Silane-Based Acidic Catalyst Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for regenerating ionic liquids used as catalysts in hydrocarbon conversion processes face challenges such as incomplete conjunct polymer conversion, solid handling issues, and high costs, particularly when using metallic aluminum or electrochemical approaches.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of silane compounds to react with deactivated acidic catalysts, allowing for the separation of conjunct polymers and regeneration of the catalysts under mild conditions, avoiding metal usage and simplifying solid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic aluminum or electrochemical approaches are used for regeneration, then conjunct polymer removal effectiveness is improved, but solid handling issues and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/solid handling operations (metallic aluminum reduction) with a chemical solution (silane compound reaction). The silane compounds react with conjunct polymers in the ionic liquid to form separable products, eliminating the need for solid metal handling and electrochemical equipment while achieving effective polymer removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The silane compound acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the removal of conjunct polymers from the ionic liquid catalyst. The silane reacts with the polymer to form a complex that can be easily separated, serving as a mediating agent between the polymer and the regeneration process without requiring direct metal-polymer interaction.
2Reliability
If conventional regeneration methods are used, then catalyst reactivation is achieved, but process complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the regeneration process by using silane compounds with specific reactivity characteristics. The silane compounds react with conjunct polymers under mild conditions to form separable products, simplifying the regeneration process while ensuring complete catalyst reactivation through straightforward phase separation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ionic liquid catalysts are used instead of traditional acids, then environmental safety is improved, but regeneration cost increases due to ionic liquid expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery process where silane compounds react with conjunct polymers to form separable products. The ionic liquid catalyst is recovered through phase separation after the silane-polymer reaction, allowing the expensive ionic liquid to be reused. The silane compound and its reaction products can also be recovered or disposed of more easily than the ionic liquid.
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 high conjunct polymer conversion rates, reduces operational and capital costs, and allows for easy separation and recycling of the silane compound, providing a more efficient and cost-effective regeneration process.
Implementation Method 1
the conjunct polymer reacting with the at least one silane compound resulting in a catalyst phase and an organic phase containing the conjunct polymer and at least one silyl compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method of regenerating an acidic catalyst is described. A silane compound is contacted with an acidic catalyst that contains conjunct polymer, which releases the conjunct polymer from the acidic catalyst. The acidic catalyst can then be re-activated with acid. The conjunct polymer can be separated from the silane compound, and the silane compound can be recycled.