Bi-functional Catalyst for Sorbitol Conversion to Glycols

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing processes for producing ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from sorbitol result in low yields due to sorbitol being a side product that cannot undergo retro-aldol conversion, leading to decreased overall value and increased energy and equipment usage.

Innovation Solution

A bi-functional catalyst system comprising a copper compound, a zinc compound, and sodium carbonate is used to convert sorbitol into ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in a reactor, optimizing reaction conditions such as temperature and pressure to enhance yield and purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional hydrolysis of alkylene oxides is used to produce glycols, then high purity products are obtained, but the process requires multiple processing steps and uses fossil fuel feedstocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct purityVSAvoidnumber of processing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental reaction parameters by using a bi-functional catalyst system that enables both C-C bond cleavage and hydrogenolysis in a single step, converting from multi-step alkylene oxide hydrolysis to direct sorbitol conversion, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining product purity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite bi-functional catalyst system combining copper-based hydrogenation sites and acid sites for retro-aldol condensation, allowing multiple reactions to occur simultaneously in one reactor, thus simplifying the process while achieving high manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If sorbitol is produced as a side product in glucose hydrogenolysis, then the overall yield of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol decreases, but sorbitol represents a valuable renewable feedstock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall yield of EG and PGVSAvoidvalue loss from sorbitol by-product

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of sorbitol as a non-productive by-product into a beneficial feedstock by developing a catalyst system that specifically activates sorbitol for C-C bond cleavage and hydrogenolysis, thereby transforming value loss into additional product yield

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the reaction parameters by optimizing temperature, pressure, and catalyst composition to favor sorbitol conversion pathways, enabling the same sorbitol that previously reduced overall yield to become the primary feedstock for high-yield EG and PG production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing processes convert sorbitol to glycols, then some product is obtained, but energy consumption and equipment usage are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglycol production efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple reaction steps (C-C bond cleavage, hydrogenolysis, and product formation) into a single reactor operation using a bi-functional catalyst, eliminating the need for separate processing units and reducing overall energy consumption while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 increases the yield of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, making the production process more economical and environmentally friendly by utilizing a renewable bio-based route, with higher product recovery and reduced energy and equipment usage.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the sorbitol feed with hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a solvent and a bi-functional catalyst system comprising: 1) a first catalyst comprising a copper compound, a zinc compound, and a lanthanum compound, and 2) a second catalyst comprising sodium carbonate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the hydrogenolysis of glucose and glucose-containing molecules, to form EG and PG, some of the glucose is hydrogenated to sorbitol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogenolysis: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentEP3490703B1Method for the production of glycols from sorbitol

Publication Date: 2020.05.13 SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ BV

Figure 1

AI summary

Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a process for producing ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from a sorbitol feed which may include contacting the sorbitol feed with hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a solvent and a bi-functional catalyst system. The bi-functional catalyst system may include a first catalyst comprising a copper compound, a zinc compound, and an additional metal compound and a second catalyst comprising sodium carbonate.