Olefin Oligomerization Deactivator Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing 1-hexene and 1-octene through ethylene oligomerization result in significant by-products and require a separate deactivator separation process, increasing costs and equipment needs, while maintaining catalyst activity leads to isomerization issues during product separation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the injection of a deactivator with functional groups like hydroxyl, amine, or amide in the oligomerization reaction to deteriorate the catalyst system, allowing for the use of additives like antistatic agents, antioxidants, and stabilizers that also enhance polymer properties, eliminating the need for separate deactivator separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a deactivator is used to stop catalyst activity, then isomerization during separation is prevented, but a separate deactivator separation process is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of isomerizationVSAvoidseparation equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the deactivator separation step with the polymer resin production by incorporating the deactivator into the polymer resin product. The deactivator becomes part of the polymer matrix, eliminating the need for separate deactivator removal equipment and processes while maintaining its function of preventing isomerization during product separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deactivator serves multiple functions: it stops catalyst activity to prevent isomerization, and simultaneously becomes an integrated component of the polymer resin product. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate deactivator handling and separation processes, reducing equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional deactivators like long chain alcohols are used, then catalyst activity is stopped, but the deactivator becomes a contaminating material requiring separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalyst deactivationVSAvoidproduct contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of deactivator contamination into a benefit by deliberately incorporating the deactivator into the polymer resin product. What would normally be considered contamination is now an intentional component that serves the dual purpose of catalyst deactivation and polymer formulation, eliminating the need for removal.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the deactivator as a contaminant to be removed, the patent recovers and utilizes it as an integral part of the polymer resin product. The deactivator is retained in the final product where it continues to serve its catalyst-deactivating function while becoming a permanent component of the polymer matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If catalyst activity is maintained, then oligomerization reaction efficiency is high, but side reactions occur during product separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoligomerization efficiencyVSAvoidside reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the deactivator into the system before the separation process begins. The deactivator is present during or immediately after the oligomerization reaction to ensure catalyst deactivation occurs before any side reactions during separation can take place, while maintaining high reaction efficiency during the oligomerization phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces by-product formation, particularly isomers, and improves economic feasibility and productivity by integrating the deactivator as an additive within the polymer resin, preventing additional isomerization and multimerization reactions.

Implementation Method 1

injecting a deactivator in a latter part of a multimerization reaction of olefin to deteriorate activity of the oligomerization catalyst system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalyst deactivation: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3257871B1Method for reducing olefin oligomerization byproduct using a deactivating agent

Publication Date: 2022.08.31 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

An olefin oligomerization method according to the present specification is an olefin oligomerization method using an oligomerization catalytic system which comprises a step of reducing activity of the oligomerization catalytic system by administering a deactivation agent at the end of the multimerization reaction of an olefin, wherein the deactivation agent may comprise a polymeric additive containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, an amine group and an amide group. The oligomerization method can reduce isomers of 1-hexene and/or 1-octene and C10 to C40 alpha-olefins through inhibition of additional side reactions of products and does not require a separate process for separating the deactivation agent since the deactivation agent is also a polymer property-enhancing additive, whereby economy and productivity can be improved.