Composite Zeolite Catalysts for Light Olefin Yield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalysts for hydrocarbon-related processes, such as cracking hydro-treated atmospheric residue (HT AR) and hydro-treated vacuum gas oil (HT VGO), face challenges in achieving high conversions and selectivity to light olefins.

Innovation Solution

The catalysts comprise a first zeolite selected from ZSM-5 and Y zeolite impregnated with P2O5, and a second zeolite different from the first zeolite selected from ZSM-5 and Y zeolite impregnated with La2O3, along with alumina, clay, and silica.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing catalysts are used for hydrocarbon cracking, then the process can proceed, but conversions and yields of light olefins are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion rate and yield of light olefinsVSAvoidactivity and selectivity consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite catalyst system comprising multiple zeolite types (ZSM-5 and Y zeolite) with distinct pore structures and acid properties, combined with matrix materials (alumina, silica, clay). This composite structure synergistically enhances both conversion rate and light olefin selectivity, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability by integrating materials with complementary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst design incorporates local quality differentiation through the use of ZSM-5 zeolite with its specific channel structure for light olefin formation and Y zeolite with larger pores for heavy hydrocarbon cracking. Each component is strategically positioned and sized to perform its specialized function, thereby achieving high conversion and selective light olefin production simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a single zeolite type is used in the catalyst, then the catalyst structure is simple, but activity and selectivity to light olefins are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activity and selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple zeolite types (ZSM-5 and Y zeolite) with different pore structures and acid characteristics in a composite catalyst system. This composite approach enhances both activity and selectivity to light olefins while managing the increased complexity through optimized formulation and preparation methods, thereby resolving the contradiction between performance and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst is segmented into distinct functional components: ZSM-5 for light olefin formation through its specific channel structure, Y zeolite for heavy hydrocarbon cracking with its larger pores, and matrix materials for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally, achieving high activity and selectivity despite the increased compositional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional cracking processes are used, then the process is straightforward, but light olefin yield is not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight olefin yieldVSAvoidcatalyst preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst undergoes preliminary impregnation with phosphorus and lanthanum during manufacturing, which modifies the acid sites and pore structure before the cracking process begins. This preliminary treatment enhances the catalyst's ability to produce light olefins while the standardized preparation steps keep the manufacturing process manageable, resolving the contradiction between maximizing yield and maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes key parameters including the ratio of ZSM-5 to Y zeolite, phosphorus and lanthanum impregnation levels, and calcination temperature to maximize light olefin yield. By carefully controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the catalyst achieves high productivity while the preparation process remains practical and manufacturable, balancing performance enhancement with manufacturing feasibility.

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

These catalysts provide high conversions and yields of total light olefins, with enhanced activity and selectivity relative to other catalysts, thereby maximizing light olefin yield in hydrocarbon cracking processes.

Implementation Method 1

a first zeolite selected from ZSM-5 and Y zeolite impregnated with P2O5 and a second zeolite different from the first zeolite selected from ZSM-5 and Y zeolite impregnated with La2O3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250144604A1Catalysts that include zeolites and related methods
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • US20250144604A1 patent drawing
  • US20250144604A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to catalysts that include a first zeolite selected from ZSM-5 and Y zeolite impregnated with P2O5 and a second zeolite different from the first zeolite selected from ZSM-5 and Y zeolite impregnated with La2O3. The catalysts can also include alumina, clay, and silica. The catalysts can be used for various hydrocarbon-related processes, such as cracking hydro-treated atmospheric residue (HT AR) and hydro-treated vacuum gas oil (HT VGO).