Olefin Conversion via Distillation and Dynamic Feed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing olefin conversion processes face challenges in achieving a high reaction rate without impairing reaction conversion and selectivity, and they lack flexibility to adjust production quantities based on market demand.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the distillation of a feed stream containing linear and branched olefins to separate a high-boiling phase, which is then subjected to heterogeneously or homogeneously catalyzed reactions, while varying the amount of low-boiling phase removed during distillation to optimize reaction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reaction rate is increased to produce more product per unit time, then productivity improves, but reaction conversion and selectivity to the desired product deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing distillation of the olefin feed stream before the conversion reaction to remove low-boiling impurities and adjust the olefin composition. This pre-treatment prepares the feed stream in an optimized state that allows the reaction to proceed at higher rates while maintaining conversion and selectivity, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of low-boiling phase is varied during distillation to adjust production quantity, then adaptability improves, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the distillation process adjustable and flexible, allowing the amount of low-boiling phase to be varied during the distillation step. This enables the process to adapt to different production requirements and market demands. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through controlled distillation parameters, balancing adaptability with manageable process complexity.
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 enhances reaction rate and allows for adjustable production quantities by removing less reactive isomers and inhibitors, resulting in improved conversion and selectivity.
Implementation Method 1
Distilling the provided feed stream in at least one distillation column to obtain at least one low-boiling phase and one high-boiling phase
Implementation Method 2
a heterogeneously catalyzed hydroformylation, a homogeneously catalyzed hydroformylation, or a homogeneously catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the conversion of olefins having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, in which the feed stream used, which contains at least linear olefins and branched olefins, is distilled before the conversion, and only the resulting high-boiling phase is subjected to the conversion, a heterogeneously catalyzed hydroformylation, a homogeneously catalyzed hydroformylation, or a homogeneously catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation. The amount of low boilers removed during the distillation before the conversion is varied during the process.