Enhanced conversion of syngas to propylene
AssigneeDow Global Technologies LLC
InventorsPeter E. Groenendijk, Cornelis Hovingh
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Abstract
Conversion of synthesis gas to propylene is enhanced via a stepped process wherein a Fischer-Tropsch reaction is first carried out, followed by recovery of propylene produced thereby and then use of product ethylene and unreacted syngas in a hydroformylation reaction to produce propanol, which is then dehydrated to form additional propylene. The process enables significant enhancement of propylene yield that is efficient and makes use of ethylene that is a byproduct of Fischer-Tropsch processes that are employed primarily for production of higher olefms, such as hexene and octene. Thus, it can be carried out in conjunction with already on-line Fischer-Tropsch facilities.
Claims10
A process to prepare propylene comprising the steps of:
- (a) subjecting a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, to a Fischer-Tropsch reaction under conditions such that a product including propylene, ethylene, unconverted hydrogen gas, and unconverted carbon monoxide gas is formed;
- (b) recovering at least a portion of the propylene therefrom;
- (c) subjecting at least a portion of the ethylene, unconverted hydrogen gas and unconverted carbon monoxide gas, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, to a hydroformylation reaction under conditions such that a product including propanol is formed;
- (d) recovering at least a portion of the propanol therefrom;
- (e) dehydrating at least a portion of the propanol under conditions such that a product including propylene is formed;
- and
- (f) recovering at least a portion of the propylene therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.