Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for converting propane and higher alkanes to their corresponding alcohols through a multi-step process with olefin as an intermediate. Methods are also disclosed for facilitating the transportation, purification or other treatment of propylene and higher olefins using a chemical conversion to the corresponding alcohol and reconversion to olefin. Methods are also disclosed for converting propane and higher alkanes to olefins using the corresponding alcohol as a temporary intermediate to minimize purification, transportation and/or other treatment costs.
Abstract:
A catalyst useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is disclosed. The catalyst includes a silicon carbide support. The catalyst may optionally include a base metal, metal oxide, or combination thereof. A base metal is herein defined as a non-Group VIII metal, with the exception of iron, cobalt and nickel. Suitable base metals include Group IB-VIIB metals, Group IIIA-VA metals, Lanthanide metals, iron, cobalt and nickel. Suitable metal oxides include alumina, stabilized aluminas, zirconia, stabilized zirconias (PSZ), titania, ytteria, silica, niobia, and vanadia. Additionally, the catalyst may optionally include a Group VIII promoter. Suitable Group VIII promoters include Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods for improving the octane number of a synthetic naphtha stream and optionally for producing olefins and/or solvents. In one embodiment, the method comprises aromatizing at least a portion of a synthetic naphtha stream to produce an aromatized hydrocarbon stream; and isomerizing at least a portion of the aromatized hydrocarbon stream to produce an isomerized aromatized hydrocarbon stream having a higher octane rating than the synthetic naphtha stream. Alternatively, the method comprises providing at least three synthetic naphtha cuts comprising a C4-C5 stream; a C6-C8 stream and a C9-C11 stream; aromatizing some of the C6-C8 stream to form an aromatized hydrocarbon stream with a higher octane number; steam cracking some of the C6-C8 stream and optionally the C9-C11 stream to form olefins; and selling some portions of C9-C11 stream as solvents. In preferred embodiments, the synthetic naphtha is derived from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
Abstract:
Catalysts and methods useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) are disclosed. The ODH catalysts include a base metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanide metals, their oxides, and combinations thereof. The base metal is more preferably selected from the group consisting of samarium, cerium, praseodymium, terbium, their corresponding oxides and combinations thereof. The base metal loading is preferably between about 0.5 and about 20 weight percent and more preferably between about 2 and about 10 weight percent. Optionally, the ODH catalysts are further comprised of a Group VIII promoter metal present at trace levels. The Group VIII promoter metal is preferably platinum, palladium or a combination thereof and is preferably present at a promoter metal loading of between about 0.005 and about 0.1 weight percent. Optionally, the ODH catalyst is supported on a refractory support.
Abstract:
This invention provides a method for recovering rhenium oxide from a material containing rhenium by itself or rhenium in combination with some other element, such as an element catalytically active for a catalytic process, such as hydrogenation, oxidation, reforming, and hydrocracking. The method includes conversion of rhenium to a sublimable oxide via oxidation, heating in an oxidizing atmosphere to sublime the oxide as a volatized oxide, and then isolation of rhenium from the volatized oxide.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for converting ethane to ethanol through a multi-step process with ethylene as an intermediate. Methods are also disclosed for facilitating the transportation, purification or other treatment of ethylene using a chemical conversion to ethanol and reconversion to ethylene. Methods are also disclosed for converting ethane to ethylene using ethanol as a temporary intermediate to minimize purification, transportation and/or other treatment costs.
Abstract:
A process and catalyst are disclosed for reducing coking in hydrocarbon processing reactions. The preferred embodiments employ a sulfur-containing material such as hydrogen sulfide to reduce catalyst susceptibility to deactivation from carbon deposits formed during processing.
Abstract:
A method for the recovery of rhodium from spent supported catalysts. In one embodiment, a method for recovering rhodium from a host material includes roasting the host material in air at a temperature sufficient to convert at least a portion of rhodium to Rh2O3, leaching the host material in a solution with a leaching constituent which is reactive with Rh2O3 to form a first intermediate species, reacting the first intermediate species in a solution with an acidifying constituent or complexing agent to form a second intermediate species, and purifying the second intermediate species. Preferably, the roasting temperature is approximately from 600null C. to 800null C. for 0.5 to 10 hours. In some embodiments, the host material is ground to particles in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm.
Abstract:
The present invention includes methods and apparatus for start-up a chemical reactor wherein at least a portion of the igniter is downstream from the reaction zone which needs to be ignited. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention include a partial oxidation reactor with an igniter downstream of the partial oxidation zone.