Molded MgO-Al2O3 Catalyst for Stable Cyclic Ketone Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing isophorone face challenges such as complex batch processes, high costs, catalyst instability, and mechanical weakness, leading to reduced catalyst lifespan and increased by-product formation.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst molded body composed of magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide with a binder, such as calcium oxide, is produced through a process involving mixing, slurry formation, and heat treatment, enabling a continuous or batch process with improved mechanical strength and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid inorganic oxide catalyst is used for vapor phase hydration of acetylenes, then the catalytic activity is maintained, but the catalyst undergoes physical change from liquid to solid granular form causing handling difficulties and potential clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent immobilizes the liquid inorganic oxide catalyst within porous solid granular carriers (such as porous silica, alumina, or molecular sieves). The porous structure allows the liquid catalyst to remain in liquid state within the pores while the external granular form provides easy handling and prevents clogging. This maintains catalytic activity through the liquid catalyst while solving handling difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If high temperature and pressure conditions are applied to achieve acceptable reaction rates, then productivity improves, but energy consumption increases and safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the catalytic parameters by using highly selective liquid inorganic oxide catalysts (such as boria, molybdenum oxide, or tungsten oxide) that enable the reaction to proceed at moderate temperatures and pressures. This maintains high productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption and safety risks associated with extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional catalysts are used, then the reaction can proceed, but side reactions occur leading to low selectivity and difficult separation of desired product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction occurrenceVSAvoidselectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs liquid inorganic oxide catalysts with specific local chemical properties and acid-base characteristics that are highly selective for the hydration reaction of acetylenes. The catalyst's localized active sites promote only the desired reaction pathway, minimizing side reactions and ensuring high selectivity for the target product, thereby simplifying separation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 catalyst molded body allows for efficient production of cyclic ketones with reduced energy consumption, extended operation time, and minimized by-products, suitable for both batch and continuous processes.

Implementation Method 1

vapor phase hydration of acetylenes using a liquid inorganic oxide catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4082663B1Molded catalyst, production method for same, and method for producing cyclic ketone using same
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 KOREA KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL CO LTD
  • EP4082663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4082663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4082663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present specification relates to a catalyst molded body, a production method thereof and a method for preparing cyclic ketone using the same, including: (a) producing a mixed powder including a catalyst powder and a binder; (b) producing a slurry by mixing an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution with the mixed powder; and obtaining a catalyst molded body by molding and heat-treating the slurry.