Title of Invention

"A ZEOLITE BOUND ZEOLITE CATALYST"

Abstract The present inventon relates to a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst which comprises; (a) first crystals of a first zeolite; and (b) a binder comprising second crystals of a second zeolite which has a structure type that is different from the structure type of the first zeolite and wherein the second crystals are integrown and form at lease a partial coating on the first crystals; and which contains less than 10 percent by weight, based on the weight of first and second zeolite, of non-zeolitic binder.
Full Text FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to zeolite bound zeolite catalyst which can be
tailored to optimize its performance and the use of the zeolite bound
zeolite catalyst for hydrocarbon conversion processes^
BACKGROUND OF THE: INVENTION.
Crystalline mieroporous molecular sieves, both natural iind synthetic,
have been demonstrated to have catalytic properties for various types
of hydrocarbon conversion processes. In addition, the crystalline
rnicroporous molecular sieves have been used as adsorbents: and
catalyst carriers for various types of hydrocarbon conversion processes,
and other applications. These molecular sieves are ordered., porous,
crystalline material having a definite crystalline structure as
determined by x-ray diffraction, within which there are a large number
of smaller cavities which may be interconnected by a number of still
smsJler channels or pores. The dimensions of these channels or pores
are such as to allow for adsorption of molecules with certain
dimensions while rejecting those of large dimensions. The interstitial
spaces or channels formed by the crystalline network enable molecular
sieves such as crystalline silicates, aluminosilicates, crystalline
silieoalumino phosphates, and crystalline aluminophosphates, to be
used as molecular sieves in separation processes and catalysts and
catalyst supports in a ivied 'variety of hydrocarbon conversion
processes.
Within a pore of the crystalline molecular sieve, hydrocarbon
conversion reactions such as paraffin isomerization, olefin skeletal or
double bond isomerization, disproportionation, alleviation, and
trans alkylation of aroinatics are governed by constraints imposed by
the channel size of the molecular sieve. Reactant selectivity occurs
when a fraction of the feedstock is too large to enter the pores to react;
while product selectivity occurs when some of the products can not
leave the channels or do not; subsequently react. Product distributions
can also be altered by transition state selectivity in which certain
reactions can not occur becatise the reaction transition state is too
large to form within the pores. Selectivity can also result from
configuration constraints on diffusion where the dimensions of the
molecule approach that of the pore system. Non-selective reactions on
the surface of the molecular sieve, such reactions on the surface acid
sites of the molecular sieve, are generally not desirable as such
reactions are not subject to the shape selective constraints imposed on
those reactions occurring within the channels of the molecular sieve.
Zeolites are comprised of a lattice silica and optionally alumina
combined with exchangeable cations such as alkali or alkaline earth
metal ions, Although the term "zeolites" includes materials containing
silica and optionally alumina, it is recognized that the silica and
alumina portions may be replaced in whole or in part with other
oxides. For example, germanium oxide, tin oxide, phosphorous oxide,
and mixtures thereof can replace the silica portion. Boron oxide, iron
oxide, gallium oxide, indium oxide, and mixtures thereof can replace
the alumina portion. Accordingly, the terms "zeolite"', "zeolites" and
"zeolite material", as used herein, shall mean not only materials
containing silicon and, optionally, aluminum atoms in the crystalline
lattice; structure thereof, but also materials which contain suitable
replacement atoms fox such silicon and aluminum, such as
gallosilicates, aHicaalmn.mophospha.tes (SAPO) and
aluminophosphates (ALPO). The term "aluminosilicate zeolite", as
used herein, shall mean zeolite materi;als consisting essentially of
silicon and aluminum atoms in the crystalline lattice structure thereof.
Synthetic zeolites are conventionally prepared by the crystallization of
zeolites from a supersaturated synthesis! mixture. The resulting
crystalline product is then dried and calcined to produce a zeolite
powder. Although the zeolite powder has good adsorptive properties,
its practical applications are severely limited because the powder has
no significant mechanical strength.
Mechanical strength is conventionally conferred on the zeolite provider
by forming a zeolite aggregate such as a pill, sphere, or extrudate. The
extrudate can be formed by extruding the zeolite in the presence of a
non-seolitic binder and drying and calcining the resulting extrudate.
The "binder materials used are resistant to the temperatures and other
conditions, e.g., mechanical attrition, which occur in various
hydrocarbon conversion processes. It is generally necessary that the
zeolite be resistant to mechanical attrition, that is, the formation of
fines which are small particles, e.g., particles having a siz;e of less than
20 microns. Examples of suitable binders include amorphous
materials such as alumina, silica, titanium, and various types of days.
Although such bound zeolite aggregates have much better mechanical
strength than the zeolite powder, when the bound zeolite is used in a
catalytic conversion process, the performance of the catalyst, e.g.,
activity, selectivity, activity maintenance, or combinations thereof, can
be reduced because of the binder. For instance, since the binder is
typically present in amounts of up to about 60 wt% of zeolite, the
binder dilutes the adsorptive properties of the zeolite aggregate. In
addition, since the bound zeolite is prepared by extruding or otherwise
forming the zeolite with the binder arid subsequently drying and
calcining the extrudate, the amorphous binder can penetrate the pores
of the zeolite or otherwise block access to the pores of the zeolite, or
slow the rate of mass transfer to and from the pores of the zeolite
which can reduce the effectiveness of the zeolite when used in
hydrocarbon conversion processes and other applications.
Furthermore, when a bound zeolite is used in catalytic conversions
processes, the binder may affect the chemical reactions that are taking
place within the zeolite and also may itself catalyse undesirable
reactions which can result in the formation of undesirable products.
Therefore, it is desirable that zeolite catalysts used in hydrocarbon
conversion not include deleterious amounts of such binders.
In certain hydrocarbon conversion processes, it is sometimes desirable
that the catalyst used in the process be tailored to maximize its
performance. For instance, it is sometimes desirable that the catalyst
used in a hydrocarbon conversion process be a multifunctional catalyst,
e.g., a bifunctional catalyst having the capability of performing two or
more functions. A bifunctional catalyst comprises two separate
catalysts which induce separate reactions. The reaction products can
be separate or the two catalysts can be used together such that the
reaction product of one catalyst is transported to and reacts on a
catalyst site of the second catalyst. Also, since one of the benefits of
using a zeolite catalyst is that the catalyst; is shape selective and nonselective
reactions on the surface of the zeolite are usually not
desirable, it :LS sometimes desirable that the catalyst used in a
hydrocarbon conversion process have the capability of preventing1 or at
least reducing unwanted reactions which may take place on the
surface of the zeolite catalyst by selectively sieving molecules in the
feedstream based on their size or shape to prevent undesirable
molecules present in the feedstream from entering the catalytic phase
of the zeolite catalyst and reacting with the catalyst. In addition, the
performance of a zeolite catEilyst can sometimes be maximized if the
catalyst selectively sieves desired molecules based on their size or
shape in order to prevent the molecules from exiting the catalyst phase
of the catalyst.
The present invention provides a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst for use
in hydrocarbon conversion processes which does not contain
substantial amounts of a non-zeolitic binder and comprises core and
binder zeolites that can be tailored to optimize its performance.
SUMMARY.OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst
which comprises first crystals of a first zeolite and a binder comprising
second crystals of a second zeolite and the use of the zeolite bound
zeolite catalyst in hydrocarbon conversion processes. The structure
type of the second zeolite is different from the structure type of the first
zeolite. The structure type of the first and second zeolites and their
composition, e.g. catalytic activity, are preferably tailored to provide a
zeolite bound zeolite catalyst having enhanced performance. For
example, the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst can be tailored to be
multifunctional and/or can be tailored to prevent undesirable
molecules from entering or exiting the catalytic phase of the zeolite
bound zeolite catalyst.
The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention has
application in hydrocarbon conversion processes and finds particular
application in acid catalyzed reactions such as catalytic cracking,
alkylation, dealkylation, disproportiona.ti.on, and transalkylation
reactions. In addition, the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst system of the
present invention has particular application in other hydrocarbon
conversion processes where cracking is not desired which include
catalyzed reactions, such, as, dehydrogenation, hydrocracking,
isomeiization, dewaxing, olig'omerization., and reforming1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows S.EM micrographs of the product of Example 2.
Fig. 2 shows SEM micrographs of the product of Example 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst and
a process for converting organic compounds by contacting the organic
compounds under conversion conditions with the zeolite, bound zeolite
*- catalyst. The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst comprises first crystals of a
first zeolite and a binder comprising second crystals of a second zeolite
The structure type of the second zeolite is different from the structure
type of the first zeolite. The use of the second crystals of a second
zeolite as a binder results in a catalyst which provides a means for
controlling undesirable reactions taking place on or near the external
surface of the first zeolite crystals and/or affects the mass transfer of
hydrocarbon molecules to and from the pores of the first zeolite.
Alternatively, the second zeolite binding cxystals, if desired, can have
catalytic activity, can function as a catalyst carrier, and/or can
selectively prevent undesirable molecules from entering: or exiting the
pores of the first zeolite.
Unlike typical zeolite catalysts used in hydrocarbon conversion
processes which are normally bound with silica or alumina or other
commonly used amorphous binders to enhance the mechanical
strength of the zeolite, the zeolite catalyst of the present invention
generally does not contain significant amounts of non-zeolitic binders.
Preferably, the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst contains less than 10
percent by weight, based on the weight of the first and second zeolite,
of ncn-zeolitic binder, more preferably contains less than 5 percent by
weight, and, most preferably, the catalyst is substantially free of nonzeolitic
binder. Preferably, the second zeolite crystals bind the first
zeolite crystals by adhering to the surface of the first zeolite crystals
thereby forming a matrix or bridge structure which also holds the first
crystals particles together. More preferably, the second zeolite
particles bind the first zeolite by intergiowing so as to form a coating
or partial coating on the larger first zeolite crystals and, most
preferably, the second zeolite crystals bind, the first zeolite crystals by
intergiowing to form an attrition resistant over-growth over the first
zeolite crystals.
Although the invention is not intended to be limited to any theory of
operation, it is believed that one of the advantages of the zeolite bound
zeolite catalyst of the present invention is obtained by the second
zeolite crystals controlling the accessibility of the acid sites on the
external surfaces of the first zeolite to reactants. Since the acid sites
existing on the external surface of a zeolite catalyst are not shape
selective, these acid sites can adversely affect reactants entering the
pores of the zeolite and products exiting the pores of the zeolite. In line
with this belief, since the acidity and structure type of the second
zeolite can be carefully selected, the second zeolite does not
significantly adversely affect the reactante exiting the pores of the first
zeolite which can occur with conventionally bound zeolite catalysts and
may beneficially affect the reactants exiting the pores of the first
zeolite. Still further, since the second zeolite is not amorphous but,
instead, is a molecular sieve, hydrocarbons may have increased access
to the pores of the first zeolite during hydrocarbon conversion
processes. Regardless of the theories proposed, the zeolite bound
zeolite catalyst, when used in catalytic processes, has one or more of
the improved properties which are disclosed herein.
The terms "acidity", 'lower acidity" and "higher acidity" as applied to
zeolite are known to persons skilled in the art. The acidic properties of
zeolite are well known. However, with respect to the present
invention, a distinction must be made between acid strength and acid
site density. Acid sites of a a;eo.lite can be a Bronsted acid or a Lewis
acid. The density of the acid sites and the number of acid sites are
important in determining the acidity of the zeolite. Factors directly
influencing the acid strength are (i) the chemical composition of the
zeolite framework, i.e., .relative concentration and type of tetrahedral
