U.S. patent application number 12/639971 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for alkylation process using catalysts with low olefin skeletal isomerization activity.
This patent application is currently assigned to UOP LLC. Invention is credited to Deng-Yang Jan, Jaime G. Moscoso, Mark G. Riley, Stephen W. Sohn.
Application Number | 20110144402 12/639971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44143684 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110144402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riley; Mark G. ; et
al. |
June 16, 2011 |
ALKYLATION PROCESS USING CATALYSTS WITH LOW OLEFIN SKELETAL
ISOMERIZATION ACTIVITY
Abstract
A process is presented for the production of linear
alkylbenzenes. The process includes contacting an aromatic compound
with an olefin in the presence of a selective zeolite catalyst. The
catalyst includes two zeolites combined to improve the linearity,
and to produce detergent grade LAB. The two zeolites are selected
to limit skeletal isomerization while producing a desired 2-phenyl
content for the LAB.
Inventors: |
Riley; Mark G.; (Hinsdale,
IL) ; Jan; Deng-Yang; (Elk Grove Village, IL)
; Sohn; Stephen W.; (Arlington Heights, IL) ;
Moscoso; Jaime G.; (Mount Prospect, IL) |
Assignee: |
UOP LLC
Des Plaines
IL
|
Family ID: |
44143684 |
Appl. No.: |
12/639971 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
585/455 ;
502/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 29/18 20130101;
C07C 2/66 20130101; C07C 2529/08 20130101; C07C 2/66 20130101; C07C
2529/80 20130101; B01J 29/80 20130101; B01J 29/087 20130101; C07C
15/107 20130101; B01J 29/70 20130101; B01J 2229/42 20130101; B01J
29/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
585/455 ;
502/73 |
International
Class: |
C07C 2/66 20060101
C07C002/66; B01J 29/08 20060101 B01J029/08 |
Claims
1. An alkylation process for the selective alkylation of an
aromatic compound, comprising contacting the aromatic compound with
an olefin having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms in the presence of a
selective zeolite catalyst at reaction conditions, wherein the
selective zeolite catalyst comprises a zeolite mixture, the zeolite
mixture comprising a first zeolite having a UZM-8 content between
10 and 90% by weight, a second zeolite comprising a rare earth
substituted X or Y zeolite, and comprising an amount between 10 and
90% by weight; and a rare earth element incorporated into the
second zeolitic framework in an amount greater than 16.5 wt %.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the reaction conditions include a
temperature between 80.degree. C. and 200.degree. C.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the reaction conditions include a
temperature between 100.degree. C. to 160.degree. C.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the reaction conditions include a
pressure between 1300 kPa and 7000 kPa.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein the reaction pressure is between
2500 and 4500 kPa.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein the aromatic compound is
benzene.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein the second zeolite is X
zeolite.
8. The catalyst of claim 7 wherein the X zeolite has a silica to
alumina ratio of less than 2.8.
9. The process of claim 1 wherein the second zeolite is a low
silica to alumina ratio Y zeolite.
10. The catalyst of claim 9 wherein the Y zeolite has a silica to
alumina ratio of less than 8.
11. The process of claim 1 wherein the olefin is a normal olefin or
a lightly branched olefin.
12. An alkylation process for the selective alkylation of an
aromatic compound, comprising contacting the aromatic compound with
an olefin having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms in the presence of a
selective zeolite catalyst at reaction conditions, wherein the
selective zeolite catalyst comprises a zeolite mixture, the zeolite
mixture comprising a first zeolite having a UZM-8 content between
10 and 90% by weight, a second zeolite comprising a rare earth
substituted X zeolite, and comprising an amount between 10 and 90%
by weight, wherein the reaction conditions include a temperature
between 80.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. and a pressure between
1300 kPa and 7000 kPa, and the X zeolite has a silica to alumina
ratio of less than 2.8; and a rare earth element incorporated into
the second zeolitic framework in an amount greater than 16.5 wt
%.
13. The process of claim 12 wherein the reaction conditions include
a temperature between 100.degree. C. to 160.degree. C.
14. The process of claim 12 wherein the reaction pressure is
between 2500 and 4500 kPa.
