Title : Catalytic conversion of low-density polyethylene/HVGO blend to light olefins over zeolite catalyst
Abstract:
Three mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst additives with different Si/Al ratio were synthesized using simple hydrothermal rapid ageing synthesis approach. The ZSM-5 additives were mixed with equilibrium catalyst (E-Cat) in the ratio of 85%E-Cat:15%ZSM-5. The catalysts were used for the catalytic cracking of 2.5%LDPE/HVGO at 600 oC in Micro Activity Test (MAT) unit. The results of these tests were compared with commercial ZSM-5 additive (E-Cat/ZSM-5(COM)). The 2.5%LDPE/HVGO cracking over E-Cat/ZSM-5(COM) shows low conversion (of 74.95%) than the E-Cat catalyst (with conversion of 79.91%), and this was ascribed to the diffusion limitation that result due to the pore size of ZSM-5(COM) additive. In the case of mesoporous ZSM-5(50) additive, the conversion increases to 83.68%. The total gas yield increases from 40.3% in E-Cat to 47.4% in E-Cat/ZSM-5(50), where the light olefins yield increases from 26.78% in E-Cat to 35.17% in E-Cat/ZSM-5(50). The ethylene and propylene yields increase from 2.58% and 4.27% in E-Cat to 11.58% and 17.95% in E-Cat/ZSM-5(50). The increase performance due to the ZSM-5(50) additive is ascribed to its textural properties that minimizes the diffusion limitations observed in the case of ZSM-5(COM). Similarly, the activity of ZSM-5 additive with various Si/Al ratio was further compared. The cracking of 2.5%LDPE/HVGO over ZSM-5(25) result in conversion of 75.5%, which increases to 81% in the case of ZSM-5(75), and the total gas yield increases from 39.24% to 51.14%, where the light olefins increases from 29.82% to 38.44%. The ethylene and propylene yields increase from 3.55% and 14.65% to 4.79% and 19.91% respectively. The improved performance of ZSM-5(75) over the other zeolites was due to its suitable acid sites and textural properties. This approach offers a sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste and decreasing carbon emissions, while also advancing the chemical industry towards a more sustainable future.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- The audience will gain insights into the effects of different mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst additives, specifically focusing on their Si/Al ratio, on the catalytic cracking process of 2.5%LDPE/HVGO. They'll learn about the performance enhancements observed due to variations in textural properties and acid sites.
- This knowledge will benefit professionals in the chemical industry involved in catalysis and refining processes. They can apply these findings to optimize catalytic converters, design more efficient catalysts, and improve the yield of desired products like light olefins, thereby enhancing their performance in catalytic cracking operations
- Other faculty members involved in research or teaching related to catalysis, chemical engineering, or sustainable technologies could use this research as a reference to expand their own studies. It provides insights into the impact of catalyst properties on conversion rates and product yields, aiding in the exploration of similar or diverse catalyst systems.