atoms, (ii) the concentration of the extra-framework cations and the
resulting extra-framework speci.es, (iti) the local structure of the
zeolite, e.g., the pore size and the location, within the crystal or
at/near the surface of the zeoHto, and (iv) the pretreatment conditions
and presence of co-adsorbed molecules. The amount of acidity is
related to the degree of isomorphous substitution provided, however,
such acidity is limited to the loss of acid sites fox a pure SiC2
composition. As used herein, the terras "acidity", "lower acidity and
"higher acidity" refers to the concentration of acid sites irregardless of
the strength of such acid sites which am. be measured by ammonia
absorption.
First and second zeolites suitable for use in the zeolite bound zeolite
catalyst of the present invention include large pore si:se zeoKtes,
intermediate pore size zeolites, and small pore size zeolites. These
zeolites are described in "Atlas of Zeolite Structure Types", eds. W. H.
Meier and D.H. Olson, Butterworth-Heineman, Third Edition, 1992,
which is hereby incorporated by reference. A large pore zeolite
generally has a pore size greater than about 7 A and includes for
example LTL, VFI, MAZ, MEI, FAU, EMT, OFF, BEA, and MOR
structure type zeolites (TUPAC Commission of Zeolite Nomenclature).
Examples of large pore zeolites, include, for example, rna2;zite,
mordenite, offretite, zeolite L, VPI-5, zeolite Y, zeolite X, omega, Beta,
ZSM-3, ZSM-4, ZSM-18, and ZSM-20. .An intermediate pore size
zeolite generally has a pore size from about 5A, to about 7 A and
includes for esjunple, MFI, MPS, MEL, MTW, EUO, MTP, HEU, FER,
arid TON structure type zeolites (IUPAC Commission of Zeolite
Nomenclature). Examples of intermediate pore size zeolites, include
ZSM-5, ZSM-12, ZSM-22, ZSM-23,'ZSM-34, ZSM-35, ZSM-3B, ZSM-48,
ZSM-50, silicalite, and silicalite 2. A small pore size zeolite generally
has a pore size from about 3A to about 5.0A and includes for example,
CHA3 ERI, KFI, LEV, and LTA structure type zeolites (IUPAC
'Commission of Zeolite Nomenclature). Examples of small pore zeolites
include ZK-4, ZK-14, ZK-21, ZK-22, ZK-5, ZK-20, zeolite A, erionite,
chabazite, zeolite T, gemlinite, and cHnoptilolite.
Preferred first and second aeolites used in the zeolite bound zeolite
catalyst comprise compositions which have the following molar
relationship:
::(n) YOa,
wherein X is a trivalent element, such as titanium, boron, aluminum,
iron, and/or gallium, Y is a tetravalent element such as silicon, tin,
and/or germanium, and n has a value of at least 2, said value beingdependent
upon the particular type of zeolite and the trivalent element
present in the zeolite.
When either zeolite has intermediate pore size, the zeolite preferably
comprises a composition having the following molar relationship:
X20a::(n) YOa,
wherein X is a trivalent element, such as aluminum, ancl/or gallium, Y
is a tetravalent element such as silicon, tin, and/or germanium; and n
has a value greater than 10, said value being dependent upon the
particular type of zeolite and the trivalent element present in the
zeolite. When the first or second zeolite has a MFI structure, n is
preferably greater than 20.
As known to persons skilled in the art, the acidity of a zeolite can be
reduced using many techniques such as by dealuinination and
steaming. In siddition, the acidity of a zeolite is dependent upon the
form of the zeolite with the hydrogen form having the highest acidity
and other forms of the zeolite such as the sodium form having less
acidity than the acid form. Accordingly., the mole ratios of silica to
alumina and silica to gallia disclosed herein shall include not only
zeolites having the disclosed mole ratios, but shall also. include zeolites
not having the disclosed mole ratios but having equivalent catalytic
activity.
When the first zeolite is a gallium silicate intermediates pore size
zeolite, the zeolite preferably comprises a composition having the
following molaa* relationship:
wherein y is between about 24 and aboiit 500. The zeolite framework
may contain only gallium a:ad silicon atoms or may also contain a
combination of gallium., aluminum, and silicon. When the first zeolite
is a MFI structure type gallium silicate zeolite, the second zeolite will
preferably be an intermediate pore size zeolite having a silica to gallia
mole ratio greater than 100. The second zeolite can also have higher
silica to gallia mole ratios, e.g., greater than 200, 500, 1000, etc.
When the first zeolite used in the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst is an
aluminosilicate zeolite, the silica to alumina mole ratio will usually
depend upon the structure type of the first zeolite and the particular
hydrocarbon process in which the catalyst system is utilized and is
therefore not limited to any particular ratio. Generally, however, and
depending on. the structure type of the zeolite, the first zeolite will have
a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 2: 1 and .in some instances from
4:1 to about 7:1. For a number of zeolites, especially intermediate pore
size zeolites, the silica to alumina mole ratio will be in the range of
from about 10:1 to about 1,000:1. When the catalyst is utilised in acid
catalyzed reactions such as cracking, the manufacture of paraxylene
and benzene by the disproportionation of toluene, the alkylation of
benzene or the like, the zeolite will be acidic and will preferably, when
it is an intermediate pore siie zeolite, have higher silica to alumina
mole ratios, e.g., 20:1 to about 200:1. If the catalyst system is utilized
in a 8 where acid catalyzed reactions may not desired, such as a
the reforming of naphtha, the second zeolite will preferably exhibit,
reduced acid activity.
The structure type of the first zeolite will depend on the particular
hydrocarbon process in which the zeolite catalyst system is utilized.
For instance, if the catalyst system is used for the reforming of
naphtha to aromatics, the zeolite type will preferably be LTL (exsimple
Zeolite L) and have a silica to alumina ratio from. 4:1 to about 7:1. If
the catalyst system is be used for xylene isomerization or the
manufacture of paraxylene and benzene by the disproportionation of
toluene, the first zeolite will preferably be an intermediate ports size
zeolite, such ELS a MFI structure type (example ZSM-5). If the zeolite
catalyst system is to be used for cracking paraffins, the preferred pore
size and structure type will depend on the size of the molecules to be
cracked and the desired product. The selection of the structure type for
hydrocarbon conversion processes is known to persons skilled in the
art.
The term "average particle size" as used herein, means the arithmetic
average of the diameter distribution of the crystals on a volume basis.
The average particle size of the crystals of the frcst zeolite is preferably
from, about 0.1 to about 15 microns. In some applications, the average
particle size will preferably be at least about 1 to about 6 microns. In
other applications such as the cracking of hydrocarbons, the preferred
average particle size will be from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns.
The second zeolite will have a structure type that is different from the
first zeolite. 'The structure tj'pe of the second zeolite will depend on the
intended use of the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst. For instance, if the
zeolite bound zeolite catalyst is utilized as an
isomerization/ethylbenaene dealkylation catalyst, the first zeolite is
preferably selected such that the dealkylation of the ethylbenzene will
occur at the catalytic phase of the first zeolite, and xylene
isomerization would primarily occur at the catalytic phase of the
second zeolite. If the catalyst is to be utilized in a cracking process, the
second zeolite will preferably, have acid activity and the structure type
can be selected such that its pore size allows into its channels the
larger molecules where they are subject to cracking into small
products. After the larger molecules are cracked by the second zeolite,
the cracked molecules can then enter the smaller pores of a first zeolite
where they can be subject to further cracking, isomemzation, or
oligimerization depending on the desired resulting product.
Alternatively, the pore size of the second zeolite can be smaller than
the pore size of the first zeolite. In this embodiment, the large
molecules enter the pores of the first zeolite where they are subject to
cracking and then the cracked molecules enter the pores of the second
,r zeolite where they can be subject to further conversion. The catalyst
can also be tailored so that the second zeolite crystals sieve feed
components entering the pores of the first zeolite or sieve product
components exiting the channels of the first zeolite. For instance, if
the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention comprises an
appropriate pore size second zeolite, it can function to sieve and sort
out molecules based on their size or shape and thereby prevent
undesirable molecules f com entering or exiting, as the case may be., the
catalytic phase of the first zeolite.
When the second zeolite is aluminosilicate zeolite, the silica to alumina
mole ratio of the second zeolite, will usually depend upon the structure
type of the second zeolite and particular hydrocarbon process in which
the catalyst is utilized and is therefore not limited to any particular
ratio. Generally, however, and depending on the structure type of the
zeolite, the silica to alumina ratio •will be at least 2:1. In applications
where the aluminosilicate zeolite is an intermediate pore size zeolite
and low acidity is desired, the second zeolite preferably has a silica to
alumina mole ratio greater than the silica to alumina mole ratio of the
first zeolite, and more preferably is greater than 200:1. The second
zeolite can also have higher silica to alumina mole ratios, e.g., 300:1,
500:1, 1,000:1, etc. In certain applications, the second zeolite can be a
Silicalite i.e.} the second zeolite is a MFI structure type substantially
free of alumina or Silicalite 2, i.e., the second zeolite is a MEL
structure types substantially free of alumina. The pore size of the
second zeolite will preferably be a pore size that does, not adversely
restrict access of the desired molecules of the hydrocarbon feedstream.
to the catalytic phase of the first zeolite. For instance, when the
materials of the feedstream which are to be converted by the first
zeolite have a size from 5A to 6.8A, the second zeolite will preferably be
large pore zeolite or an intermediate pore size zeolite.
The second zieolite is usually present in the zeolite bound zeolite
catalyst in an amount in the range of from about 10 to about 60 % by
weight based on the weight of the first zeolite but the amount of second
zeolite present will usually depend on the hydrocarbon process in
which the catalyst is utilized. More preferably the amount of second
zeolite present is from about 20 to about 50% by weight.
The second zeolite crystals preferably have a smaller size than the first
zeolite crystals. The second zeolite crystals preferably have an average
particle size of less than 1 micron, preferably from about 0.1 to less
than 0.5 micron. The second zeolite crystals, in addition to binding the
first zeolite particles and maximizing the performance of the catalyst
will preferably inter/grow and to form an over-growth which coats or
partially coats the first zeolite. Preferably, the coating will be
resistant to attrition.
The zeolite bound ze.olite catalyst is preferably prepared by a three
step procedure. The first step involves the synthesis of the i&rst zeolite
core crystals. Processes for preparing the first zeolite aire known to
persons skilled in the art. For example, with respect to the
preparation of a MFI structure type, such as ZSM-5, a preferred
process compnses preparing a solution containing tetrapropyl
ammonium hydroxide or bxomide, alkali metal oxide, an oxide of
aluminum, an oxide of silicon and water, heating the reaction mixture
to a temperature of 80°C to 200°C for a period of from about four hours
to eight days. The resulting gel forms solid crystal particles which are
separated from the reaction medium, washed with water and dried.
The resulting product can be calcined in air at temperatures of 400-
550°C for a period of 10-40 hours to remove tetrapropylammonium
(TPA) cations.
Next, a silica-bound zeolite is prepared preferabty by mixing a mixture
comprising the zeolite crystals, a silica gel or sol, water and optionally
an extrusion aid until a homogeneous composition in the form of an
extruilable paste develops. The silica binder used in preparing the
silica bound zeolite aggregate is preferably a silica sol and can contain
various amounts of tiivalent metal oxides such as alumina. The
amount of zeolite in the dried extrudate at this stage will preferably
range from about 40 to 90% by weight, more preferably from about 50
to 80% by weight, with the balance being primarily silica,, e.g. about 20
to 50% by weight silica..
The resulting paste is then molded, e.g. extruded, and cut into small
strands, e.g., 2 mm diameter extrudates, which are dried at 100-150°C
for a period of 4-12 hours and then calcined in air at a temperature of
from about 400°C to 550°C for a period of from about 1 to 10 hours.
Optionally, the silica-bound aggregate can be made into a very small
particles which have application in fluid bed processes such, as
catalytic cracking. This preferably involves mixing the zeolite with a
silica containing matrix: solution so that an aqueous solution of zeolite
and silica binder is formed which can be sprayed dried to result in
small, fluidizable silica-bound aggregate particles. Procedures for
preparing such aggregate particles are known to persons skilled in the
art. An example of such, a procedure is described by Scherzer (Octane-
Enhancing Zeolitic FCC Catalysts, Julius Scherzer, Miarcel Dekker,
Inc. New York, 1990). The fluidizable silica-bound aggregate particles,
like the silica bound extrudates described above, would then undergo
the final step described below to convert the silica binder to a second
zeolite.
The final step in the thiee step catalyst preparation process is the
conversion of the silica present in the silica-bound zeolite to a second
