Co-crystallized MFI/MOR Zeolite Synthesis Using ODSO

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an efficient and economical method to treat large volumes of disulfide oil (DSO) by-products and their derivatives to modify their properties for environmentally acceptable disposal and to enhance their value to refiners.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing co-crystallized MFI/MOR zeolites by forming a homogeneous aqueous mixture of a silica source, an aluminum source, an alkali metal source, a structure directing agent, and an effective amount of water-soluble oxidized disulfide oil (ODSO), and then heating the mixture to form a crystalline zeolite precipitate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional zeolite synthesis methods are used, then zeolite products can be manufactured, but the yield is limited and disposal of DSO by-products remains problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezeolite yieldVSAvoidDSO by-product disposal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts DSO (disulfide oil), a harmful by-product from mercaptan oxidation, into a useful component for zeolite synthesis. By oxidizing DSO to form ODSO (oxidized disulfide oil), the method transforms this waste substance into a structure-directing agent that enhances zeolite yield and enables co-crystallization of MFI/MOR frameworks, thereby eliminating the disposal problem while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the synthesis system by introducing ODSO derived from DSO oxidation. This parameter change (adding oxidized disulfide oil to the synthesis mixture) fundamentally alters the crystallization process, enabling co-crystallization of pentasil zeolite with MFI framework and zeolite mordenite with MOR framework, thereby increasing zeolite yield and product quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If DSO by-products are disposed of conventionally, then disposal requirements are met, but environmental impact and economic value are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoiddisposal feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms DSO from a harmful environmental pollutant into a valuable chemical reagent. By oxidizing DSO to ODSO and using it as a structure-directing agent in zeolite synthesis, the method eliminates the need for conventional disposal methods, thereby reducing environmental impact while creating economic value through zeolite production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the DSO by-product stream to serve itself by converting it into a useful synthesis component. The ODSO derived from DSO automatically directs the formation of desired zeolite frameworks, eliminating the need for separate disposal operations and integrating the waste management function into the productive synthesis process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If single zeolite framework synthesis is used, then specific application requirements are met, but versatility and co-crystallization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezeolite framework varietyVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal synthesis system where ODSO serves multiple functions: it acts as a structure-directing agent, a template for framework formation, and a controller for co-crystallization. This multi-functional approach enables the simultaneous production of different zeolite frameworks (MFI and MOR) from a single synthesis mixture, thereby increasing versatility without requiring multiple separate synthesis processes

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 method increases the yield of zeolite products and allows for the co-crystallization of pentasil zeolite with a MFI framework and zeolite mordenite with a MOR framework, effectively utilizing DSO by-products in an economically and environmentally friendly manner.

Implementation Method 1

heating the homogeneous aqueous mixture under conditions and for a time effective to form a crystalline zeolite as precipitate suspended in a supernatant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

forming a homogeneous aqueous mixture of a silica source, an aluminum source, an alkali metal source, a structure directing agent, and an effective amount of water-soluble oxidized disulfide oil (ODSO)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12290800B2Method for manufacture of co-crystallized pentasil zeolite and zeolite mordenite in the presence of ODSO
Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • US12290800B2 patent drawing
  • US12290800B2 patent drawing
  • US12290800B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacture of co-crystallized pentasil zeolite and zeolite mordenite (hereinafter “MFI/MOR zeolites”). This is accomplished by using an improved sol-gel formulation including a water-soluble fraction of ODSO as an additional component. The resulting products are, or contain, co-crystallized MFI/MOR zeolites, whereas in the absence of the ODSO, the resulting products are analcime, typically considered a zeolite impurity.