TITLE: Catalyst and process development for synthesis gas conversion to isobutylene. Final report, September 1, 1990--January 31, 1994.

AUTHOR: R. G. Anthony;   A. Akgerman;   C. V. Philip;   C. Erkey;   Z. Feng.

INST.  AUTHOR: Texas A and M Univ., College Station. Dept. of Chemical Engineering.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  1 Mar 95,  170p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE95016680INW

ABSTRACT:

This project was initiated because the supply of isobutylene had been identified as a limitation on the production of methyl-t-butyl ether, a gasoline additive. Prior research on isobutylene synthesis had been at low conversion (less than 5%) or extremely high pressures (greater than 300 bars). The purpose of this research was to optimize the synthesis of a zirconia based catalyst, determine process conditions for producing isobutylene at pressures less than 100 bars, develop kinetic and reactor models, and simulate the performance of fixed bed, trickle bed and slurry flow reactors. A catalyst, reactor models and optimum operating conditions have been developed for producing isobutylene from coal derived synthesis gas. The operating conditions are much less severe than the reaction conditions developed by the Germans during and prior to WWII. The low conversion, i.e. CO conversion less than 15%, have been perceived to be undesirable for a commercial process. However, the exothermic nature of the reaction and the ability to remove heat from the reactor could limit the extent of conversion for a fixed bed reactor. Long residence times for trickle or slurry (bubble column) reactors could result in high CO conversion at the expense of reduced selectivities to iso C(sub 4) compounds. Economic studies based on a preliminary design, and a specific  location will be required to determine the commercial feasibility of the process.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/90045-T15

CONTRACT  NUMBER: AC22-90PC90045