Oxygen Transfer Agent for Oxidative Dehydrogenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current olefin production processes from natural gas liquids are limited by over-oxidation pathways, leading to high CO2 and NOx emissions, and require significant energy due to the use of oxygen molecules, which result in inefficient production and reactor design challenges.
Innovation Solution
Employing an oxygen transfer agent system that uses sulfur or selenium compounds with a reducible metal oxide at temperatures between 350° C to 1000° C to facilitate oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, reducing over-oxidation and emissions while improving selectivity and yield of desired olefin products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If oxygen molecules are used for oxidative transformation to produce olefins from hydrocarbons, then olefin production is achieved, but over-oxidation occurs leading to high CO2 emissions and reduced selectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oxygen transfer agent as an intermediary substance that mediates the oxidation reaction between hydrocarbons and oxygen. This agent controls the oxygen transfer process to achieve selective oxidation to olefins while preventing over-oxidation to CO2, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oxidation system by using specific oxygen transfer agents with controlled oxidation states and ratios. This parameter change enables the reaction to proceed selectively to olefin formation rather than complete oxidation, reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining olefin production efficiency
2Productivity
If oxygen molecules are used for oxidative transformation, then olefin production is achieved, but local temperatures increase by 150-300° C. presenting heat management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen transfer agent acts as a mediator that facilitates oxygen transfer at lower temperatures compared to direct oxygen use. This reduces the temperature increase during reaction to 50-200° C., making heat management feasible while maintaining olefin production productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the reaction system by employing oxygen transfer agents that enable oxidation at lower temperatures. This parameter change reduces the 150-300° C. temperature spike to a more manageable range, allowing for better heat management while preserving reaction efficiency
3Productivity
If traditional oxidative transformation processes are used, then olefin production is achieved, but reactor design becomes complex due to heat management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen transfer agent simplifies reactor design by mediating the oxidation reaction at lower temperatures, reducing the need for complex heat management systems. This intermediary approach lowers device complexity while maintaining olefin production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using oxygen transfer agents that enable reactions at lower temperatures, thereby simplifying reactor design requirements. This parameter change reduces the complexity of heat management and reactor configuration while preserving productivity
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 significantly reduces CO2 and NOx emissions, enhances the selectivity and yield of olefins like ethylene, and stabilizes reactor conditions by favoring water production over hydrogen, thus improving the overall efficiency and environmental impact of olefin production.
Implementation Method 1
oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 2
oxygen transfer agent... oxygen-donating chalcogen agent
Implementation Method 3
reducible metal oxide
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced oxygen transfer agent systems and methods of use thereof are provided. According to one aspect, a method for producing olefins from a hydrocarbon feed includes the step of contacting a hydrocarbon feed comprised of one or more alkanes with an oxygen transfer agent at a temperature of 350° C. to 1000° C. The oxygen transfer agent includes an oxygen-donating chalcogen agent including at least one of S, Se, or Te and a reducible metal oxide. The chalcogen has an oxidation state greater than +2. A method for producing one or more olefins by partial combustion of a hydrocarbon feed is provided. The method includes partially combusting a hydrocarbon feed comprised of one or more alkanes by contacting the hydrocarbon feed with an oxygen transfer agent comprising CaSO4 at a temperature of 350° C. to 1000° C. to produce one or more olefins comprising ethylene and coproducing water.