Magnesium-Modified Zeolite Catalyst for Caprolactam Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing ε-caprolactam by Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime in a gas phase using zeolite catalysts suffer from low initial catalytic activity and a decline in activity over time, leading to unsatisfactory productivity.

Innovation Solution

A zeolite catalyst containing a silicon element and at least one alkaline earth metal element, such as calcium, strontium, barium, or magnesium, with a concentration of 3 ppm to 10000 ppm by mass is used to maintain high catalytic activity over a long period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional zeolite catalysts are used for Beckmann rearrangement, then the process can proceed, but the initial catalytic activity is low and productivity is unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveε-caprolactam productivityVSAvoidcatalytic activity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the zeolite catalyst by incorporating specific alkaline earth metal elements (Ca, Sr, Ba, Mg) at optimized concentrations. This parameter modification transforms the catalyst's properties to achieve both high initial activity and sustained performance over time, directly resolving the productivity-reliability contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite catalyst system by combining silicon-containing zeolite with alkaline earth metal elements. This composite structure synergistically enhances both the initial catalytic activity and the long-term stability, enabling sustained high productivity without activity decline

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If conventional zeolite catalysts are used, then the reaction can proceed, but catalytic activity lowers with the passage of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activity durationVSAvoidcatalytic activity consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary modification of the zeolite catalyst structure by incorporating alkaline earth metal elements before the Beckmann rearrangement reaction. This pre-treatment establishes a stable catalytic framework that maintains consistent activity throughout the reaction duration, preventing the typical activity decline over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 method achieves high initial catalytic activity and sustained productivity with enhanced selectivity of ε-caprolactam, maintaining conversion rates above 99% for extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

a method of Beckmann-rearranging cyclohexanone oxime in a gas phase using zeolite as a catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3527553B1Process for producing caprolactam from cyclohexanone oxime by beckmann-rearrangement in the gas-phase in the presence of a zeolite catalyst with a magnesium content of 3-10.000 ppm by mass
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • EP3527553B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3527553B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3527553B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A production method of ε-caprolactam, comprising a step of Beckmann-rearranging cyclohexanone oxime in a gas phase in the presence of a zeolite catalyst containing a silicon element and at least one element selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal elements and a magnesium element, wherein the concentration of the above-described element in the zeolite catalyst is 3 ppm by mass or more and 10000 ppm by mass or less.