Y/Beta Zeolite Hydrocracking Catalyst for Naphtha Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrocracking catalysts are not selective enough for naphtha production, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and catalyst utilization, particularly when processing less reactive feedstocks.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocracking catalyst comprising a specific ratio of Y zeolite and Beta zeolite, combined with non-noble elements from Groups VIB and VIII, and a porous mineral matrix, optimized for naphtha production by adjusting the zeolite crystal parameters and incorporating hydro-dehydrogenating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional hydrocracking catalysts are used, then general cracking function is provided, but naphtha production selectivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenaphtha production selectivityVSAvoidenergy consumption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the lattice parameter of Y zeolite (24.38-24.50 Å) and the Y/Beta mass ratio (5-12) to optimize naphtha production selectivity. This specific parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving high selectivity without sacrificing overall cracking productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining Y zeolite and Beta zeolite in a specific mass ratio (5-12) to create a bifunctional catalyst. The Y zeolite provides high naphtha selectivity while Beta zeolite maintains general cracking activity, thus resolving the contradiction between selectivity and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If catalysts with high naphtha selectivity are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but activity towards less reactive feedstocks is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidactivity towards less reactive feedstocks
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a catalyst that performs multiple functions: Y zeolite provides high naphtha selectivity for energy efficiency, while Beta zeolite ensures adequate activity towards less reactive feedstocks. This multi-functional composite catalyst resolves the contradiction between energy loss reduction and reliability maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the Y zeolite lattice parameter is increased to improve naphtha selectivity, then heavy naphtha fraction selectivity increases, but catalyst stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheavy naphtha fraction selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the Y zeolite lattice parameter within a specific range (24.38-24.50 Å) to achieve high heavy naphtha fraction selectivity while maintaining catalyst stability. This controlled parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and composition stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 catalyst enhances naphtha production activity and selectivity, reducing activation temperature requirements and extending catalyst life, while maintaining energy efficiency and processing less reactive feedstocks without altering process flow.

Implementation Method 1

Hydrocracking catalysts are generally classified based on the nature of their acid function, in particular catalysts comprising an amorphous acid function of the silica alumina type and catalysts comprising a zeolitic cracking function such as Y zeolite or beta zeolite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid catalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

a catalyst comprising at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element selected from the group formed by the non-noble elements of Group VIB and Group VIII of the periodic table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydro-dehydrogenation catalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4440742B1Hydrocracking catalyst for naphtha production, comprising a y zeolite having a lattice constant strictly greater than 24.50 angstroms and a beta zeolite, wherein the y/beta ratio is between 5 and 12
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES

AI summary

The invention describes a hydrocracking catalyst that is selective with regard to the naphtha cut, and further describes the hydrocracking process using said catalyst. The catalyst comprises at least one hydrogenating-dehydrogenating element selected from the group consisting of group VIB and non-noble group VIII elements of the periodic table, whether taken alone or as a mixture, and a carrier comprising at least one porous mineral matrix, a gamma zeolite having an initial crystal lattice constant a0 strictly greater than 24.42 Å, and a beta zeolite, wherein the weight ratio of said gamma zeolite to said beta zeolite in the catalyst is between 5 and 12.