zeolir;e having a structure type different from the first zeolite. The
crystals of the second zeolite bind the first zeolite crystals together.
The first zeolite crystals are thus held together without the use of a
significant amount of non-zeolite binder.
To prepare this zeolite bound zeolite, the silica-bound aggregate is
preferably first aged in an appropriate aqueous solution at elevated
temperature. Next, the contents of the solution and the temperature at
which the aggregate is aged are selected to convert the .amorphous
silica binder into the desired second zeolite. The newly-formed second
zeolite is produced as crystals. The crystals may grow on arid/or
adhere to the first zeolite crystals, and may also be produced in. the
form of new intergrown crystals, which are generally much smaller
than the initial crystals, e.g., of sub-micron size. These newly formed
crystals may grow together and interconnect.
The nature of the zeolite formed in the secondary synthesis conversion
of the silica to zeolite may vary as a function of the composition of the
secondary synthesis solution and synthesis aging conditions. The
secondary synthesis solution is preferably an aqueous ionic solution
containing a source of hydroxy ions sufficient to convert the silica to
the desired zeolite. It is important, however, that the aging solution be
of a composition which will not cause the silica present in the bound
zeolite extrudate to dissolve out of the extrudate.
The first and second zeolites may be further ion exchanged as is known
in the art either to replace at least in part; the original metals present
in the zeolite with a different cation, e.g. a Group IB to VIII of the
Periodic Table metal such, as nickel, copper, zinc, calcivun or rare earth.
metal, or to provide a more acidic form of the zeolite by exchange of
alkali metal with intermediate ammonium, followed by calcination of
the ammonium form to provide the acidic: hydrogen form. The acidic
form may be readily prepared by ion exchange using a suitable acidic
reagent such as ammonium nitrate. The zeolite catalyst may then be
calcined at a temperature of 4QO-550°G for a period of 10-45 hours to
remove ammonia and form the acidic hydrogen form. Ion exchange is
preferably conducted aifter formation of the zeolite bound zeolite
catalyst. Particularly preferred cations are those which render the
material catalytically active, especially for certain hydrocarbon
conversion reactions. These include hydrogen, rare earth metals, and
metals of Groups IIA, IIIA, IVA, IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, and. VIII of the
Periodic Table of the Elements. For some hydrocarbon conversion
processes, the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst will contain a catalytically
active metal such as at least one Group VIII metal, such as for
example, platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium, indium, and
rvithenium.
The zeolite catalyst systems of the present invention, can be used in
processing hydrocarbon feedstocks. Hydrocarbon feed-stocks contain
carbon compounds and can be from many different sources, such as
virgin petroleum fractions, recycle petroleum fractions, tar sand oil,
and, in general, can be any carbon containing fluid susceptible to
zeolitic catalytic reactions. Depending on the type of processing the
hydrocarbon feed is to undergo, the feed can contain metal or can be
free of metals. Also, the feed can also have high or low nitrogen or
sulfur impurities.
The conversion of hydrocarbon feeds can take place in any convenient
mode, for example, in fluidized bed, moving bed, or fixed bed reactors
depending on the types of process desired.
Since the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention has
controlled acidity, does not contain a conventional binder which can
adversely affect the access arid/or contact of reactants to and with the
active sites of the catalyst and can also cause undesirable side
reactions to occur, and if desired, can be tailored to maximize its
performance, the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention
by itaelf or in combination with one or more catalytically active
substances can be used as a catalyst or support for a variety of organic,
e.g., hydrocarbon compound, conversion processes. Examples of such
conversion processes include, as non-limiting examples, the following:
(A) The catalytic cracking of a naphtha feed to produce light
olefbis. Typical reaction conditions include from about
500°C to about 750°C pressures of sub atmospheric or
atmospheric, generally ranging up to about 10
atmospheres (gauge) and residence time (volume of the
catalyst , feed rate) from about 10 milliseconds to about
10 seconds,
(B) Tire catalytic cracking1 of high molecular weight
hydrocarbons to lower weight hydrocarbons. Typical
reaction conditions for catalytic cracking include
temperatures of from about 400°C to about 700°C,
pressures of from about 0.1 atmosphere (bar) to about 30
atmospheres, and weight hourly space velociti.es of from
about 0.1 to about lOOhr1.
(C) The transalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons in the
presence of polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbons. Typical
reaction conditions include a temperature of from about
20Q°C to about 500°C, a pressure of from about
atmospheric to about 200 atmospheres, a weight hourly
space velocity of from about I to about. lOOhr1 and an
aromatic hydrocarbon/polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbon,
mole ratio of from about I/I to about 16/1.
(D) The isomerization of aromatic (e.g., xylene) feedstock
components. Typical reaction conditions for such include
a temperature of from about 230°C to about SIO'C, a
pressure of from about 0.5 atmospheres to about 50
atmospheres, a weight hourly apace velocity of from about
0.1 to about 200 and a hydrogen/hydxocarhon mole ratio of
from about 0 to about 100.
(E) The dewaxing of hydrocarbons by selectively removing
straight chain paraffins. The reaction conditions are
dependent in large measure on the feed used and upon
the desired pour point. Typical reaction conditions
include a temperature between about 200°C and 450°C, a
pressure up to 3,000 psig and a liquid hourly space
velocity from 0.1 to 20.
(F) The alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzene
and alkylbenzeri.es, in the presence of an alkylating agent,
e.g., olefins, formaldehyde, alkyl halides and alcohols
having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms. Typical reaction
conditions include a temperature of from about 100"C to
about 500°C, a pressure of from about atmospheric to
about 200 atmospheres, a weight hourly space velocity of
from about Ihr1 to a.bout lOOhr1 and an aromatic
hydrocarbon/alkylating agent mole ratio of from about 1/1
to about 20/1.
(G) The alkylation of aromatic: hydrocarbons, e.g., benzene,
with long chain olefins, e.g.,C14 olefin. Typical reaction
conditions include a temperature of from about 50°C to
about 200°C, a pressure of from about atmospheric to
about 200 atmospheres, a weight hourly space velocity of
from about 2 hr-1 to about 2000 hr-1 and an aromatic
hydrocarbon/olefin mole ratio of from about 1/1 to about
20/1. The resulting product from the reaction are long
chain alkyl aromatics which when subsequently
sulfonated have particular application as synthetic
detergents;
(H) The alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with light olefins
to provide short chain alkyl aromatic compounds, e.g., the
alkylation of benzene with propylene to provide cumene.
Typical reaction conditions include a temperature of from
about 10°C to about 200°C, a pressure of from about 1 to
about 30 atmospheres, and an aromatic hydrocarbon
weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of from 1 hr to
about 50 hr1;
*~
(I) The hydrocracking of heavy petroleum feedstocks, cyclic
stocks, and other hydroerack charge stocks. The zeolite
catalyst system will contain an effective amount of at
least one hydrogenation component of the type employed
in hydrocracking catalysts.
(J) The alkylation. of a reformate containing substantial
quantities of benzene arid toluene with fuel gas
containing short chain olefins (e.g., ethylene and
propylene) to produce mono- and dialkylates. Preferred
reaction conditions include temperatures from about
100°C to about 250°C, a. pressure of from a.bout 100 to
aibout 800 psig, a WHSV -olefin from about 0.4 hr'1 to
a.bout 0.8 hr"l, a WHSV -reformate of from about 1 hr'l to
a.bout 2 hr1 and, optionally, a gas recycle from about 1.5
to 2.5 vol/vol fuel gas feed.
(K) The alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzene,
toluene, xylene, and naphthalene, with long chain olefins,
e.g., 04 olefin, to produce alkylated aromatic lube base
stocks. Typical reaction conditions include temperatures
from about 100°C to about 400°C and pressures from
about 50 to 450 psig.
(L) The alkylation. of phenols with olefins or equivalent
alcohols to provide long chain alkyl phenols. Typical
reaction conditions include temperatures from about
100°C to about 250°C, pressures from about 1 to 300 psig
and total WHSV of from about 2 hr1 to about 10 hr1.
(M) The conversion of light paraffins to olefins and/or
aromatics. Typical reaction conditions include
temperatures from about 425°C to about. 760°C and
pressures from about 10 to about 2000 psig.
(N) The conversion of light olefins to gasoline, distillate and
lube range hydrocarbons. Typical reaction conditions
include temperatures of from about 175°C to about 875*C
and a pressure of from about 100 to about 2000 psig.
(0) Two-stage hydioeracking for upgrading hydrocarbon
streams having initial boiliixg points above about 200°C to
premium distillate and gasoline boiling range products or
as feed to further fuels or chemicals processing steps. The
first stage would be the zeolite catalyst system
comprising one or more catalytically active substances,
e.g., a Group VIII metal, and the effluent from the first
stage would be reacted in a second stage using a second
zeolite, e.g., zeolite Beta, comprising one or more
eatalytically active substances, e.g., a Group 'VIII metal,
as the catalyst. Typical reaction conditions include
temperatures from about 315°C to about 455°C, a
pressure from about 400 to about 2500 psig, hydrogen
circulation of from about 1000 to about 10,000 SCF/bbl
and a Liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of from about
0.1 to 10;
(P) A combination hydrocracking/dewaxing process in the
presence of the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst comprising a
hydrogenation component and a zeolite such as zeolite
Beta. Typical reaction conditions include temperatures
from, about 350°C to about 400°C, pressures from about
1400 to about 1500 psig, LHSVs from about 0.4 to about
0.6 and a hydrogen circulation from about 3000 to about
5000 SCF/bbl.
(Q) The reaction of alcohols with, olefins to provide mixed
ethers, e.g.., the reaction of methanol with isobutene
and/or isopentene to provide methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE)
and/or t-amyl methyl ether (TAME). Typical, conversion
conditions incln.de temperatures from about 2CI°C to about
200°C, pressures from 2 to about 200 atm, WHSV (g^camolefin
per hour gram-zeolite) from about 0.1 hr"l to about
200 hr'l and an alcohol to olefrn molar feed ratio from
about 0.1/1 to about 5/1.
(R) The diisproportionation of aromatica, e.g. the
disproportionation toluene to make benzene and
paraxylerie. Typical reaction conditions includ.e a
temperature of from about 200*0 to about 760aC, a
pressure of from about atmospheric to about 60
atmosphere (bar), and a WHSV of from about 0.1 hr"1 to
about 30 hr1.
(S) The conversion of naphtha (e.g. Ce - Cio) and similar
mixtures to highly aromEitic mixtures. Thus, normal and
slightly branched chained hydrocarbons, preferably
having a. boiling; range above about 40°C, and less than
about 200"C, can be converted to products having a
substantial higher octane aromatics content by contacting
the hydrocarbon feed with the zeolite at a temperature in
the range of from about 400 °C to 600°C, preferably 4806C
to 550°C at pressures raniging: from atmospheric to 40 bar.
and liquid hourly space velocities (LHSV) ranging from
0.1 to 15.
(T) The adsorption of alkyl aromatic compounds for the
purpose of separating various isomers of the compounds.
(U) The conversion of oxygenates, e.g., alcohols, such as
methanol, or ethers, such as dimethylether, or mixtures
thereof to hydrocarbons including olefins and aromatics
with reaction conditions including a temperature of from
about 275°C to about 600°C, a pressure of from about 0.5
atmosphere to about 50 atmospheres and a liquid hourly
space velocity of from about 0,1 to about 100.
(V) The oligomeriaation of straight and branched chain
olefins having from about 2 to about 5 carbon atoms. The
oligomers which are the products of the process are
medium to heavy olefins which are useful for both fuels,
i.e., gasoline or a gasoline blending stock, and chemicals.
The oligomerization process? is generally carried out by
contacting the defin feedstock in a gaseous state phase
with a zeolite bound zeolite at a temperature in the range
of from about 250°C to about 800°C, a LHSV of from about
0.2 to about 50 and a hydrocarbon partial pressure of from
about 0.1 to about 50 atmospheres. Temperatures below
about 250°C may be used to oligomerize the feedstock
when the feedstock is in the liquid phase when contacting
the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst. Thus, when the olefin
feedstock contacts the catalyst in the liquid phase,
temperatures of from about 10°C to about 250°C may be
used.
(W) The conversion of Cz misaturated hydrocarbons (ethylene
a.nd/or acetylene) to alipliatic Ce-ia aldehydes and
converting said aldehydes to the corresponding Cs-ia
alcohols, acids, or esters.
In general, the, catalytic conversion conditions over the zeolite bound
zeolite catalyst include a temperature of from about 100°C to about
7600C, a pressure of from about 0.1 atmosphere (bar) to about 200
atmospheres (bar), a weight hourly space velocity of from about 0.08
hr1 to about 2,000 hr1.
Although many hydrocarbon conversion processes prefer thai; the
second zeolite crystals have lower acidity to reduce undesirable
reactions external to the first zeolite crystals, some processes prefer
