Hexene catalytic cracking over 30% sapo-34 catalyst for propylene maximization: influence of reaction conditions and reaction pathway exploration

Abstract

Higher olefins are produced as a by product in a number of refinery processes and are one of the potential raw materials to produce propylene. In the present study, FCC model feed compound was considered to explore the olefin cracking features and options to enhance propylene using 30% SAPO-34 zeolite as catalyst in a micro-reactor. The superior selectivity of propylene (73 wt%) and higher total olefin selectivity was obtained over 30% SAPO-34 catalyst than over Y or ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts. The thermodynamical constraints were found to be relatively less serious in the case of 1-hexene conversion. Most of the 1-hexene follows a direct cracking pathway to give two propylene molecules, due to weak acid sites and better diffusion opportunities. The higher temperature and short residence time could also suppress the hydrogen transfer reactions. From OPE (olefins performance envelop) the products were classified as primary, secondary, or both. Iso-hexene (2-methyl-2-pentene) cracking was also analyzed in order to justify a shape selective effect of the SAPO-34 catalyst. A detailed integrated reaction network together with an associated mechanism was proposed and discussed in detail for their fundamental importance in understanding the olefin cracking processes over SAPO-34.