Hydrogenation Catalysts for Ethylene Producers
Selecting Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ C2 – C4/C5 hydrogenation catalyst solutions positions Ethylene producers to improve the elimination of contaminants poisonous to downstream units and the realisation of the total value to be derived from cracked olefin streams.
C2-C5 Hydrogenation
Enhance the value of derived from cracked olefin streams using C2-C5 hydrogenation solutions.
Pyrolysis Gasoline Processing
Our state-of-the-art catalysts enhance economics by optimising the extraction of valuable components present in C5+ pygas streams.
Contact Our Experts
Contact Shell Catalysts & Technologies to meet the challenges petrochemical plants face with confidence.
Hydrogenation Catalyst Solutions
Shell Catalysts & Technologies continues to be a leading provider of catalyst solutions for petrochemical customers seeking to maximise value through the purification of C2 – C4/C5 olefin streams. With an established reputation for delivering innovation, Shell Catalysts & Technologies brings a proven track record of value creation through their catalyst solutions which deliver superior stability in both activity and selectivity, in turn allowing ethylene producers to improve the value derived from C2 – C4/C5 olefin streams.
| Applications | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | Acetylene removal | Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers catalysts for both the removal of acetylene in front end (FE) and tail end (TE) operations. In FE applications, their catalysts exhibit exceptional selectivity and stability performance in a wide variety of process configurations. The catalysts are characterised by industry-leading stability in both selectivity and activity. Their extremely wide operating window allows for the safe operation in the widest range of CO concentrations. In a variety of unit designs, Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ catalyst will continue to operate effectively throughout cracker maintenance cycles. In TE applications, Shell Catalysts & Technologies catalyst exhibits proven stability under the high conversion demands required to achieve stringent outlet acetylene targets. |
| C3 | MAPD removal | For methyl acetylene and propadiene (MAPD) convertors, Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers leading catalysts for the removal of MAPD in both gas and liquid phase applications. For gas-phase applications, Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ catalyst performs well in adiabatic or isothermal operation and is effective for producers requiring stringent conversion targets. The catalyst proves itself resilient under non-optimum conditions by meeting high selectivity and activity demands throughout the catalyst cycle. For liquid-phase applications, Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers high selectivity catalysts, while minimising green-oil formation. |
| C4 | Selective trace butadiene removal | Bringing operational experience with both palladium and nickel catalysts in various reaction system designs (e.g. upflow, downflow, liquid phase, and gas phase), Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ catalyst performance in hydrogenating C4 diolefin in an alkylation stream, plays a critical role in reducing acid consumption and boosting octane through the isomerisation of 1-butene to 2-butene for HF alkylation. |
| C4/C5 | Full saturation | Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers catalysts for the saturation of C4/C5 cuts for recycle cracker streams or for the selective hydrogenation of trace diolefins in alkylation pre-treaters. Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers catalysts with optimised palladium dispersion, to minimise overall precious metal content while helping the customer realise high activity requirements. |
We Know Our Selective Hydrogenation Catalysts Work Because They Work for Us
As an owner/operator in the market, Shell Catalysts & Technologies is able to leverage its relationship with Shell manufacturing sites, to obtain catalyst performance and operations feedback to optimise catalysts and suggest solutions related to the improvement of overall ethylene cracker yields.
Hydrogenation Catalyst Frequently Asked Questions
A hydrogenation catalyst is used in an ethylene plant to remove impurities or contaminants from the process streams. Hydrogenation is any process or reaction in which hydrogen is added to unsaturated hydrocarbon molecules, known as olefins. Ethylene is a common olefin and crucial building block in the chemical industry. The hydrogenation catalyst facilitates the purification of C2–C5 olefin streams, which are found downstream of an ethylene cracker. Without a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen is normally unreactive towards these molecules.
Which catalyst is best for hydrogenation?
Which catalyst is best for hydrogenation?
The best catalyst for hydrogenation achieves a balance between cost, catalytic performance, and process requirements. C2 hydrogenation catalysts eliminate acetylene in front-end and tail-end operations, while C3-specific catalysts convert methyl acetylene and propadiene. Palladium and nickel hydrogenation catalysts effectively remove traces of butadiene by hydrogenating C4 diolefins in alkylation streams.
Does hydrogenation require a catalyst?
Does hydrogenation require a catalyst?
Hydrogenation typically requires catalysts to lower energy barriers, enhance efficiency, and improve selectivity. For example, both palladium and nickel catalysts are used for hydrogenating C4 diolefins in alkylation streams to remove traces of butadiene. The choice of hydrogenation catalyst depends on the specific reaction requirements and desired outcome.
What do catalysts do in hydrogenation?
What do catalysts do in hydrogenation?
Catalysts in hydrogenation reactions, such as those used in an ethylene plant, play a vital role in promoting the desired reactions and enhancing efficiency. They lower energy barriers, increase reaction rates, and improve selectivity, enabling milder conditions for improved performance. Hydrogenation catalysts facilitate the adsorption of hydrogen molecules, accelerating chemical bond breaking and formation, leading to faster overall reaction kinetics.
Why is a catalyst used in hydrogenation of oil?
Why is a catalyst used in hydrogenation of oil?
A catalyst is used in the hydrogenation of oil to facilitate the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated fatty acids' double bonds, providing a reaction surface. The hydrogenation catalyst lowers energy costs, increases reaction rates, improves selectivity, and enables milder conditions, contributing to the efficiency of the hydrogenation process.
How does hydrogenation work?
How does hydrogenation work?
Hydrogenation adds hydrogen to unsaturated compounds using a catalyst. In ethylene plants, it removes impurities from process streams. C2–C5 unsaturated compounds and hydrogen are introduced to the catalyst, activating hydrogen atoms on its surface. These atoms react with unsaturated compounds, breaking double or triple bonds and creating single bonds. The result is saturated molecules.
What is the catalyst in the hydrogenation reaction?
What is the catalyst in the hydrogenation reaction?
The catalyst used in the hydrogenation reaction varies based on the desired outcomes and specific conditions. In ethylene plants, common catalysts like palladium and nickel are used. Factors such as reaction conditions and economics influence the choice of hydrogenation catalyst. Each catalyst possesses distinct properties and reactivity, impacting the efficiency and selectivity of the hydrogenation reaction.
White Paper: Oil to Chemical Solutions Designed Through a Smarter Lens
The white paper explores drop-in solutions that can help enhance refinery integration towards chemicals. Explore how refills, upgrades, and revamps that leverage latest-generation catalysts can unlock major business benefits.
Trade release: Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ catalyst chosen by three largest petrochemical plants in China
Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ C2 front-end selective hydrogenation catalyst was chosen by the three largest petrochemical plants in China. Shell Catalysts & Technologies has expanded its catalyst sales to 17 ethylene producers in the China market.
Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ hydrogenation and specialty catalysts
The hydrogenation catalyst business is geared to providing top-tier catalysts for selective hydrogenation of the various product cuts associated with a steam cracker. Specifically, the catalyst products focus on selectively treating C2, C3, C4 and pyrolysis gasoline (pygas, C5+) streams.
Improve pygas hydrogenation reliability
Pygas, a by-product of ethylene production, has limited commercial value in its raw form due to its high reactivity and low stability. However, it contains many high-value components such as isoprene, benzene, toluene and xylenes, which can be extracted through multiple processing arrangements. Download our white paper to learn how you can avoid production losses and additional operating and maintenance costs.