that the second zeolite crystals have higher acidity, e.g., cracking
reactions.
Processes thai: find particular application using the zeolite bound
zeolite catalyst of the present invention are those where two or more
reactions are taking place within the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst.
This catalyst would comprise two different zeolites that are each
separately tailored to promote or inhibit different reactions. A process
using such a catalyst benefits not only from greater apparent catalyst
activity, greater zeolite accessibility, and reduced non-selective surface
acidity possible; with zeolite bound zeolites, but from a tailored catalyst
system.
Examples of zeolite bound zeolite catalysts and exemplary uses are
shown below in Table 1.
Examples of preferred zeolite bound, zeolite catalyst systems include
the following:
1. A zeolite bound zeolite catalyst system comprising an
acidic second seolite having cracking activity and an
acidic first zeolite having acidic activity which is less than
the acidic activity of the second zeolite and a smaller pore
size than, the second zeolite. The zeolite bound zeolite
catalyst system finds particular application in cracking
larger size molecules and isomerizing the smaller cracked
molecules. Examples of suitable second zeolites include
Beta, Mordenite and the like. Examples of suitable* first
zeolites are ZSM-5, ZK-5, ZSM-11 and the like,
2. A zeolite bound zeolite catalyst system comprising an
acidic first zeolite having a large or medium pore zeolite
with cracking activity and an acidic second zeolite having
smaller pore size than the second zeolite and having
cracking activity. An example of a suitable first zeolite
ZSM-5 and an example of a suitable second zeolite isi ZK-
5. The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst system finds
particular application in cracking larger size molecules
and further cracking the smaller cracked molecules to
produce ethylene.
3. A zeolite catalyst system comprising one zeolite (either
the first or second zeolite) that has reduced acid activity
and option alls'1 contains a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation
metal and another zeolite which has medium strength
acidic activity and optionally a hydrogenation/
dehydrogenation metal. The pore size of the zeolites will
depend upon the type of process in which the catalyst
system is utilized. For example, the catalyst system can
be utilized in a combined xylene isomerization/
ethylbenzene dealkylation process wherein the
etliylbenzene is dealkylated to benzene and ethane and
isomers of xylenes are isomemedto equilibrium amounts.
In such a system, the first zeolite will preferably have a
large or intermediate pore size zeolite and the second
zeolite will also preferably have a larger or intermediate
pore size zeolite.
4. A zeolite bound zeolite catalyst comprising: a first acidic
zeolite and a second zeolite which has little or no acidic
activity. The pore size of the zeolites will depend on the
type of process in which the catalyst is utilized. For
example, if the catalyst is to be used in the manufacture
of benzene and paraxylene by the disproportionation of
toluene, the first zeolite will preferably have an
intermediate pore size and the second zeolite can be
selected to enhance performance of the first zeolite, e.g., to
sieve undesired molecules either leaving the first zeolite
phase or exiting the first zeolite phase, as the case may be
or to control accessibility of the acid sites on the external
surfaces of its first zeolite to reactants. Catalysts A and D
in Table I are examples of such a catalyst.
The zeolite-bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention has
particular application in the vapor phase disproportionaticin of toluene.
Such vapor phase disproportionation comprises contacting- toluene
under disproportionation conditions with the zeolite bound zeolite
catalyst to yield a product mixture which comprises a mixture of
unreacted (unconverted.) toluene, benzene and xylene. In the more
preferred embodiment, the catalyst is first selectivated prior to use in
the disproportionation process to enhance conversion of toluene to
xylene and to maximize the catalyst selectivity towards the production
of paraxylene. Processes for selectivating the catalyst axe known to
persons skilled, in the art. For instance, selectivation may .be
accomplished by exposing the catalyst in a reactor bed to a thermally
decomposable organic compound, e.g. toluene, at a temperature in
excess of the decomposition temperature of said compound, e.g. from
about 480°C to about 650°C, more preferably 640°C to about 650°C, at
a WHSV in the range of from about 0.1 to 20 Ibs of feed per pound of
catalyst per hour, at a pressure in the range of from about 1 to 100
atmospheres, and in the presence of 0 to about 2 moles of hydrogen,
more preferably from about 0.1 to about 2 moles of hydrogen per mole
of organic compound, and optionally in the presence of 0-10 moles of
nitrogen or another inert gas per mole of organic compound. This
process is conducted for a period of time until a sufficient quantity of
coke has been deposited on the catalyst surface, generally at least
about 2% by weight and more preferably from about 8 to about 40% by
weight of col:e. In a preferred embodiment, such a selectivation
process is conducted in the presence of hydrogen in order to prevent
rampant formation of coke on the catalyst
Selectivation of the catalyst can also be accomplished by treating the
catalyst with a selectivation agent such ELS an organosilicon compound.
Examples of organosilicon compounds include polysiloxane including
siliccines, a siloxane, and a silane including disilanes and
alkoxysilanes.
Silicone compounds that find particular application can be represented
by the formula:
wherein Ei is hydrogen, fluoride, hydi'oxy, alkyl, aralkyl, alkaryl or
fhioro-alkyl. The hydrocarbon substituents generally contain from 1 to
10 carbon atoms and preferably are methyl or ethyl groups. Rs, is
selected from the same group as Hi, and n is an integer of at least 2
and generally in tlie raxigo of 2 to 1000. THe moloculaj.? w siHcone compound employed is generally between 80 and 20,000' and
preferably 150 to 10,000. Representative silicone compounds included
dimethylsilicone, diethylsilicone, phenylmethylsilieone, methyl
hydrogensilicone, ethylhydrogensilicone, phenylhydrogensiucone,
methylethylsilicone, phenylethylsiHcone, diphenylsilicone, methyltri
fluoropropylsHicone, ethyltrifluoropropylsilicone, tetracMorop]ienyl
methyl silicone, tetrachlorophenylethyl silicone, tetrachloro
phenylhydrogen silicone, tetracblorophenylphenyl silicone,
metliylvinylsilicone and etlaylvinylsili.cone. The silicone compound
need not be linear but may be cyclic as for example
hexamethylcydotrisiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, hexaphenyl
cj'clotiisiloxane and octaphenylcyclotetrasiloxane. Mixtures of these
compounds may also be used as well as siliconea with other functional
groups.
Useful siloxanes or polysiloxanes include as non-limiting examples
hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyl
cyclop entasiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethytrisiloxane,
deceunethyltetrasiloxane, hexaethjdcyclotrisiloxane, octaethylcyclo
tetrasiloxane, hexaphenylcyclotrisiloxane and octaphenyicyclo
tetrasiloxane.
Useful ailanes, disilaries, or alkoxysilanes include organic substituted
silanes having the general formula:
wherein R is a reactive group such as hydrogen, alkoxy, halogen,
carboxy, amino, acetamide, trialkylsdlyoxy Ri, Rz and Ra can be the
same as R or ca.ii be an organic radical which may include alkyl offrom
1 to 40 carbon atoms, alkyl or aryl carboxylic acid wherein the organic
portion of the alkyl contains! 1 to 30 carbon atoms and thfi aryl |p?oup
contains 6 to 24 carbon which may be further substituted, alkylaryl
and arylalkyl groups containing 7 to 30 csirbon atoms. Preferably, the
alkyl group for an alkyl silane is between 1 and 4 carbon atoms in
chain length.
Wherin used the vapor phase disproportionation of toluene, the cat;alyst
can comprise a first phase of particles of MFI-type zeolite crystals
having a micron average particle size from about 2 to about 6, a silica
to alumina mole ratio offrom about 20 to about 200:1, preferably, 25:1
to a.bout 120:1, having adhered structurally to the surfaces thereof
particles of a second MEL-type zeolite binder phase having: an average
/
particle size of less than about 0.1 micron and having a alumina to
silica mole ratio in excess of about 200:1 to about 10,000:1 and most
preferably greater than 500:1 including Silicalite 2.
Once the catalyst has been selectivated to the desired degree, reactor
selectivation conditions are changed to disproportionation conditions.
Disproportionation conditions include a temperature between about
400°C and B50°C, more preferably between about 425°C and 510°C, at
a hyiirogen to toluene mole ratio of from 0 to about 10, preferably
between about 0.1 and 5 and. more preferably from about 0.1 to 1, at a
pressure between about 1 atmosphere and 100 atmospheres and
utilizing WHSV of between about 0.5 and 50
The disproportionation process may be conducted as a batch, semicontinuous
or continuous operation using a fixed o:: moving bed
catalyst system, deposited in a reactor bed. The catalyst may be
regenerated after coke deacti.vati.on by burning off the coke to a desired
extent in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at elevated temperatures
as know in the art.
The zeolite bound zeolite of the present invention also finds particular
application as a catalyst in, a process for isomerizini; one or more
xylexie isomers in a Cs aromatic feed to obtain ortho-, meta-, and paraxylene
in a ra.tio approaching the equilibrium value. In particular,
xylene isomerization is used in conjunction with a separation process
to manufacture para-xylene. For example, a portion of the para-xylene
in a mixed C,3 aromatics stream may be recovered using processes
known in the art, e.g., crystallization, adsorption, etc. The resulting
stream is then reacted under xylene isomerization conditions to restore
ortho-, meta-, and paraxylenes to a near equilibrium ratio.
Ethylbenzene in the feed is either removed from the stream or is
converted during the process to xylenes or to benzene which are easily
separated by distillation. The isomerate is blended with fresh feed and
the combined stream is distilled to remove heavy and light; byproducts.
The resultant Cs aromatics stream is then recycled to repeat
the cycle.
It is important that xylene isomemation catalysts produ.ce a near
equilibrium mixture of xylenes and it is also usually desirable that; the
catalyst convert ethylbenzene with very little net loss of ?:ylenes. The
zeolite bound zeolite catalyst finds particular application in this
regard. The silica to alximina, mole ratios of the first zeolite and second
zeolite can be selected to balance xylene isomerization and
ethylbenzene dealkylation while minimizing undesirable side
reactions. Accordingly, the zeolite catalyst of the present invention
finds particular application in a hydrocarbon conversion process which
comprises contacting a Cs aromatic stream containing one or more
xylene isomers or ethylbenzene or a mixture thereof/ under
isomerization conditions with the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst.
Preferably, at least 30% of the ethylbenzene is converted.
In the vapor phase, suitable isomerization conditions include a
temperature in the range 250°C - 600°C;1 preferably 300°C - 550°C, a
pressure in the range 0.5 - 50 atm aba, preferably 10-25 atm abs, and
a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 0.1 to 100, preferably 0.5 to
50. Optionally, isomerization in the vapor phase is conducted in the
presence of 3.0 to 30.0 moles of hydrogen per mole of alkylbenzene. If
hydrogen is used, the metal components of the catalyst preferably
include 0.1 to 2.0 wt% of a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component
selected from Group VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements, especially
platinum, palladium, or nickel. By Group VIII metal component, it is
meant the metals and their compounds such as oxides and sulfides.
In the liquid phase, suitable isomerization conditions include a
temperature in the range 150°C - 375°C, a pressure in the range 1 -
200 atm abs, and a WHSV in the range 0.5 - 50. Optionally, the
isomerization feed may contain 10 to 90 wt% of a diluent such as
toluene, trunethylbenssenes, naphthenes, or paraffins.
The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention are
especially useful as a catalyst in a process for cracking a :tia.phtha feed,
e.g., C4+ naphtha feed, particularly a C.t' 290°C naphtha feed to produce
low molecular weight olefins, e.g., Ca through C4 olefins, particularly
ethylene and propylene. Such a process is preferably carried out by
contacting the naphtha feed at temperatures ranging from 500"C to
about 750eC, more preferably 650°C to 675°C, at a pressure from
subatmospherlc up to 10 atmospheres, but preferably from about 1
atmosphere to about 3 atmospheres.
The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst of the present invention is especially
useful as a catalyst in the transalkylation of polyalkylaromatic
hydrocarbons. Examples of suitable polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbons
include di-, tri-, and tetra-alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons, such as
dietliylbenaene, triethylbenzene, diethylmethylbenzene
(diethyltoluene), diisopropyl-benzene, triisopropylbenzene,
diisopropyltoluene, dibutylbenzene, and the like. Preferred
polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbons are the dialkyl benzenes. Particularly
preferred polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbons are diisopropylbenzene and
diethylbenzene.
The transalkylation process will preferably have a molar ratio of
aromatic hydrocarbon, to polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbon of preferably
from about 0.5:1 to about 50:1, and more preferably from about 2:1 to
about 20:1. The reaction temperature will preferably range from aboxit
340°C to 500°C to maintain at least a partial liquid phase, and the
pressure will be preferably in the range of about 50 psig to 1,000 psig-,
