Molybdenite-Coated Hydrotreating Catalyst for Fouling Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts in fixed-bed reactors suffer from deactivation due to operating temperature and the nature of hydrocarbon feedstocks, leading to reduced catalyst activity and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A catalytic system with a thin layer of molybdenite (MoS2) deposited on the surface of conventional catalysts, enhancing catalytic performance and resistance to deactivation by promoting hydrogenation reactions and limiting carbonaceous deposit formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional hydrotreating catalysts are used, then the catalyst can be used for several months under normal operating conditions, but the catalyst progressively loses activity due to deactivation phenomena caused by operating temperature and hydrocarbon feedstock nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst useful lifeVSAvoidcatalyst activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a conventional hydrotreating catalyst (nucleus) with a thin outer layer of molybdenite (MoS2). This composite structure allows the inner catalyst to maintain its original composition and properties while the outer molybdenite layer provides protection against deactivation, thereby extending catalyst life without sacrificing activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The molybdenite layer acts as a protective barrier that is applied beforehand to shield the catalyst from harmful factors. This layer prevents direct contact between the catalyst and deactivating substances in the feedstock, cushioning the catalyst against thermal and chemical degradation before deactivation can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a thin layer of molybdenite is deposited on the catalyst surface, then the catalyst is protected from deactivation phenomena and useful life is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst useful lifeVSAvoidcatalyst structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective molybdenite layer is applied locally only on the outer surface of the catalyst particles, forming a thin coating that provides protection where it is most needed (at the interface with the feedstock) while leaving the bulk catalyst material unchanged and simple in composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional catalysts are used for hydrocracking, then the process can treat standard feedstocks, but the catalyst is prone to fouling and deactivation by heavy hydrocarbon components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedstock processing rangeVSAvoidfouling and carbonaceous deposits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The molybdenite layer serves as an intermediary between the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and the catalyst. It facilitates the hydrogenation of heavy components and prevents direct interaction between the feedstock and the catalyst surface, thereby reducing fouling and carbonaceous deposit formation while enabling broader feedstock processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 catalytic system extends the useful life of the catalyst, maintains high performance, and improves the treatment of heavy feedstocks by reducing fouling and increasing conversion levels, allowing for a wider range of feedstock processing without requiring significant plant modifications.

Implementation Method 1

industrial catalytic processes carried out in fixed-bed reactors which operate hydrogenations or hydroconversions of organic compounds, in the presence of pressurized gaseous hydrogen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Implementation Method 2

catalytic system comprises a nucleus containing a supported hydrotreatment, hydrogenation and/or cracking catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

enhancing catalytic performance and resistance to deactivation by promoting hydrogenation reactions and limiting carbonaceous deposit formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentEP2797688B1Catalytic system, process for the preparation of said system and hydrotreatment process using said system
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 ENI SPA

AI summary

The catalytic system comprising a nucleus containing a supported hydrotreatment, hydrogenation and/or cracking catalyst or a carrier selected from an amorphous silico-aluminate, a crystalline silico-aluminate and/or an alumina characterized in that the surface of said nucleus is partially or totally covered by a layer of molybdenite. The relative preparation process can be carried out starting from the nucleus containing the supported catalyst or carrier, depositing, on the surface of said nucleus, a molybdenite either preformed or generated in situ following the addition of an oil-soluble precursor of molybdenum so as to partially or totally cover it with a layer of molybdenite.