Zeolite Catalyst Bed Circulation for Internal Olefin Isomerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for isomerizing α-olefins to improve fluidity face challenges in preventing skeletal isomerization and oligomerization reactions, leading to inefficient production of internal olefins with poor biodegradability and fluidity.
Innovation Solution
Circulating α-olefins through a zeolite catalyst bed before isomerization, specifically using an MFI type zeolite, to reduce oligomerization reaction activity and enhance fluidity without distillation, with controlled LHSV, temperature, and circulation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If α-olefins having 16 or more carbon atoms are used to reduce fish toxicity, then environmental safety is improved, but fluidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameter by isomerizing the double bond position from terminal (α-olefin) to internal position. This structural parameter change improves fluidity while maintaining the carbon chain length (16-18 atoms) that provides environmental safety, thus resolving the contradiction between toxicity reduction and fluidity improvement
2Object-affected harmful factors
If skeletal isomerization is prevented to improve biodegradability, then environmental compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a zeolite catalyst with specific pore structure (MFI type with 10-membered rings) that selectively allows internal isomerization while blocking skeletal isomerization pathways. This localized structural feature of the catalyst achieves selective reaction control without complex process design, resolving the contradiction between biodegradability and process simplicity
3Speed
If oligomerization is suppressed to improve fluidity, then product quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by circulating α-olefin through the zeolite catalyst bed before the main isomerization reaction. This pre-treatment step modifies the catalyst surface to reduce oligomerization activity, ensuring that during subsequent isomerization, fluidity is improved without significant oligomer formation, thus maintaining both product quality and productivity
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
Stable production of internal olefins with improved fluidity and reduced oligomerization, eliminating the need for distillation and maintaining catalyst effectiveness, resulting in an economically viable process for petroleum drilling oils.
Implementation Method 1
In the internal isomerization reaction of an α-olefin using a zeolite catalyst
Implementation Method 2
by circulating a starting α-olefin into a zeolite catalyst bed before starting an isomerization reaction, the oligomerization reaction activity can be largely reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an internal olefin by stably isomerizing an α-olefin by using an inexpensive zeolite catalyst while preventing an oligomerization reaction is provided. The method for producing an internal olefin comprises a step of isomerizing an α-olefin having from 16 to 18 carbon atoms by passing through a zeolite catalyst bed, wherein the α-olefin having from 16 to 18 carbon atoms is circulated through and brought into contact with the zeolite catalyst bed before starting the isomerization reaction.