preferably 300 psig to 600 psig. The weight hourly space velocity will
range from about 0.1 to 10,
The seolite bound zeolite catalyst is also useful in processes for
converting aromatic compounds from paraffins. Example of suitable
paraffins including aliphatic hydrocarbons containing 2 to 12 carbon
atoms. The hydrocarbons may be straight chain, open or cyclic and
may be saturated or unsaturated. Example of hydrocarbons include
propane, propylene, n-butane, n-butenes, isobutane, isobutene, and
straight- and branch-chain and cyclic pentanes, pentenes, hexanes,
and hexenes.
The aromatization conditions include a temperature of from about
200°C to abotit 700°C, a pressure of from about 0.1 atmosphere to
about 60 atmospheres, a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of from
about 0.1 to about 400 and a hydrogen/hydrocarbon mole ratio of from
about 0 to about 20.
The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst used in the aromatization process
preferably comprises first crystals of an intermediate pore size zeolite
such a MFI type zeolite (example ZSM-5), and second crystals of a
intermediate pore size such as a MEL structure type. The catalyst
preferably contains gallium, Gallium may be incorporated into the
during synthesis of the zeolite or it may be exchanged or impregnated
or otherwise incorporated into the zeolite after synthesis. Preferably
0.05 to 10; and most preferably 0.1 to 2.0 wt% gallium is associated
with the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst. The gallium can be associated
with the first zeolite,.second zeolite, or both zeolites.
The following examples illustrate the invention.
EXAMPLE,:!
Preparation of Zeolite KL Bound by Offeretite
Zeolite KL crystals were prepared from a synthesis gel having; the
following composition expressed in moles of pure oxide:
2.7 K2O/1.0 AlaOa/9.2 SiO2:150 H20
The gel was prepared as follows:
Aluminum hydroxide was dissolved in a aqueous solution of potassium
hydxoxide (50% pure KOH) to form Solution A. After dissolution,
water loss was corrected. A separate solution, Solution B, was
prepared by diluting' colloidal silica (LUDOX HS 40) with water.
Solutions A and B were mixed and preheated to 150°C and held at
that temperature for 90 hours to bring about crystallisation. .After
crystallization, the crystals were washed and calcined.
The formed zeolite KL was highly crystalline and the crystals were
cylindrical and had a length from 0..5 to 1.5 microns and a diameter
from 0.5 to 2.0 microns.
The zeolite KL was formed into silica bound extrudates as follows:
fbr
Water 160.51
Silica HgQ Gel (Aerosjl 200) 61.06
Silica, Sol (Nalcoag 1034A) 640.55
Methocel (Hydi'oxypropyl methyl cellulose
extrusion Acid)
3.54
The above components were mixed in a household mixed in the order
shown. After adding the methocel, a thickened and extmdable dough
was obtained, The total mixing time was about 28 minutes.
The dough was extruded into 2 mm extrudates, dried, overnight at
100°C, broken into 0.5-1mm pieces and then calcined at 505°C for 6
hours in air.
Composition of silica-bound extrudates:
Zeolite KL: 70 wt.%
SiOi2 Binder: 30 wt.%
The silica-bound zeolite KL extrudate was converted into zeolite KL
bound by offretite as follows:
Cottptrae&ts
for
(Quantity
(grains)
KOH pellets 7.1124
Aluminum Hydroxide 4.9792
Water 35.02
Solution B
Tetramethyl aiamoniumchlond.8^
H20
4JJ21
34.170
Solution A was prepared by dissolving the ingredients into boiling
water and cooling the solution to ambient; temperature. Water loss due
to boiling wast corrected.
Solution A was poured into a 300 ml stainless steel autoclave. Solution
B was poured into the contents of the autoclave. The two solutions
were mixed by swirling the autoclave. Finally, 50.02 grams of the
silica-bound zeolite KL extrudates were added into the contents of the
autoclave. The molar composition of synthesis mixture was:
2.20 KaO/1.50 TMAC1/1.26 AbOa/lO Si02/160 HaO
In the mixture, the silica is present as the binder in the extra date.
The autoclave was heated up to 150°C in 2 hours and kept at this
temperature for 72 hours. After the aging period, the autoclave was
opened and the product-extrudates were collected.
The product was washed in a Buechner funnel to a pH of 9.6. The
product was Ailed overnight at 150°C and subsequently calcined in air
for 16 hours at 500°C. The amount of product was 55.6 grama and
consisted of zeolite KL crystals which were bound by an overgrowth of
offretite crystals The product had excellent strength.
The product extrudates were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD),
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hexane adsorption, with the
following results:
XRD: Showed the presence of zeolite L and
offretite. The prodiict had excellent
SEM:
crystaUinity and no amorphous silica
was present.
Micrographs showed that the Zeolite
KL crystals are overgrown with newly
formed offretite crystals,
Hexane Adsorption: 7.8wt%
EXAMPLE1
Preparation of Zeolite Y Bound by EMT Structure Type Zeolite
Zeolite Y crystals were formed into silica bound Zeolite Y as follows:
Components 1 and 3 were mixed in the bowl of a household mixer.
Next;, components 2 and 4 -were added to the bowl and the contents
were mixed. Component 5 was then added to the bowl and the mixing
continued. Total mixing lime was about 28 minutes. A plastic
extradable dough was obtained. The dough was extruded into 2 mm
extrudates. The extradates were dried overnight at 150°C and then
calcined for 7.5 hoiirs at 525"C. The extrudates contained 30.09 weight
percent silica.
The silica brand zeolite Y extradates were converted into Zeolite Y
bound by EMT structure type zeolite -as follows:
Compojiejats used
for Preparation
NaOH (98.6%)
Al (OH) a (98,5%)
Water
Rinse Water
Crown-ether 18-6
Water
Water
Silica Bound Zeolite Y
Quantity,
(Grams)
3.00
2.53
8.64
14.93
3.25
18.17
9,45
32.0
Component
No. :
1 "
2
3
4
5
6
8
Components 1 and 2 were dissolved into component 8 by boiling to
form a solution. In a 100 nil, plastic bottle, component 5 was dissolved
into component 6. Component 7 was added to the contents of the
plastic bottle. The solution was added together with component 4 into
the plastic bottle. The bottle was mixed to ensure a homogeneous
mixture. Finally component 8 was then added to the bottle. The molar •
composition of the synthesis mixture was:
2.32 Na20/0.77 C.E. IR-G/AloOyiG SiO2/l83 1(20
The plastic bottle was placed into a 98°C oil bath. After 15 days of
heating at that temperature, crystallization, was stopped. The product
extrudates were washed 5 times with 800 ml water at 60°C. The
conductivitv of the last wash water was 70 j.iS/cm. Tli5 product was
dried overnight at 120°C. Next, the extrudates were calcined at 500°C
for 9 hrs. The amount of product recovered after calcination was 31.70
The product extrudates were characterized "by x-ray diffraction (XRD).
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hexane adsorption with the
following: results:
XRD: Showed excellent crystalinity and the
presence of EMT structure type. No
amorphous halo could be seen, vrhich would
ha\re indicated the presence cf unconverted
silica. Zeolite P was completely absent.
SEM- 10,000 times Micrographs (FlC-r. 1) show that
the zeolite Y crystals are coated and glued
with platelet like crystallite;! with newly
formed EMT structure type seclite,
Hexane adsorption: 14.7 wt.%
EXAMPLE 3
Preparation of MFI Bound by MEL
A MFI structure type zeolite having a silica to alumina moie ration of
about 78 and bound by about 30% by weight silica was formed into a
MFI structure type zeolite bound by Silicate 2 as follows43
Solution A
NaOH pellet(98.6%)
Water
Rinse Water
Solution B
Tetrautylammonium bromicle
Water
1.46
33.35
16.48
11,46
33.93
15.71
Solution A and B were poured into a 200 nol stainless .steel autoclave.
The contents of the autoclave were mixed. Finally, 75.02 *p.'ams of the
silica bound MFI were added to tlie auroclave. The molai composition
of the synthesis mixture was:
0.4SNa0/0.95 TEA Br/lOSiCk/USHsO
The autoclave was placed into an oven at ambient temperature. The
oven was heated to 150CC and was maintained at 150°C for 80 hours.
The resulting product was washed 6 times at 60°C with 2500 ml of
water. The conductivity of the last wash water was 80 uS/cm. The
product was dried overnight at 120°C and calcined in air at 300°C for
16 hours.
The product was analyzed by XRD and SEM with the following,- results:
XRD: Showed excellent crystallinity and the
presence of MEL structure typs zeolite.
44
SEM: 10,000 times Micrographs (FIG 2) show that
the IVIFI crystals are inter grown wit'h smaller
crystals.
EXAMPLE 4
The calcined, zeolite bound zeolite catalyst described in Example 3,
was selectivated by feeding toluene across the catalyst under the
conditions set forth in Table II below:
Following1 selecti vation. the catalyst was used, for the
disproportionation of toluene under the test conditions shown in Table
III below. The catalyst was evaluated under 3 separate test conditions
as shown in. Table III. On-oil catalyst performance for the catalyst is
also shown in Table III.
The results show the high catalyst activity and PX selectivity of the
MEL-bound MFI catalyst.
EXAMPLES
I. Catalyst A - ALPO-5 bound SAPO-34
SxALF'O-34 bound by 30% by weight alumina was formed into AIPO-5
bound SAPO-34 as follows:
Amounts of 4. IS grams of S5fJ/o aqueous HcPO.*. 10.7S grams of water.
and 2.65 g.Tams of tripropylamine (TPA) were added to a 300 ml Teflon
lined autoclave in the order listed. The mixture was stirred to give a
homogeneous solution. Next. 10 grams of dried extruclates (1/16"
diameter) of the alumina bonnd SAPO-34 were added to the contents
in the autoclave. The extrudates were completely covered by the
liquid. The molar composition of the synthesis mixture was:
TPA/AlaOs/PaQs/HsO of 0.63/1.0/0.62/23.4
In the mixture, the alumina accounts for only the alumina binder of
the extrudate and the PaOs accounts for only 85% aqueovis HsPO-. The
autoclave was sealed and the mixture was heated in 2 hours to 200°C
and held without stirring for 24 Lours at 200°C. The autoclave was
cooled to room temperature and the mother liquor was decanted. The
extiudates were washed with de-ionized water until the conductivity of
the filtrate was less than 100 micro-Siemens. XRD analysis showed
typical patterns for both SAPO-34 and ALPO-5.
TT. Catalyst B - ALPO-11 bound SAPO-34
SAPO-34 bound by 25% by weight alumina was formed into ALPO-11
bound SAPO-34 as follows:
Amounts of 6.36 grams of 85% aqueous HsPOj, 18.02 grams of water,
and 2.82 grams of dipropylamine (DPA) v/c-re added to :i 100 ml teflon
lined autoclave in the order listed. The mixture was s.irred to give a
homogeneous solution. Next, 15,00 grams of dried exfcrudates (1/16"
diameter) of the alumina bound SAPO-34 were added to the contents
in the autoclave. The extru dates were completely covered by the
liquid. The molar composition of the synthesis mixture was:
of 0.76/0.75/1.0/30.9
In the mixture, the AisQs accounts for only the alumina binder of the
extrudate and the PsOs accounts for only the 65% aqueous HsPO.i. The
autoclave was sealed and heated in 2 hours to 2G(PC and held without
stirrmg for 22 hours at 200°C. The autoclave was cooled to room
temperature and the snothejc liquor was decanted. The ex.tru dates were
washed with de-ionized water until tha conductivity of the filtrate was
lass than 100 micro-Siemens, XRD analysis showed typical patterns
for both SAPO-34 and ALPO-11.
EXAMPLE
Catalyst A and Catalyst B were tested for use in the conversion of
oxygenates to olefins. The tests were earned out using the following'
procedure: 5.0 cc (approximately 2.7 grams) of each cat&.yst was mixed
with 15 cc quartz beads and loaded into a 3/4" outer diameter 316
stainless steel tubular reactor which was heated by three-zone electric
fnrnao.as. The first zone acted as the preheating- zone, vaporized the
feed. The temperature of the center acme of the fumaco was adjusted
to 450'3C ana the pressure was maintained at 1 atm. The reactor was
purged first with nitrogen at 50 cc/min flow rate for 30 minutes. The
feed had a 4:1 molar ratio of water to methane! and \v?.& pumped into
the reactor at a rate calibrated to give a flow rate of about Q.Thr1
WHSV. The effluent was analyzed at p.ve-determined intervals by an
on-line gas chromatogxaphy fitted with both a thermal conductivity
detector and a flame lonkation detector. The results of these tests are
shown helow in Table IV:
The data shows thai the catalysts have good propyiene selectivity and
by tailoring the catalyst, product distribution can. be varied.
A sample comprising 10 grams of the catalyst of Example 2 was loaded
by ion exchange with a 0.6 wt percent palladium. The sample was
exchanged rising an aqueous mixture comprising 0.138 grams of
PdCNHJOzCla and 9.62 grams of NH4NOo which was dissolved in 100 cc
of demineralized water. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to greater
than 7 using- a NH-iOH solution (30 wt% NHa). This mixture, which
contained the sample, was stirred for 24 hours at room temperature
followed by two days without stirring at the same temperature. The
Pd containing catalyst were then washed on a filter, oven dried at
90°C, and then calcined in air for 12 hours at 380CC.
Hydro-isornerization and hydro-cracking reactions were conducted.
The tests were carried cut by mixing' two grams of the catalyst with S
grams of quartz and then loading them into a 0.5 inch diameter
stainless steel reactor. The total, length of the reactor was 5 inches.
The reactor was equipped with an axial thermo-well to measure the
actual bed temperature. Seduction was carried out fur 1 hour at
T16CF, pressure (psig) of 58. and. a hydrogen flow rate (co/min) of 184.
After reduction a n-hexane feed was introduced into the hydrogen
stream to givg a n-hexane weight hourly space velocity (WKSV) of 0.95
brs.-J, a Hi/n-liexane molar ratio of 20 and a total pressure of 58 psig.
Product samples were recovered on-line and analyzed by gas
chroaiatography. The result of these tests are shcnva below in Table V.
(Table Removed) (1) wt% sum of 2,2 di-me'thyl-butane; 2,3 di-methyl-bvtane;
2-methyl-pentane; 3-methvi-pentane
(2) (yield branched hexanes/n-hexane conversion) x 100
(3) (yield Ci to Cs parafiins/n-hexaiie conversion) x 10D
The data shows that the catalyst has high activity and high hydroisomerization
and hydrocracking .