15. An alkylation process for the selective alkylation of an
aromatic compound, comprising contacting the aromatic compound with
an olefin having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms in the presence of a
selective zeolite catalyst at reaction conditions, wherein the
selective zeolite catalyst comprises a zeolite mixture, the zeolite
mixture comprising a first zeolite having a UZM-8 content between
10 and 90% by weight, a second zeolite comprising a rare earth
substituted Y zeolite, and comprising an amount between 10 and 90%
by weight, wherein the reaction conditions include a temperature
between 80.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. and a pressure between
1300 kPa and 7000 kPa, and the Y zeolite has a silica to alumina
ratio of less than 8; and a rare earth element incorporated into
the second zeolitic framework in an amount greater than 16.5 wt
%.
16. The process of claim 15 wherein the reaction conditions include
a temperature between 100.degree. C. to 160.degree. C.
17. The process of claim 15 wherein the reaction pressure is
between 2500 and 4500 kPa.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to highly selective,
modified catalysts and the process of using the catalysts. The
catalysts are for use in the alkylation of aromatic compounds.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Alkylation of benzene produces alkylbenzenes that may find
various commercial uses, e.g., alkylbenzenes can be sulfonated to
produce surfactants, for use in detergents. In the alkylation
process, benzene is reacted with an olefin the desired length to
produce the sought alkylbenzene. The alkylation conditions comprise
the presence of homogeneous or heterogeneous alkylation catalyst
such as aluminum chloride, hydrogen fluoride, or zeolitic catalysts
and elevated temperature.
[0003] Various processes have been proposed to alkylate benzene.
One commercial process involves the use of hydrogen fluoride as the
alkylation catalyst. The use and handling of hydrogen fluoride does
provide operational concerns due to its toxicity, corrosiveness and
waste disposal needs. Solid catalytic processes have been developed
that obviate the need to use hydrogen fluoride. Improvements in
these solid catalytic processes are sought to further enhance their
attractiveness through reducing energy costs and improving
selectivity of conversion while still providing an alkylbenzene of
a quality acceptable for downstream use such as sulfonation to make
surfactants.
[0004] Alkylbenzenes, to be desirable for making sulfonated
surfactants must be capable of providing a sulfonated product of
suitable clarity, biodegradability and efficacy. With respect to
efficacy, alkylbenzenes having higher 2-phenyl contents are desired
as they tend, when sulfonated, to provide surfactants having better
solubility and detergency. Thus, alkylbenzenes having a 2-phenyl
isomer content in the range from about 30 to about 40 percent are
particularly desired.
[0005] Improvements in the catalysts have facilitated the
production of linear alkylbenzenes, as shown in U.S. patents U.S.
Pat. No. 6,133,492, U.S. Pat. No. 6,521,804, U.S. Pat. No.
6,977,319, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,030. However, problems exist
with many existing catalysts, and a better understanding, can lead
to further improvements in the catalysts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides for a process for producing a
monoalkylated aromatic compound having an increased linearity of
the alkyl group. The process comprises reacting an aromatic
feedstock with an olefinic compound in an alkylation reactor at
reaction conditions using a catalyst comprising two zeolites.
[0007] The first zeolite comprising a microporous crystalline
zeolite having a layered framework of at least AlO2 and SiO2
tetrahedral units and a composition on an as-synthesized and
anhydrous basis expressed by an empirical formula of:
M.sub.m.sup.n+R.sub.r.sup.p+Al.sub.1-xE.sub.xSi.sub.yO.sub.z
where M is at least one exchangeable cation selected from the group
consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metals, "m" is the mole
ratio of M to (Al+E) and varies from 0 to about 2.0, R is at least
one organoammonium cation selected from the group consisting of
quaternary ammonium cations, diquaternary ammonium cations,
protonated amines, protonated diamines, protonated alkanoamines and
quaternized alkanolammonium cations, "r" is the mole ratio of R to
(Al+E) and has a value of about 0.05 to about 5.0, "n" is the
weighted average valence of M and has a value of about 1 to about
2, "p" is the weighted average valence of R and has a value of
about 1 to about 2, E is an element selected from the group
consisting of gallium, iron, boron, chromium, indium and mixtures
thereof, "x" is the mole fraction of E and has a value from 0 to
about 1.0, "y" is the mole ratio of Si to (Al+E) and varies from
about 6.5 to about 35 and "z" is the mole ratio of O to (Al+E) and
has a value determined by the equation:
z=(mn+rp+3+4y)/2.
