Polybutene Preparation via Selective Hydrogenation and Isomerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing polybutene result in low-quality products with high halogen content and low vinylidene content due to the presence of n-butene in C4 olefin feedstocks, leading to reduced catalytic activity and productivity, and are economically inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving selective hydrogenation and isomerization of C4 hydrocarbon components followed by fractional distillation to isolate high-purity isobutene, which is then polymerized using boron trifluoride as a catalyst, optimizing conditions for high vinylidene content and low halogen content in the polybutene product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If n-butene is present in C4 olefin feedstock for polybutene production, then feedstock availability is improved, but product quality deteriorates with high halogen content and low vinylidene content
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes n-butene components from the C4 olefin feedstock through selective hydrogenation and isomerization processes. By converting n-butene to isobutene and separating the components, the harmful n-butene is extracted from the feedstock, preventing it from deteriorating product quality while maintaining feedstock utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the feedstock by controlling the hydrogenation and isomerization reactions. By adjusting reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst composition, n-butene is converted to isobutene, transforming the feedstock composition to achieve both high vinylidene content and low halogen content in the final polybutene product
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymerization methods are used with C4 olefin feedstock, then production cost is reduced, but catalytic activity and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary hydrogenation and isomerization treatments on the C4 olefin feedstock before polymerization. This preliminary action converts n-butene to isobutene and removes impurities that would otherwise reduce catalytic activity, ensuring high productivity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of conventional polymerization equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces metal catalysts as intermediaries to facilitate the hydrogenation and isomerization reactions. These catalysts act as mediators that enable the conversion of n-butene to isobutene under mild conditions, improving catalytic activity in the subsequent polymerization step without requiring expensive specialized equipment
3Reliability
If vinylidene content is increased to enhance polybutene reactivity, then product reactivity is improved, but halogen content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of n-butene presence into a benefit by using selective hydrogenation and isomerization to transform n-butene into isobutene. This process increases the vinylidene content of the resulting polybutene (enhancing reactivity) while the controlled reaction conditions prevent excessive halogen incorporation, thus converting a potential harm into a beneficial outcome
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 method enables the production of high-quality, highly reactive polyisobutylene with a high terminal vinylidene content and low halogen content at high catalyst mileage and economic efficiency, improving both product quality and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
performing a selective hydrogenation reaction of diolefin among C4 hydrocarbon components
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously an isomerization reaction of 1-butene to 2-butene
Implementation Method 3
isolating an isobutene feedstock through fractional distillation
Implementation Method 4
polymerizing the isobutene feedstock obtained by the fractional distillation wherein the polymerization is carried out using boron trifluoride as a catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for preparing a highly reactive polybutene of high quality having low fluorine content and high vinylidene content at high mileage of catalyst with economy. The method for preparing a polybutene includes: performing a selective hydrogenation reaction of diolefin among C4 hydrocarbon components produced from petroleum refineries or naphtha cracking centers, which involve cracking of crude oils, and simultaneously an isomerization reaction of 1-butene to 2-butene and then isolating an isobutene feedstock through fractional distillation; and polymerizing the isobutene feedstock obtained by the fractional distillation.