USY Zeolite Catalyst Without Metals for Hydrodearylation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrodearylation catalysts used in petroleum refineries are overdesigned for the process and do not require hydrogenation functions, leading to inefficiencies in upgrading aromatic bottoms oil.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst composition comprising framework-substituted ultra-stable Y-type (USY) zeolite substituted with zirconium and/or hafnium atoms, without active phase metals, is used to enhance the hydrodearylation process by contacting aromatic bottoms oil with hydrogen in a reactor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrocracking catalysts with active phase metals are used for hydrodearylation, then hydrogenation function is provided, but the catalyst becomes overdesigned and less efficient for the specific hydrodearylation process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the active phase metals (nickel, molybdenum, tungsten) from the catalyst composition, retaining only the zeolite cracking component. This extraction eliminates the hydrogenation function that is unnecessary for hydrodearylation, thereby resolving the overdesign problem and improving hydrodearylation effectiveness by focusing the catalyst's function solely on cracking the alkyl bridges of multi-aromatic compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by designing a catalyst with specialized functionality tailored to the specific requirements of hydrodearylation. Instead of using a general-purpose hydrocracking catalyst with multiple functions, the catalyst is optimized locally for the hydrodearylation reaction by removing unnecessary hydrogenation components, thereby improving effectiveness for this specific process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydrocracking catalysts are used, then multiple functions (hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrogenation) are provided, but the complexity and cost increase without benefit for hydrodearylation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the unnecessary functional components (active phase metals for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrogenation) from the catalyst system. This leaves a simplified catalyst composition containing only the zeolite cracking component, which reduces complexity while maintaining adaptability for the hydrodearylation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies universality by demonstrating that a single zeolite-based catalyst component can perform the hydrodearylation function effectively without requiring multiple specialized components. The zeolite catalyst provides universal cracking activity that is sufficient for hydrodearylation, eliminating the need for separate hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrogenation functions.
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 significantly improves the effectiveness of the hydrodearylation process, increasing the API density of the petroleum product and reducing the need for hydrogenative metal components, thereby enhancing the process efficiency and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrodearylation is a recently developed process for cleaving the alkyl bridge of non-condensed alkyl-bridged multi-aromatics or heavy alkyl aromatic compounds to form alkyl mono-aromatics, in the presence of a catalyst and hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for hydrodearylating aromatic bottoms oil includes contacting at least one aromatic bottoms oil stream with at least one catalyst composition and hydrogen in a reactor in order to hydrodearylate the aromatic bottoms oil stream. The catalyst composition includes a catalyst support comprising framework-substituted ultra-stable Y-type (USY) zeolite substituted with at least zirconium atoms. The catalyst composition does not include a hydrogenative metal component disposed on the support.