Regeneration of zeolite catalysts of isobutane alkylation with butenes

The industrial adoption of alkylation of isoalkanes with alkenes is held back by the rapid and irreversible deactivation of the zeolite catalysts appropriate to the process. This paper is aimed specifically at the restoration of the catalytic activity and increase in the service life of zeolite alkylation catalysts. The catalyst chosen for the investigation was HLaCaNaX zeolite both unmodified and modified with various multivalence cations. The thermochemical and oxidative regeneration process as well as the equipment utilized are described. Both the advantages and the drawbacks of the method are given; explanations for the possibly irreversible losses of the catalytic properties in the regenerated zeolites are also put forward.