[0008] The catalyst further includes a second zeolite having a
silica to alumina molar ratio less than 4.8, and wherein the second
zeolite has a rare earth element incorporated into the zeolitic
framework in an amount greater than 16.5 wt %. The first and second
zeolites are intermingled into single catalyst particles, where the
first zeolite is in an amount between 10 and 90% by weight of the
catalyst, and the second zeolite component is in an amount between
10 and 90% by weight.
[0009] In one embodiment, the first zeolite is UZM-8, and the
second zeolite is a rare earth substituted X or Y zeolite.
[0010] Other objects, advantages and applications of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following drawing and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] FIGURE is the ammonia desorption from UZM-8 and
mordenite.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The alkylation of aromatics with olefins in important for
several commercially important technologies. Ethyl benzene (EB),
cumene (isopropyl benzene), and larger chained alkylbenzenes
(detergents) are the three most economically important examples.
The detergents preferably made using longer chained linear alkyl
groups, such as C8 to C16, to form linear alkyl benzenes (LAB).
These alkylation reactions are carried out using acid catalysts,
either homogeneous catalysts such as HF, or heterogeneous catalyst
such as AlCl.sub.3, silica-alumina, and zeolites. Although these
are all acid catalyzed processes, there are enough differences that
they are all practiced with different catalysts. Skeletal
isomerization is an example of a concern in the LAB process, and
which makes the use of catalysts suitable for EB or cumene of less
value in the LAB process.
[0013] The production of linear alkylbenzenes has traditionally
been made in two commercial forms, low 2-phenyl and high 2-phenyl.
Low 2-phenyl LAB is made by HF alkylation and results in a 2-phenyl
concentration between 15 and 20 mass percent of the LAB. This is
due to the homogeneous acid, HF, lack of preference for catalyzing
the attachment of the benzene to the olefin chain. There is not
alkylation on the terminal carbons, and the internal carbons have a
nearly equal probability of alkylation, and which produces shorter
chained alkyl groups extending from the benzene. High 2-phenyl LAB
has historically been made using AlCl.sub.3 alkylation and results
in a 2-phenyl concentration between 30 and 35 mass percent of the
LAB. While it is possible to produce LAB with different 2-phenyl
contents, there is no market for these products, and consequently
the efforts have been to replace these environmentally unfriendly
catalysts.
[0014] In 1995, UOP and Cepsa introduced a detergent alkylation
process using the first environmentally friendly solid bed
alkylation process for the production of LAB. The catalyst was a
fluorided silica-alumina catalyst, and the process produces a high
2-phenyl LAB product. This process has nearly completely replaces
the use of AlCl.sub.3 in detergent alkylation. However, it uses
considerably more energy than the HF process due to the much higher
benzene to olefin ratio in the process, and produces slightly more
dialkylate than the HF process.
[0015] While ethylbenzene, cumene and LAB are all produced in
processes using acid catalysts, there are a number of key features
that differentiate LAB from either ethylbenzene or cumene. One is
the length of the olefin and the reactions that the olefin can
undergo. Solid acid catalysts are known to catalyze both double
bond isomerization and skeletal isomerization in linear olefins.
Most studies of double bond and skeletal isomerization of linear
olefins has focused on 1-butene. This is due to the desire to make
isobutene for MTBE, an oxygenate for gasoline, or polyisobutene.
Gee and Prampin, Applied Catalysis A: General 360 (2009), 71-80.
Even a weak acid catalyst, like SAPO-11, produces skeletal
isomerization, and is easily observed at 142 C, and that skeletal
isomerization is temperature dependent.
