Synthesis of ethylene and propylene on a SAPO-34 silica—alumina—phosphate catalyst

Abstract

A process for the preparation of ethylene and propylene from methanol on a microporous silica—alumina—phosphate SAPO-34 catalyst is described. The influence of the temperature and the nature and concentration of the diluting agent on the catalyst activity, its selectivity with respect to C2=-C4= olefins, and ability to be regenerated were studied. The SAPO-34 catalyst was shown to be highly effective in the selectivity of ethylene and propylene formation; the total yield of C2=-C4= olefins at 350–450°C was 77–84% and methanol conversion was up to 96–99%. In the conversion of methanol under helium at 450°C, the yield of ethylene (∼36%) was higher than at 375°C (∼29%), while the yield of propylene (∼30%) was lower (∼38%). The use of water and helium vapors as a diluent increased the yield of ethylene to ∼36% at 375°C and to ∼50% at 450°C. In the conversion of methanol at 450°C in water vapors without helium, the yield of ethylene reached ∼44–49% and the yield of propylene was 24–29%. The C3= to C2= ratio in the process varied from ∼0.5 to 1.5. The high efficiency of the SAPO-34 catalyst is the consequence of the microporous structure of zeolite and the high content of acid centers of medium strength. In the course of methanol conversion, the catalyst was deactivated due to coking. After regeneration with air at 550°C, the catalyst activity was completely restored, while the crystal structure and the acid properties did not change. The activity of the catalyst in a cycle is prolonged if water vapors are used as a diluent and the catalyst is processed at a high temperature with vapors. The industrial processes for the production of ethylene and propylene from nonpetroleum materials are not used in Russia. The results of this study are comparable to the data obtained from the UOP/Norsk Hydro process on the SAPO-34 catalyst. The catalyst can be recommended for further trials on an FCC type pilot plant with a moving catalyst bed.