We claim;
1. A zeolite bound zeolite catalyst which comprises:
(a) first crystals of a first zeolite having an average particle size greater than 0.1 micron; and
(b) a binder comprising second crystals of a second zeolite having an average particle size less than that of the first crystals which has a structure type that is different from the structure type of the first zeolite and wherein the second crystals are intergrown and form at least a partial coating on the first crystals;
and which contains less than 10 percent by weight, based on the weight of first and second zeolite, of nonzeolitic binder; wherein the first zeolite and the second zeolite are independently a composition having the following molar relationship:
X2O3: (n) YO2, wherein X is aluminium, boron, titanium, and/or gallium, Y is silicon, tin, and /or germanium, and n is at least 2.
2. The catalyst as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catalyst contains less than 5% by weight of non-zeolitic binder based on a combined weight of first zeolite and second zeolite.
3. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first crystals have an average size of from 1 to 6 microns.
4. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second crystals have an average particle size of from 0.1 to 0.5 micron.
5. The catalyst as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first zeolite is an alumino silicate and has a silica to alumina mole ratio in the range of greater than 20:1 to 200:1.
6. The catalyst as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second zeolite is an aluminosilicate and has a silica to alumina mole ratio greater than 200:1.

7. The catalyst as claimed in claim 6, wherein said ratio is greater than
500:1.
8. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second zeolite has lower acidity than the first zeolite.
9. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second zeolite has higher acidity than the first zeolite.

10. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pore size of the first zeolite is larger than the pore size of the second zeolite.
11. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pore size of the second zeolite is larger than the pore size of the first zeolite.
12. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first zeolite and the second zeolite independently have an intermediate pore size or small pore size.
13. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first zeolite and the second zeolite are independently of a structure type selected from the group consisting of OFF, BEA, MAZ, MEI, FAU, EMT, LTL, VFl, MOR, MFI, MFS, MEL, MTW, MTT, PER, EUO, HEU, TON, CHA, ERI, KFI, LEV and LTA.
14. The catalyst as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first zeolite and the second zeolite are independently of structure type selected from the group consisting of MAZ; MEI, OFF, BEA, MFI, MEL, MTW, EMT, MTT, HEU, FER, TON, EUO and LTL.
15. The catalyst as claimed in claim 13, wherein the structure type of the second zeolite is MFI, MEL, EMT or OFF.
16. The catalyst as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the structure type of

the first zeolite is LTL, FAU, MFI, or CHA.
17. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim which is preparable by ageing at elevated temperature a silica-bound aggregate containing first crystals of the first zeolite in an aqueous ionic solution containing a source of hydroxy ions sufficient to convert the silica in the aggregate to the second zeolite.
18. The catalyst as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a catalytically active metal.
19. A zeolite bound catalyst, substantially as herein described before with reference to the examples accompanying the specification.