[0016] It is known that skeletal isomerization of linear olefins
occurs in the production of LAB over solid acid catalysts. In 1965,
in an article titled "Hydroisomerization of Normal Olefins Under
Alkylation Conditions" showed that skeletal isomerization was
favored by high acid concentrations and high temperatures
(Peterson, A. H., Phillips, B. L., and Kelly, J. T., I&EC, 4,
No. 4, 261-265, 1965). Also, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,317 to
Young, Table 2 compares the amount of linear phenyldodecane
produced by alkylation of 1-dodecene with benzene over eight
different zeolites. All of the zeolites exhibited skeletal
isomerization. Inhibiting skeletal isomerization is an important
challenge to be addressed, if one is to produce highly linear
detergent range alkylbenzenes. It is further worth noting that Beta
zeolite, which is commonly used in the production of ethylbenzene
and cumene is unsuitable for detergent range LAB production due to
its tendency to skeletally isomerizes the linear olefins prior to
their alkylation. Because ethylene and propylene only have one
isomer, both the double bond and skeletal isomerization of the
catalyst are moot and for this reason one cannot predict that a
process or catalyst for ethylbenzene or cumene production will
necessarily extend to LAB.
[0017] A second difference between alkylation of long chain linear
olefins with benzene differs from that of ethylbenzene or cumene is
the number of products. Ethylbenzene and cumene are unique chemical
compounds whereas LAB is a mixture of compounds that results from
the fact that long chain linear olefins have multiple positions for
the benzene to insert itself. As can be seen from Young's data in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,317, molecular sieves can reduce or prohibit
the formation of some phenylalkane isomers. This is phenomena is
called shape selectivity and occurs because the molecular sieve
doesn't possess enough space for the molecule to be formed. Since
the commercially desirable detergent range linear alkylbenzenes,
"low 2-phenyl LAB" and "high 2-phenyl LAB" have relative narrow
windows on their 2-phenylalkane content, an acidic molecular sieve
catalyst that has good characteristics for producing ethylbenzene
or cumene cannot be assumed to be appropriate for producing
commercially acceptable detergent range LAB.
[0018] A third way in which the alkylation of long chain linear
olefins with benzene differs from that of ethylbenzene or cumene is
in the impact of the benzene to olefin ratio. Alkylation processes
to convert ethylene to ethylbenzene and propylene to cumene operate
at significantly low benzene to olefin ratios than solid detergent
alkylation processes. It has long been known that monoalkylate
selectivity can be maximized by operating at high benzene to olefin
ratios. High benzene to olefin ratios also means the ratio of
benzene to monoalkylate is high and the higher the weight fraction
of benzene relative to other aromatics, the higher the yield of
monoalkylate. In the production of ethylbenzene or cumene low
benzene to olefin ratios can be employed to minimize energy usage
because the polyethylbenzene or polypropylbenzene can be easily
transalkylated with benzene to produce the desired product,
ethylbenzene or cumene. In the detergent alkylation process, where
a solid fluorided amorphous silica-alumina catalyst is employed,
shape selectivity does not come into play due to the very large
pores and the only way to control the amount of dialkylbenzene is
to use high benzene to olefin ratios. Converting long chain linear
dialkylbenzenes back to long chain linear monoalkylbenzenes can be
done, but with significantly lower efficiency than for ethylbenzene
or cumene. Some of the transalkylation occurs though dealkylation
followed by alkylation with benzene. When transalkylation occurs
through this pathway some of the olefin undergoes skeletal
isomerization, which lowers overall product linearity.
[0019] Low benzene to olefin ratios also promotes the skeletal
isomerization of linear olefins. Because skeletal isomerization is
a monomolecular reaction and alkylation is a bimolecular reaction,
lowering the benzene to olefin ratio effectively increases the
olefin concentration which causes the rate of olefin skeletal
isomerization to increase faster than the rate of olefin
alkylation. Thus, in solid detergent alkylation processes, one is
faced with the choice of operating at high benzene to olefin ratios
and accepting the high energy cost or finding catalysts with the
appropriate acidity such that skeletal isomerization of the linear
olefins is minimal.
[0020] It is possible to adjust the 2-phenyl content of detergent
range LAB by physically blending a first product produced with a
first alkylation catalyst that produces a product rich in
2-phenylalkanes and a second product with a second alkylation
catalyst that produces a product lean in 2-phenylalkanes. The blend
can be accomplished in any number of ways including separate
tankage, by controlling the amount of olefin going to each
alkylation catalyst reaction zone, or by using a physical mixture
of two catalyst in the same reaction zone. In U.S. Pat. No.
