Olefin Co-oligomerization Selectivity via Conversion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in olefin co-oligomerization is achieving high selectivity and hydroformylatability of products, particularly in processes where olefin isomer mixtures are used, leading to incomplete reaction of less reactive isomers and resulting in unreacted olefins, especially when converting lower olefins into higher olefins.
Innovation Solution
A process for co-oligomerization of olefins with n carbon atoms and 2n carbon atoms over an olefin oligomerization catalyst, where the conversion of olefins with 2n carbon atoms is limited to less than 5% and those with n carbon atoms is between 10 to 50%, allowing for the separation and utilization of olefins with 2n and 3n carbon atoms, with controlled variables like residence time, flow rates, and temperature to optimize product formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If olefin isomer mixtures are used for oligomerization to increase selectivity, then the reaction complexity increases and less reactive isomers remain unreacted, but the hydroformylatability of the product decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the conversion parameter to maintain it below 5% for 2n-carbon olefins while optimizing it to 10-50% for n-carbon olefins. This parameter optimization ensures that less reactive isomers do not have time to react and remain unreacted in the product, preserving high hydroformylatability while maintaining selectivity through controlled reaction conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the conversion of 2n-carbon olefins to less than 5%, preventing excessive reaction that would consume reactive isomers. This partial conversion approach ensures that unreacted 2n-carbon olefins remain in the product stream, maintaining their high hydroformylatability while still achieving the desired selectivity for co-oligomerization products
2Productivity
If conversion of olefins with 2n carbon atoms is increased to improve product yield, then more unreacted olefins remain in the output, but the hydroformylatability of the product decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the conversion parameter for 2n-carbon olefins to remain below 5%, which prevents excessive conversion that would leave unreacted olefins in the product. This parameter control ensures high hydroformylatability is maintained while still achieving adequate product yield through optimized n-carbon olefin conversion (10-50%)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring and adjusting the conversion of 2n-carbon olefins to maintain it below 5%. This feedback mechanism ensures that the conversion level remains optimal for preserving hydroformylatability while maximizing product yield, preventing both over-conversion and under-conversion scenarios
3Reliability
If residence time is increased to improve reaction completeness, then less reactive isomers have time to react, but the selectivity and hydroformylatability of the product decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the residence time such that only n-carbon olefins undergo significant conversion (10-50%), while 2n-carbon olefins remain largely unreacted (conversion <5%). This partial reaction approach prevents excessive reaction time that would allow less reactive isomers to react, thereby maintaining high selectivity and hydroformylatability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the residence time parameter to optimize the differential conversion of olefin types. By controlling residence time, the patent achieves selective conversion where n-carbon olefins react to form co-oligomers while 2n-carbon olefins remain unreacted, preserving both selectivity and hydroformylatability of the final product
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 process ensures high hydroformylatability of the co-oligomer products, particularly dodecene, by maintaining low conversion of 2n carbon atoms and optimizing the molar ratios, resulting in efficient separation and utilization of olefins, thereby addressing the selectivity and reactivity issues in traditional olefin oligomerization.
Implementation Method 1
an olefin feedstock comprising olefins with n carbon atoms and olefins with 2n carbon atoms is reacted over an olefin oligomerization catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
In a process for co-oligomerization of olefins, an olefin starting material comprising olefins with n carbon atoms and olefins with 2n carbon atoms is converted over an olefin oligomerization catalyst to a reaction product. The process is performed under such conditions that the conversion of olefins with 2n carbon atoms is less than 10%. Both the co-oligomer with 3n carbon atoms and the olefin with 2n carbon atoms removed from the reaction product have a high hydroformylatability.