Olefin Oligomerization Catalyst Inactivation Using CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing linear alpha olefins (LAOs) face challenges in achieving high-purity products with high yield while suppressing side reactions and efficiently separating reaction products, leading to increased processing costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of an oligomerization transition metal catalyst, cocatalyst, olefin monomer, and solvent into a reactor, followed by a catalyst inactivator comprising an oxygen-containing inorganic material in a gas phase, which helps inactivating the catalyst and improving reaction selectivity, allowing for high-purity LAO production with efficient separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2-ethylhexanol is used as catalyst inactivator, then catalyst inactivation efficiency is improved, but separation efficiency from LAO components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful mixing effect between 2-ethylhexanol and C10 LAOs by introducing CO2 gas as a alternative catalyst inactivator. CO2 does not form azeotropes or mixtures with LAO components, enabling straightforward separation through phase separation or distillation without requiring additional reactors or severe reaction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the catalyst inactivator from 2-ethylhexanol (liquid organic compound with boiling point 142°C) to CO2 (gas at room temperature). This parameter change fundamentally alters the separation behavior, allowing CO2 to be easily removed from the reaction mixture through pressure release or mild heating, thereby improving separation efficiency while maintaining catalyst inactivation function.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional reactor or severe reaction conditions are applied to separate C10 LAOs from oligomerization reaction product, then separation efficiency is improved, but processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional separation reactors or severe reaction conditions by selecting CO2 as the catalyst inactivator. CO2's unique property of being a gas at room temperature and pressure allows it to be easily separated from liquid LAO products through simple depressurization or mild heating, eliminating the need for complex separation infrastructure and reducing capital and operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs CO2, a cheap and readily available gas, as a disposable catalyst inactivator that can be easily removed from the system. The CO2 serves its inactivation function and then is simply vented or recycled without requiring expensive recovery or separation equipment, thereby reducing overall processing costs while achieving high separation efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If additional reactor or severe reaction conditions are applied to separate C10 LAOs from oligomerization reaction product, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and separation properties of the catalyst inactivator from liquid 2-ethylhexanol to gaseous CO2. This parameter change enables separation through simple pressure release or mild heating rather than requiring severe reaction conditions or additional energy-intensive distillation processes, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving high separation efficiency.
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 approach enables the production of high-purity LAOs with reduced side reactions and energy consumption, enhancing separation efficiency and reducing processing costs by using an oxygen-containing inorganic material as a catalyst inactivator.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a catalyst inactivator, which includes an oxygen-containing inorganic material in a gas phase, to a reaction product of the oligomerization reaction
Implementation Method 2
introducing an oligomerization transition metal catalyst, a cocatalyst, an olefin monomer, and a solvent to a reactor to perform an olefin oligomerization reaction
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for oligomerizing olefins, and provided is a method for oligomerizing olefins, comprising the steps of: carrying out the oligomerization reaction of olefins by injecting an oligomerization transition metal catalyst, a cocatalyst, an olefin monomer and a solvent into a reactor; and injecting, into the reaction product of the oligomerization reaction, a catalyst inactivator comprising a gaseous inorganic material that contains oxygen.