6,133,492, Anantaneni proposed using fluorided mordenite as the
"rich" 2-phenyl catalyst and AlCl3, fluorided clay, or
silica-alumina as the "lean" 2-phenyl catalyst. Anantaneni
disclosed both physical mixtures and distinct catalyst beds in
series. This was improved upon by replacing the "lean" 2-phenyl
components with zeolites that are much more selective to
mono-alkylbenzene than AlCl3, fluorided clay or silica-alumina, as
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,826, by Joly and Briot. The
improvement allows the production of more mono-alkylbenzene at
similar benzene to olefin ratios or to produce the same amount of
mono-alkylbenzene while less energy due to lower benzene to olefin
ratios.
[0021] From an operations point of view it is desirable to use a
single catalyst. With multi-catalyst systems one has to be
concerned about differing rates of deactivation, regeneration, and
long term stability. In addition, there is segregation of catalysts
within a reactor when there are more than one type of catalyst from
a physical mixture. The segregation can occur during the loading,
or in the case of a fluidized bed system, through the movement of
the catalyst particles. Therefore, when having two catalysts in a
reactor, it is desirable to have the two catalysts intermingled in
a single catalyst particle.
[0022] Single catalyst alkylation processes are no more complex
than those based on AlCl3 or fluorided silica-alumina. Because
detergent range LAB is a chemical intermediate, a catalyst system
will need to produce LAB that conforms to the existing commercial
specifications. Meeting all of these LAB product specifications
imposes a number of constraints on the formulation of the catalyst.
Among the constraints that are critical are:
[0023] 1) 2-phenylalkane content
[0024] 2) Olefin isomerization activity
[0025] 3) Deactivation rate
[0026] 4) Regenerability
[0027] 5) Limited change in LAB product quality as the catalyst
ages
[0028] To overcome the drawbacks of mixtures of catalysts, the
present invention comprises a catalyst for the alkylation of
aromatics comprising a first zeolite for producing a "rich"
2-phenyl content and a second zeolite for producing a "lean"
2-phenyl content. The first zeolite comprising a microporous
crystalline zeolite having a layered framework of at least AlO2 and
SiO2 tetrahedral units and a composition on an as-synthesized and
anhydrous basis expressed by an empirical formula of:
M.sub.m.sup.n+R.sub.r.sup.p+Al.sub.1-xE.sub.xSi.sub.yO.sub.z
where M is at least one exchangeable cation selected from the group
consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metals, "m" is the mole
ratio of M to (Al+E) and varies from 0 to about 2.0, R is at least
one organoammonium cation selected from the group consisting of
quaternary ammonium cations, diquaternary ammonium cations,
protonated amines, protonated diamines, protonated alkanoamines and
quaternized alkanolammonium cations, "r" is the mole ratio of R to
(Al+E) and has a value of about 0.05 to about 5.0, "n" is the
weighted average valence of M and has a value of about 1 to about
2, "p" is the weighted average valence of R and has a value of
about 1 to about 2, E is an element selected from the group
consisting of gallium, iron, boron, chromium, indium and mixtures
thereof, "x" is the mole fraction of E and has a value from 0 to
about 1.0, "y" is the mole ratio of Si to (Al+E) and varies from
about 6.5 to about 35 and "z" is the mole ratio of O to (Al+E) and
has a value determined by the equation:
z=(mn+rp+3+4y)/2.
[0029] The second zeolite having a silica to alumina molar ratio
less than 8, and includes a rare earth element incorporated into
the zeolitic framework in an amount greater than 16.5 wt %. The
first zeolite component is in an amount between 10 and 90% by
weight of the catalyst, and the second zeolite component is in an
amount between 10 and 90% by weight. The zeolites are intermingled
into single catalyst particles.
[0030] The zeolites are mixed and produced to have two zeolites
within a single catalyst pellet. A preferred ratio of the first
zeolite to the second zeolite is between 1:4 and 3:4.
