Solvent Extraction for Olefin Feedstream Nitrogen Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing nitrogen-containing compounds, such as nitriles and pyrroles, from olefin and paraffin feedstreams are inefficient, leading to reduced catalyst life and impaired downstream processing in oligomerization reactions.
Innovation Solution
A solvent extraction process using solvents like sulfolane and propylene carbonate to selectively remove nitriles and pyrroles from feedstreams, achieving low nitrogen levels of 0.10 ppm or less, thereby extending catalyst life and improving oligomerization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nitrogen-containing compounds are not removed from feedstreams, then the process is simpler, but catalyst life is reduced and oligomerization efficiency is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing solvent extraction as a pre-treatment step before oligomerization. Nitrogen-containing compounds are removed from the feedstream in advance using solvents like N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, diethylene glycol, or triethylene glycol, ensuring the catalyst is protected before the main reaction occurs. This preliminary removal prevents catalyst deactivation and extends catalyst life without complicating the main oligomerization process.
2Reliability
If conventional removal methods are used, then the process is simpler, but nitrogen removal efficiency is insufficient leading to catalyst poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solvent extraction as an intermediary process between the feedstream and the oligomerization catalyst. Solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, diethylene glycol, or triethylene glycol act as mediators that selectively interact with nitrogen-containing compounds, forming extractable complexes that can be separated from the hydrocarbon feedstream. This intermediary extraction step achieves high nitrogen removal efficiency (reducing nitrogen to below 1 ppm) and protects the catalyst from poisoning.
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
The process effectively reduces nitrogen content in feedstreams to very low levels, enhancing catalyst life and oligomerization process efficiency by using solvent extraction with solvents like sulfolane and propylene carbonate, allowing for more efficient downstream processing.
Implementation Method 1
Processes utilizing solvent extraction to remove nitrogen containing compounds and optionally other components from feedstreams of olefins and paraffins
Implementation Method 2
A solvent extraction process using solvents like sulfolane and propylene carbonate to selectively remove nitriles and pyrroles from feedstreams
Data Source
AI summary
Process for removing nitriles and/or pyrroles from a feedstream, the process comprising contacting at least one feedstream comprising olefins, paraffins, an at least one of a nitrile and a pyrrole with at least one solvent and removing at least a portion of the nitrile and the pyrrole with at least one feedstream and contacting of treated feedstream with a catalyst under oligomerization conditions to produce oligomers.