Jacques Monnier

A study of catalyst formulations for isomerization of C7 hydrocarbons

Abstract Zeolite and alumina based catalysts are screened for activity and selectivity in the isomerization of n -heptane. Pt, Ni, Co, Fe, Zn, La and combinations thereof are introduced to the catalysts via inorganic (chloride, nitrate) or organometallic (carbonyl, acetylacetonate) precursors. Pt/UY and Pt/VUY catalysts show the greatest activity and selectivity to isomers, with up to 94% selectivity to isomers at 72% conversion. Their isomerization activity and selectivity increase with Pt loading up to 1.5 and 1.0%, respectively. For Pt/faujasite catalysts that show good selectivity to isomers over cracked products, isomerization of n -C 7 to multibranched isomers occurs in consecutive steps. The ratio of monobranched to dibranched isomers is a unique function of conversion regardless of catalyst formulation or processing conditions. However, the selectivity to isomers over cracked products at a given conversion is a strong function of catalyst preparation and processing conditions. Less selective catalysts yield monobranched isomers, multibranched isomers, and cracked products in parallel. Pt/faujasite catalysts strongly resist inhibition by naphthenic and aromatic cyclic compounds, and are therefore suitable for the isomerization of a realistic naphtha cut. Methylcyclohexane (MCH) is isomerised without ring opening to an equilibrium mixture of C 7 naphthenes while toluene is hydrogenated and partially isomerised. Conversion of n -C 7 and mixed feeds yields a product stream containing branched isomers having much higher research octane rating.

Production of high quality cetane enhancer from depitched tall oil

Abstract Tall oil (anglicized Swedish term for pine oil) is a co-product in the Kraft pulping of resinous softwood trees such as spruce and pine. A technology to convert tall oil into high quality diesel additive has been developed and licensed to Arbokem of Vancouver to market the process worldwide. Laboratory and pilot-scale studies were carried out to characterize the product properties and to determine the fundamental and engineering parameters for process scale-up. The tall oil was supplied by BC Chemicals of Prince George, B.C. Pilot plant runs were also carried out to generate volumes of the diesel cut for blending with a base diesel provided by Petro-Canada Products. The blend (PineDiesel) was used for road tests by Canada Post Corporation and for emission tests by Environment Canada. This paper describes the tall oil conversion at pilot-plant scale. A lumped parameter kinetics model used to guide the process is also presented.