[0031] The first zeolite is UZM-8 and is a zeolite that is
particularly well suited as the "rich" 2-phenyl component. Although
UZM-8 has some similarities with layered microporous crystalline
materials, there are differences in structure and composition, as
presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,030 to Rohde et al., and is
incorporated by reference in its entirety. LAB produced using UZM-8
has a 2-phenyl content between 40 and 50 weight percent. UZM-8 is
rich in moderate strength, easily accessed acid sites. This
topology minimizes olefin isomerization, cracking and the rate of
catalyst deactivation. Compared to mordenite, which has fairly
strong acidity, UZM-8 is much less prone to isomerization or
cracking of the olefins before alkylation. The differences in acid
site strength distribution between UZM-8 and mordenite are clearly
observable using NH.sub.4 TPD. In the FIGURE, approximately 40% of
the NH.sub.3 desorbs from UZM-8 between 400 and 550.degree. C., but
in mordenite the amount of NH.sub.3 desorbing in the same
temperature range is roughly 70% of the total. Other zeolites that
meet the desired characteristics include PSH-3, SSZ-25, MCM-22,
MCM-49 and MCM-56. The first zeolite is also characterized by its
acidity, wherein the acidity is characterized by having less than
70% of NH.sub.3 desorption off the zeolite at temperatures greater
than 400.degree. C.
[0032] The NH.sub.3-TPD experimental procedure comprises:
calibration of the NH.sub.3-TPD system with 5 injections of 0.2 cc
pulses of NH.sub.3 at 2 minute intervals into a flow of UHP grade
helium at 40 cc/minute. The data collected from the Thermal
Conductivity Detector is integrated and used to calibrate the
detector response to a known quantity of NH.sub.3. An equilibrated
sample, for moisture content is weighed at approximately 250 mg and
placed in the reactor. The sample is pretreated in a flow of 20%
O.sub.2/He UHP grade at a rate of 100 cc/minute and with a
temperature ramp of 10.degree. C./minute up to a maximum
temperature of 650.degree. C. The sample is held at this
temperature for one hour, then purged with UHP grade helium for 15
minutes and cooled to the saturation temperature. The pretreatment
is for removal of water and residual contaminants. The sample is
saturated with anhydrous NH.sub.3 at 150.degree. C. using multiple
pulses of NH.sub.3 injected into He flowing at 40 cc/min. The
minimum quantity of NH.sub.3 used to saturate the sample is 50 cc.
The excess ammonia is purged from the sample in flowing (40 cc/min)
UHP grade helium for .about.8 hours. The NH.sub.3 is desorbed from
the sample in a flow (40 cc/min) of UHP grade helium with a
temperature ramp of 10.degree. C./minute to a final temperature of
about 605.degree. C. All gases have been purified using appropriate
gas purifiers. The NH.sub.3 desorbed is detected with a Thermal
Conductivity Detector. The detector response is converted to moles
of NH.sub.3 using the detector response obtained at the beginning
of the experiment. The integrated results are reported by
integration of the temperature range of interest and reported as
mmoles NH.sub.3/g sample.
[0033] The second zeolite is a rare earth substituted X zeolite, Y
zeolite, or a zeolite having an EMT/FAU intergrowth. The
incorporation of rare earth exchanged ions in a low ratio zeolite
reduces the acidity due to an increase in the number of framework
alumina at low ratios, and also reduces geometric space in the
supercage. The reduced acidity and reduced space significantly
suppresses the isomerization and cracking pathways, while the
leaving the primary alkylation reaction unaffected. This decreases
the undesired side reactions that reduce the amount and quality of
the LAB product. This is contrary to what one would expect, as it
has been found that incorporating or leaving some alkali or
alkaline earth cations in the catalyst significantly improves the
catalyst performance. This is especially true with respect to the
performance around the linearity of the alkylbenzene, and the
retention of linearity as the operating temperatures are increased.
Normally, the alkali or alkaline earth cations are removed because
without the rare earth exchange, the alkali or alkaline earth
cations are detrimental to the catalyst life and regenerability. A
benefit of the new catalyst is an increase in the linearity of the
alkylbenzene for use in detergents.
[0034] Combining the second rare earth substituted zeolite with
UZM-8 in the correct proportions yields a single catalyst capable
of producing "on specification" LAB with respect to the
2-phenylalkane content and with exceptional linearity. The
resulting catalyst exhibits little change in 2-phenyl content or
linearity over a cycle. The catalyst is stable over time and easily
regenerated by benzene wash. Placing all of the zeolite components
within a single particle in the desired ratio eliminates any
potential for catalyst segregation and selective deactivation of
one of the components due to its position in the reactor, and it
can be used as a one to one replacement for existing solid
detergent alkylation catalysts.
