Pt-Ga-Sn-Al Catalyst for Acyclic C5 to Cyclopentadiene Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes fail to efficiently convert acyclic C5 hydrocarbons to cyclic C5 compounds, particularly cyclopentadiene, with high yield and selectivity, due to catalyst deactivation and excessive production of C4 cracked products, and lack effective methods for on-purpose CPD production from acyclic C5 feedstocks.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a furnace with parallel reactor tubes containing a catalyst composition, where an inverse temperature profile is maintained, and a rejuvenation gas with hydrogen is used to remove coke material, allowing for continuous conversion of acyclic C5 hydrocarbons to cyclic C5 hydrocarbons, including cyclopentadiene, while minimizing byproduct formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Pt/Sn/alumina or Pt-Sn/aluminate catalysts are used for dehydrogenation, then conversion of n-pentane is achieved, but selectivity and yield to cyclic C5 products are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion of n-pentaneVSAvoidselectivity to cyclic C5 products
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the catalyst composition parameters by incorporating Ga (gallium) into the Pt-Sn-alumina system to create Pt-Ga-Sn-Al catalysts. This compositional parameter change transforms the catalyst's function to achieve both high conversion and high selectivity to cyclic C5 products, resolving the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If Pt supported on chlorided alumina catalysts are used for reforming, then dehydrogenation and cyclization of C6 and higher alkanes is effective, but conversion of acyclic C5 to cyclic C5 is low and catalyst deactivates within two hours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedehydrogenation and cyclization activityVSAvoidcatalyst stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the catalyst composition by adding Ga to the Pt-Sn-Al system, creating Pt-Ga-Sn-Al catalysts with enhanced stability. This parameter change allows the catalyst to maintain both high dehydrogenation/cyclization activity and prolonged stability, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite catalyst system combining Pt, Ga, Sn, and Al components. This composite material approach synergistically integrates multiple elements to achieve both high activity for dehydrogenation/cyclization and improved long-term stability, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If conventional catalysts are used, then some conversion occurs, but catalyst deactivation due to coke formation limits continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion rateVSAvoidcatalyst lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the catalyst composition parameters by incorporating Ga into Pt-Sn-Al to create Pt-Ga-Sn-Al catalysts with enhanced resistance to coke formation. This parameter modification allows the catalyst to maintain high conversion rates while extending operational lifetime, resolving the contradiction between productivity and duration of action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 catalyst stability and efficiency, achieving high conversion rates and selectivity to cyclic C5 products, reducing catalyst deactivation and byproduct formation, and enabling commercial-scale production of cyclopentadiene from acyclic C5 feedstocks.

Implementation Method 1

a furnace comprising parallel reactor tube(s), the reactor tubes containing catalyst composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

contacting the feedstock with the catalyst composition; obtaining a reactor effluent comprising cyclic C5 hydrocarbon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

contacting the rejuvenation gas with the catalyst composition to remove at least a portion of coke material on the catalyst composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas-solid interaction:

Data Source

PatentEP3371137B1Fired tube conversion system and process
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL PATENTS INC
  • EP3371137B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371137B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3371137B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a process and system to convert acyclic C5 feedstock to non-aromatic, cyclic C5 hydrocarbon. A furnace and reactor tubes comprising a catalyst compound are disclosed. A process involving contacting acyclic C5 feedstock with catalyst composition and obtaining cyclic C5 hydrocarbon is also disclosed.