Zinc-Ferrite Catalyst Washing for Butadiene Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation reactions, such as the co-precipitation method, result in the formation of inactive α-Fe2O3 crystal structures, leading to reduced selectivity of 1,3-butadiene and corrosion issues due to residual Cl− ions, and generate excessive wastewater during washing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a filter press with specific through hole configurations and controlled washing water discharge rates and pressures to improve washing efficiency, reducing waste water generation and optimizing the amounts of Cl− ions and α-Fe2O3 crystals in the catalyst, thereby enhancing the performance of zinc-ferrite based catalysts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the co-precipitation method is used to manufacture ZnFe2O4 catalyst, then the catalyst can be produced, but residual Cl− ions remain causing corrosion problems and α-Fe2O3 crystal structure forms reducing selectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst productionVSAvoidcorrosion and reduced selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing thorough washing of the catalyst precipitate before drying and firing steps. The washing process uses multiple stages with deionized water to remove Cl− ions and prevent α-Fe2O3 formation before the catalyst undergoes thermal treatment. This preliminary removal of harmful substances prevents corrosion issues and maintains catalyst selectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of α-Fe2O3 formation into a benefit by controlling the washing conditions to prevent its formation in the first place. By optimizing the washing water flow rate and temperature, the process prevents the transformation of ZnFe2O4 into inactive α-Fe2O3, thereby maintaining high catalyst activity and selectivity for 1,3-butadiene production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If washing is performed to remove Cl− ions and reduce α-Fe2O3, then catalyst performance improves, but large amount of waste water is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCl− ion content and α-Fe2O3 amountVSAvoidwaste water generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the washing water flow rate, temperature, and pH to achieve effective removal of Cl− ions and prevention of α-Fe2O3 formation with minimal water consumption. By controlling these parameters, the process achieves thorough washing while reducing wastewater generation compared to conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous washing action where washing water is continuously circulated through the catalyst precipitate until the desired level of purification is achieved. This continuous process ensures complete removal of harmful substances while allowing for water recycling and reduction of waste water discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If conventional filter press is used for washing and filtering, then catalyst slurry can be obtained, but washing efficiency is insufficient leading to excessive waste water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst production efficiencyVSAvoidwaste water
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the filter press operation parameters including washing water flow rate, pressure, and temperature to optimize washing efficiency. By controlling these parameters, the process achieves thorough washing of the catalyst precipitate while minimizing water consumption and waste water generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the Cl− ion content in the washing water and the catalyst precipitate. Based on this feedback, the washing process is adjusted to achieve optimal removal of harmful substances while minimizing water consumption. The feedback mechanism allows for real-time optimization of washing efficiency and waste water reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 improves the washing efficiency and reduces wastewater production while enhancing the performance of the zinc-ferrite catalysts by effectively adjusting the amounts of Cl− ions and α-Fe2O3, resulting in higher selectivity and yield of 1,3-butadiene in oxidative dehydrogenation reactions.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining a catalyst slurry by washing and filtering the catalyst co-precipitation solution using a filter press

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The amounts of Cl− and α-Fe2O3 need to be adjusted appropriately to manufacture a ZnFe2O4 catalyst suitable for use in the oxidative dehydrogenation reaction of butene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

washing water is fed through any one or more of the stock solution through hole and at least one through hole provided in the first quadrant region to the fourth quadrant region, the washing water is discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS11918988B2Method for producing catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation reaction, catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation reaction, and method for producing butadiene using same
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 LG CHEM LTD
  • US11918988B2 patent drawing
  • US11918988B2 patent drawing
  • US11918988B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation reaction, a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation reaction, and a method for manufacturing butadiene using the same.