Zeolite Y Hydrocracking Catalyst for Naphtha Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydrocracking catalysts face challenges in achieving high selectivity and activity for naphtha production, particularly in optimizing the lattice parameter and acidity of zeolite Y to enhance naphtha cut yields.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocracking catalyst comprising a zeolite Y with a lattice parameter less than 24.40 Å, a BET specific surface area between 700 and 1000 m2/g, a micropore volume greater than 0.28 ml/g, and Bronsted acidity greater than 300 micromol/g, combined with a hydrogenating-dehydrogenating element from group VIB and group VIII, and optionally beta zeolite, to improve naphtha cut selectivity and activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If zeolite Y with higher lattice parameter is used, then activity increases, but selectivity towards naphtha cut decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidnaphtha cut selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the lattice parameter of zeolite Y to be between 24.38-24.42 Å, which is a specific narrow range that optimizes both activity and selectivity. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the sweet spot where catalytic activity is sufficient while naphtha selectivity is maximized, avoiding the trade-off between higher activity and lower selectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If zeolite Y with lower lattice parameter is used, then naphtha selectivity improves, but activity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenaphtha cut selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing that the optimal lattice parameter range is 24.38-24.42 Å, which is neither too low nor too high. This specific parameter range simultaneously provides good naphtha selectivity and adequate activity, eliminating the need to choose between the two opposing characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If Bronsted acidity is increased, then naphtha selectivity improves, but catalyst stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenaphtha cut selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing Bronsted acidity to a specific range of 200-400 μmol/g. This controlled acidity level provides sufficient naphtha selectivity while preventing excessive acidity that would lead to catalyst deactivation and instability, thus resolving the contradiction between selectivity and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If process temperature is increased, then naphtha production rate increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenaphtha production rateVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the reaction temperature to a specific range of 300-450°C. This temperature optimization enables adequate naphtha production rates while avoiding excessive energy consumption associated with higher temperatures, finding the optimal balance between productivity and energy efficiency

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 achieves improved selectivity and activity for naphtha production, reducing energy consumption and extending catalyst cycle time, while maintaining high selectivity towards the naphtha cut.

Implementation Method 1

a zeolite Y having an initial lattice parameter a0 of the unit cell of strictly less than 24.40 Å, a BET specific surface area of between 700 and 1000 m2/g, a micropore volume determined by nitrogen adsorption of greater than 0.28 ml/g and a Bronsted acidity of greater than 300 micromol/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

at least one hydrogenating-dehydrogenating element chosen from the group formed by the elements of group VIB and the non-noble elements of group VIII of the Periodic Table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentUS20250018379A1Hydrocracking catalyst comprising a zeolite y specific for the production of naphtha
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES

AI summary

The invention describes a hydrocracking catalyst which is selective towards the naphtha cut and the hydrocracking process using said catalyst, said catalyst comprising at least one hydrogenating-dehydrogenating element chosen from the group formed by the elements of group VIB and the non-noble elements of group VIII of the Periodic Table, taken alone or as a mixture, and a support comprising at least one porous mineral matrix, a zeolite Y having an initial lattice parameter a0 of the unit cell of greater than 24.42 Å, and a zeolite beta, in which the weight ratio of said zeolite Y to said zeolite beta in the catalyst is strictly greater than 12.