Documents:

1626-DEL-2005-Abstract-(26-11-2008).pdf

1626-del-2005-abstract.pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Claims-(22-01-2009).pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Claims-(26-11-2008).pdf

1626-del-2005-claims.pdf

1626-del-2005-complete specification (granted).pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Correspondence-Others-(08-08-2008).pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Correspondence-Others-(22-01-2009).pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Correspondence-Others-(26-06-2008).pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Correspondence-Others-(26-11-2008).pdf

1626-del-2005-correspondence-others.pdf

1626-del-2005-description (complete).pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Drawings-(26-11-2008).pdf

1626-del-2005-drawings.pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Form-1-(26-11-2008).pdf

1626-del-2005-form-1.pdf

1626-del-2005-form-18.pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Form-2-(26-11-2008).pdf

1626-del-2005-form-2.pdf

1626-del-2005-form-3.pdf

1626-del-2005-form-5.pdf

1626-del-2005-gpa.pdf

1626-DEL-2005-Petition-137-(26-11-2008).pdf


Patent Number 233115
Indian Patent Application Number 1626/DEL/2005
PG Journal Number 13/2009
Publication Date 27-Mar-2009
Grant Date 26-Mar-2009
Date of Filing 22-Jun-2005
Name of Patentee EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL PATENTS, INC.
Applicant Address 5200 BAYWAY DRIVE, BAYTOWN, TEXAS 77520, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 JOHANNES PETRUS VERDUIJN VLIEGUIT 28, B-3061 LEEFDAAL, BELGIUM.
2 GARY DAVID MOHR 2018 CARAVEL DRIVE, LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS 77573, USA
PCT International Classification Number C01B 39/02
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/018,547 1996-05-29 U.S.A.