Acid-Catalyzed Olefin Oligomerization Catalyst Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oligomerization processes using solid acid catalysts face rapid catalyst deactivation, leading to short catalyst lifetimes and unstable olefin conversion.

Innovation Solution

The process involves contacting a monomer comprising at least 50 wt. % internal olefins with a solid acid catalyst, and oligomerizing them to form an oligomer product, with the catalyst being stabilized by using a solid acid catalyst such as AMBERLYST® resin and maintaining specific conditions like temperature and WHSV, which results in low catalyst deactivation rates and long catalyst lifetimes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a solid acid catalyst is used for oligomerizing olefins, then the oligomerization reaction can proceed, but the catalyst experiences rapid deactivation leading to short catalyst lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoligomerization reaction rateVSAvoidcatalyst lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the olefin feed by using at least 50 wt. % internal olefins instead of conventional alpha-olefin feeds. This parameter change in feed composition fundamentally alters the reaction pathway and intermediate stability, thereby reducing catalyst deactivation rate and extending catalyst lifetime while maintaining productive oligomerization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a solid acid catalyst is used for oligomerizing olefins, then the reaction can proceed, but catalyst deactivation leads to unstable olefin conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveolefin conversionVSAvoidolefin conversion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the feed composition parameter to use internal olefins (at least 50 wt. %), the reaction proceeds through more stable carbocation intermediates that prevent catalyst deactivation. This results in stable olefin conversion rates over extended periods, as the catalyst maintains its activity without rapid deactivation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent effectively makes the catalyst a long-lived reusable component by changing the feedstock type. The internal olefin feed acts as a protective agent that prevents catalyst degradation, allowing the catalyst to function repeatedly over many hours or days rather than requiring frequent replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 achieves unexpectedly low catalyst deactivation rates and stable olefin conversion, maintaining high selectivity to various oligomers like dimers for extended periods, thereby extending catalyst lifetime and ensuring consistent product quality.

Implementation Method 1

Processes for oligomerizing olefins in the presence of a solid acid catalyst are disclosed herein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcid catalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the solid acid catalyst can experience rapid catalyst deactivation, leading to relatively short catalyst lifetimes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalyst deactivation: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS9266793B2Acid-catalyzed olefin oligomerizations

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP

AI summary

The present invention discloses processes for oligomerizing a monomer containing internal olefins using a solid acid catalyst. Illustrative monomers can contain at least 50 wt. % C6 to C24 internal olefins.