Optimization of the product spectrum for 1-pentene cracking on ZSM-5 using single-event methodology. Part 2: Recycle reactor

This study is the second part of a mechanistic approach to incorporate kinetics into a reactor model. The single-event kinetic modeling concept is used to optimize a recycle reactor for 1-pentene cracking on ZSM-5. A flow scheme for this kind of reactor is presented in which the reactor outlet stream is separated into C₄⁼–C₁₂⁼ olefins for recycle and into the product stream consisting of propene and ethene. Since the latter only contains propene and ethene in this idealized reactor configuration, the 1-pentene feed can be selectively converted to these lower olefins. The validity of the applied single-event kinetic model to different feed olefins is shown by comparing simulated product distributions obtained for 1-hexene, 1-pentene and 1-butene as feed to own experiments and literature results. The implemented recycle reactor model is used to optimize the reaction conditions with the aim of maximizing propene yield and minimizing ethene yield from a 1-pentene feed by varying reaction temperature as well as residence time.