[0035] While the sodium, Na, form of either the X or Y zeolite is
inactive for benzene alkylation, the zeolites must be exchanged
with less basic cations to impart catalytic activity. H-Y and US-Y
are both very active for alkylation, but their high acidity is a
problem with respect to linearity of the LAB produced due to olefin
isomerization. Skeletal isomerization can be reduced by exchanging
the Na cations with rare earth (RE) cations. RE-X and RE-Y are
active for benzene alkylation, and the acid sites of RE-X and RE-Y
are less acidic than those of H-Y. This yields a higher linearity.
In addition, it has been found that the substitution of Na should
not be complete, but some of the Na should be left behind. Too much
Na and the zeolite loses activity; too little and one creates some
strong acid sites that increase olefin isomerization. In general, Y
zeolites with RE content greater than 16.5 weight percent and with
the remaining cations being alkali and alkali earth elements or
basic amines have an optimal balance of activity, selectivity and
linearity. The Na contents greater than 0.3 weight percent are
optimal for minimizing olefin isomerization. For cations other than
Na the weight percent is based on an equal number of
equivalents.
[0036] The rare earth elements selected for cation exchange include
one or more of the following: scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), lanthanum
(La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium
(Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb),
dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thullium (Tm),
ytterbium (Yb), and lutetium (Lu). Preferred rare earth elements
include yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium
(Pr), neodymium (Nd), gadolinium (Gd), dysprosium (Dy), erbium
(Er), and ytterbium (Yb). The rare earth cations are preferably
exchanged to the extent that the resulting rare earth element to
aluminum atomic, or molar, ratio is in the range from 0.55 to 1.2.
It is preferred that the balance of cation exchange is with alkali
or alkaline earth cations for controlling the acidity of the
zeolite.
[0037] The molar ratio of the silica to alumina for a rare earth
substituted Y zeolite is less than 8, with a preferred ratio less
than 3, and a more preferred ratio between 2.8 and 4. The molar
ratio of the silica to alumina for a rare earth substituted X
zeolite is less than 8, a preferred ratio less than 4, a more
preferred ratio less than 2.8, and with a most preferred ratio
between 2 and 2.8.
[0038] The amount and choice of the first zeolite is selected for
yielding a 2-phenyl content of less than 60 mole % of the LAB
produced by the final two zeolite catalyst.
[0039] The new catalyst is for use in the selective alkylation of
an aromatic compound, with the process including contacting the
aromatic compound with an olefin having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms
in the presence of a selective zeolite catalyst at reaction
conditions, wherein the selective zeolite catalyst comprises a
zeolite mixture, the zeolite mixture comprising a first zeolite
having a UZM-8 content between 10 and 90% by weight, a second
zeolite comprising a rare earth substituted X or Y zeolite, and
comprising an amount between 10 and 90% by weight. The second
zeolite preferably has a rare earth element incorporated into the
second zeolitic framework in an amount greater than 16.5 wt %. For
detergent alkylation, the aromatic compound is benzene. The desired
olefins are normal, or linear, olefins, and lightly branched
olefins such as monomethyl olefins.
[0040] The catalyst can further include a binder wherein the binder
comprises a clay having alumina, magnesium silicates, magnesium
aluminum silicates, attapulgite, and mixtures thereof. The binder
provides hardness to the catalyst to improve the physical
durability of the catalyst from abrasion during operation.
[0041] The alkylation process is temperature dependent with
increasing temperature generally increasing the amount of skeletal
isomerization. The process is operated to obtain a controlled
yield, with the temperature increased as the catalyst ages before
regenerating the catalyst. The new catalyst minimizes skeletal
isomerization at higher temperatures. The end of the useful life of
a catalyst is often when the amount of isomerization is sufficient
to produce an LAB with a linearity that is meet a detergent
manufacturer's specification. Reducing the amount of skeletal
isomerization increases the useful life of the catalyst. The
process is operated at a temperature between 80.degree. C. and
200.degree. C., and preferably at a temperature between 100.degree.
