass is positioned upstream of catalysts, then catalyst protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trapping mass is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a silicon removal agent and as a protective barrier for downstream catalysts. By combining these functions in a single upstream unit, the patent avoids the need for separate trapping and catalytic units, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective catalyst protection
Solution Approach 2:
The trapping mass acts as an intermediary component between the feedstock and the main catalysts. It mediates the interaction by selectively removing harmful silicon compounds before the feedstock contacts the expensive catalysts, thereby protecting the catalysts without requiring complex isolation systems or additional processing steps
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 process significantly improves silicon trapping efficiency, extending the cycle time of the trapping mass, reducing operating costs, and protecting downstream catalysts by enhancing the performance and lifetime of hydrodesulfurization, hydrotreating, and reforming processes.
Implementation Method 1
a step of removing silicon by contact with a solid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for trapping silicon compounds in a gaseous or liquid feedstock, comprising bringing the feedstock into contact with a trapping mass with a liquid hourly space velocity LHSV of less than 5 h−1 or a gas hourly space velocity GHSV of less than 500 h−1.