Metathesis Catalyst Refining Natural Oil Feedstocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing environmentally friendly fuels from natural oil feedstocks are inefficient due to the high cost of metathesis catalysts and the need for improved catalyst performance, as well as the challenge of producing alternative fuel sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the metathesis reaction of natural oil feedstocks in the presence of a metathesis catalyst to form olefins and esters, followed by separation, hydrogenation, and further processing to produce fuel compositions such as jet and diesel fuels, while also separating and utilizing byproducts like glycerin and specialty chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If metathesis catalysts are used to convert natural oil feedstocks into industrially useful chemicals, then environmentally friendly alternative fuels and chemicals can be produced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the high cost of metathesis catalysts reduces manufacturing efficiency and increases production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the catalyst system by using alternative catalysts such as organometallic complexes with different ligand structures, or enzymatic catalysts, to achieve the same metathesis reaction but with lower cost and improved efficiency. This parameter change in catalyst composition directly addresses both the environmental benefit and cost reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs single-use or easily replaceable catalyst systems that are less expensive than traditional metathesis catalysts. By using disposable catalyst cartridges or easily regenerable catalyst systems, the patent reduces the economic barrier while maintaining the environmental advantage of producing alternative fuels
2Reliability
If metathesis reactions are used to process natural oil feedstocks, then alternative fuel sources can be produced to address petroleum supply concerns, but the current inefficient catalyst performance reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite catalyst systems combining multiple components such as metal centers with specially designed ligand systems, or combinations of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. These composite structures provide both high activity and selectivity, improving productivity while ensuring reliable fuel production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances such as ligands or co-catalysts that mediate between the natural oil feedstock and the catalyst, improving the efficiency of the metathesis reaction. These intermediaries facilitate better substrate-catalyst interaction, leading to higher productivity and more reliable fuel production
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
This method enhances the efficiency of catalyst use, produces environmentally friendly fuel compositions with specific properties, and utilizes byproducts effectively, addressing the need for sustainable alternative fuels.
Implementation Method 1
Metathesis is a catalytic reaction generally known in the art that involves the interchange of alkylidene units among compounds containing one or more double bonds (e.g., olefinic compounds) via the formation and cleavage of the carbon-carbon double bonds
Implementation Method 2
The olefins are then hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for refining natural oil feedstocks. The methods comprise reacting the feedstock in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesized product comprising olefins and esters. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise separating the olefins from the esters in the metathesized product. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise hydrogenating the olefins under conditions sufficient to form a fuel composition. In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise transesterifying the esters in the presence of an alcohol to form a transesterified product.