Stabilized Y Zeolite Catalyst for Hydrocracking Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrocracking catalysts using SY zeolites produce less profitable naphtha products due to insufficient selectivity towards heavy middle distillate products, particularly diesel, from unwanted secondary hydrocracking of materials in the jet boiling range.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocracking catalyst with a high nanopore volume (HNPV) SY zeolite component, characterized by enhanced acid site distribution and increased nanopore volume in the 20-50 nm range, which improves selectivity towards heavier middle distillate products in the 380-700°F boiling range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional SY zeolite is used in hydrocracking catalyst, then the catalyst can perform basic hydrocracking function, but it produces excessive gas-make and reduces heavy middle distillate yield due to insufficient selectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheavy middle distillate yieldVSAvoidgas-make
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the local quality of the zeolite by creating a specific pore size distribution with enhanced nanopore volume (0.20-0.45 mL/g) in the 20-50 nm range and controlling acid site distribution (0.03-0.10 mmol/g). This local structural optimization within the zeolite framework selectively promotes hydrocracking reactions that produce heavy middle distillates while suppressing excessive gasification reactions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing distillate yield and minimizing gas-make.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the nanopore volume (0.20-0.45 mL/g), acid site distribution (0.03-0.10 mmol/g), and pore size distribution (20-50 nm range) of the SY zeolite. These parameter optimizations enhance the catalyst's selectivity towards heavy middle distillate products (380-700°F) while reducing unwanted gas-make, effectively resolving the technical contradiction between product yield and loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional SY zeolite with standard pore structure is used, then the catalyst structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the selectivity towards heavy middle distillate products is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselectivity controlVSAvoidzeolite pore structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves enhanced manufacturing precision by controlling specific parameters of the SY zeolite: nanopore volume (0.20-0.45 mL/g), acid site distribution (0.03-0.10 mmol/g), and pore size distribution centered in the 20-50 nm range. These precise parameter specifications enable superior selectivity control for heavy middle distillate production while maintaining a zeolite structure that can be manufactured using established hydrothermal synthesis and post-treatment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional hydrocracking catalyst is used, then the process operates under standard conditions, but hydrogen efficiency is reduced and heavy middle distillate quality is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen efficiencyVSAvoidproduct quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances hydrogen efficiency by optimizing the local quality of the catalyst through controlled nanopore distribution (20-50 nm range) and acid site density (0.03-0.10 mmol/g). This localized structural optimization promotes selective hydrocracking reactions that efficiently utilize hydrogen to produce high-quality heavy middle distillates with reduced gas-make, thereby simultaneously improving hydrogen efficiency and product quality reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 HNPV SY zeolite-based catalyst exhibits reduced gas make and increased heavy middle distillate product yield and quality, enhancing refinery margins by increasing diesel production while minimizing undesirable gas and naphtha yields.

Implementation Method 1

a high nanopore volume (HNPV) SY zeolite component, characterized by enhanced acid site distribution and increased nanopore volume in the 20-50 nm range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

Hydrocracking is an important refining process used manufacture middle distillate products boiling in the 250-700°F (121-371°C) range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrocracking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4454755A1Middle distillate hydrocracking catalyst containing highly a stabilized y zeolite with enhanced acid site distribution
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 CHEVRON USA INC
  • EP4454755A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4454755A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4454755A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An improved hydrocracking catalyst containing a stabilized Y zeolite (SY) having an enhanced acid site distribution as compared to conventional SY zeolites. The SY zeolite is also characterized as having a high nanopore volume (HNPV).