C. to 160.degree. C. Other reaction conditions include operating at
pressures to maintain the reactants in the liquid phase. The
alkylation reactor is operated at a pressure between 1300 kPa and
7000 kPa, and preferably at a pressure is between 2500 and 4500
kPa.
[0042] The catalyst in the process uses a second zeolite that has a
low silica to alumina ratio and is an X or Y zeolite that has been
cation exchanges with a rare earth element.
[0043] Experiments were run using several zeolite combinations.
Presented here are two of the combinations that show one needs to
have a careful selection of zeolites, and the choices are not
obvious.
[0044] A first catalyst of the invention was chosen comprising 24%
UZM-8, 56% RE-Y, and 20% alumina binder and is formed as a 1/16''
extrudate using ordinary techniques. A second catalyst was chosen,
for comparison with the invention, comprising of 24% MOR, 56% RE-Y,
and 20% alumina binder and is formed as a 1/16'' extrudate using
ordinary techniques. These are similar catalysts, except for the
choice of the first zeolite. The catalysts were tested in a plug
flow reactor using a feedstock of C10 to C13 n-olefins and
n-paraffins blended with sufficient benzene to make the benzene to
olefin molar ratio equal to approximately 10. Equal volumes of
catalyst were used in the testing, and the temperature was adjusted
to obtain a high olefin conversion as measured by the Bromine
Index.
[0045] The testing process followed a two day cycle with a 24 hour
alkylation cycle and a 24 hour regeneration cycle. The regeneration
was with benzene. Very long runs were achieved by the alternating
alkylation and regeneration cycles. During the alkylation cycle,
samples were collected during the 6 to 12 hour run and the 18 to 24
hour run. The samples were then analyzed. By examining change
between the two samples, a measure of the catalyst stability can be
achieved. The first catalyst achieved complete olefin conversion as
measured by the Bromine Index (BI) of less than 5 at 135.degree.
C., whereas the second catalyst was operated at 145.degree. C. and
had a BI ranging from 10 to 27. This was very close to full
conversion. The reactor was operated at a pressure of about 3.5 MPa
(500 psig) with an LHSV of 2.35 hr.sup.-1. The results are shown in
the following Table.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Catalyst Results % of % of 1st Catalyst
initial value 2nd Catalyst initial value period 6 to 12 18 to 24 6
to 12 18 to 24 reactor inlet target T 135 135 145 145 Reactor 1
inlet T (.degree. C.) 134.1 134.0 146 145.6 Rx cat. Tmax (.degree.
C.) 136.4 136.2 148 147.7 Bromine Index <5 <5 10 27 total LAB
87.95 88.02 100 85.82 83.36 97 non-linear monoalkylate 6.41 6.442
100 8.318 9.655 116 linearity (%) 93.21 93.18 100 91.16 89.62 98
LAB/(LAB + HAB) (%) 95.01 95.09 100 94.7 93.46 99 total alkylate
94.36 94.44 100 94.13 93.02 99 2-phenyl, total alkylate (%) 26.1
29.0 111 24.6 28.6 116 cracking 1.019 1.017 100 1.063 1.146 108
HAB/(HAB + AB + LAB) (%) 4.67 4.59 98 4.9 5.9 122
[0046] As can be seen from the results, with the exception of the
2-phenyl content of the alkylate, the first catalyst exhibits very
little change in product characteristics during the alkylation
cycle. The comparison, or second, catalyst using the MOR zeolite
shows significant changes in a number of properties of the product.
With the comparison catalyst, the 2-phenyl concentration in the
total alkylate changes more during the cycle, as does the amount of
olefin isomerization. This is shown by the non-linear monoalkylate,
which is an undesired product. The amount of heavies, usually
dialkylbenzene (HAB), formed is also much larger with the second
catalyst. And from the amount of olefin isomerization, the cracking
is also higher with the second catalyst. The first catalyst
produces a superior product, and is more stable over the alkylation
cycle. This also shows that selection of zeolites for the
multi-zeolite containing catalyst is not obvious as to the
selection of the zeolites.
[0047] While the invention has been described with what are
presently considered the preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments, but it is intended to cover various modifications and
equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *