Bp Corporation North America Inc.

Bp Oil International Limited

Eric J Doskocil

Avelino Corma

George Yaluris

Cristina Martinez

A modified zeolite catalyst derived from a zeolite of a structural type which consists of a one-dimensional micropore structure of channels made from rings containing between 8 and 12 silicon/aluminum atoms is disclosed. It consists substantially of a plurality of crystallites having additional mesoporosity whose volume is in the range 0.09 to 0.25 cc/g as mentioned by nitrogen adsorption at 77&#xb0; K and calculated by the BJH method. The mesoporosity may be introduced into the crystallites by e.g. treatment with aqueous sodium hydroxide at a pH at 25&#xb0; C. in excess of 8 for an extended period at elevated temperature. The catalyst shows improved resistance to catalyst deactivation and greater selectivity to higher hydrocarbons when used to e.g. oligomerize light alkenes e.g. propene or the butenes.

Modified zeolite catalyst

Disclosed is a process for producing a hydrocarbon fraction rich in components boiling in the range typical for diesel fuel comprising contacting a feedstock comprising one or more Cto Calkenes with a zeolite catalyst having partially neutralised acidity and a one-dimensional or two dimensional micropore structure consisting of channels made from rings containing between 10 and 12 silicon/aluminium atoms at a temperature in the range 373 to 773 K and pressure in the range 0.1 to 200 bar characterised in that the partially neutralized zeolite catalyst contains both protons and basic cations. The basic cations are preferably selected from the group comprising Group IA and IIA cations (preferably sodium, potassium, caesium or mixtures thereof). Relative to their equivalent fully protonic forms the partially neutralized zeolite catalysts described show improved catalyst life and selectivity to hydrocarbons.

Alkene oligomerization process

Disclosed is a process for producing a hydrocarbon fraction rich in components boiling in the range typical for diesel fuel comprising contacting a feedstock comprising one or more Cto Calkenes with a modified zeolite catalyst having a one-dimensional micropore structure consisting of channels made from rings containing between 8 and 12 silicon/aluminum atoms at a temperature in the range 100 to 500&#xb0; C. and pressure in the range 0.1 to 200 bar characterized in that the modified zeolite catalyst is one which has been prepared by treating a corresponding zeolite precursor with an alkaline solution. The alkaline solution used to treat the zeolite precursor can be for example aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Relative to equivalent untreated zeolites the modified zeolite catalysts described show improved catalyst life and selectivity to hydrocarbons boiling in the range 250 to 350&#xb0; C.

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Oswego, IL, United States of America

Eric J Doskocil