Mixed Matrix Adsorbent for Separation of Gasoline Components

Abstract

A mixed matrix adsorbent is found for use in the removal of light alkanes from a gasoline stream. The mixed matrix comprises two adsorbents with one adsorbent having an LTA type structure and the other adsorbent having an MFI structure.

1 . A mixed matrix adsorbent for use in removing normal paraffins from a gasoline stream, comprising:
 at least two adsorbents, having a first adsorbent comprising an LTA zeolite in an amount from 5% to 95% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent; and   a second adsorbent comprising an MFI type molecular sieve in an amount from 5% and 95% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent.   
     
     
         2 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 1  wherein the LTA zeolite is an A-zeolite. 
     
     
         3 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 2  wherein the A-zeolite is exchanged with a location selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 1  wherein the MFI type molecular sieve is silicalite. 
     
     
         5 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 1  wherein the LTA zeolite is from 50% to 95% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         6 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 5  wherein the LTA zeolite is from 70% to 90% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         7 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 1  wherein the silicalite is from 5% to 50% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         8 . The mixed matrix adsorbent of  claim 7  wherein the silicalite is from 10% to 30% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         9 . A process for removing low octane components from gasoline, comprising:
 passing gasoline over a mixed matrix adsorbent comprising at least two adsorbents for selectively removing low octane components; and   passing a high molecular weight desorbent to remove the low octane components from the mixed adsorbent.   
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 9  wherein the low octane components are normal pentane and hexane and heptane hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 9  wherein the high molecular weight desorbent is a normal octane to dodecane hydrocarbon. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11  wherein the desorbent is normal decane. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 9  wherein the mixed matrix adsorbent comprises:
 a first adsorbent comprising an LTA zeolite in an amount from 5% to 95% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent; and   a second adsorbent comprising an MFI type molecular sieve in an amount from 5% and 95% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent.   
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 13  wherein the LTA zeolite is an A-zeolite. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 14  wherein the A-zeolite is exchanged with a cation selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 13  wherein the MFI type molecular sieve is silicalite. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 13  wherein the LTA zeolite is from 50% to 95% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 17  wherein the LTA zeolite is from 70% to 90% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 13  wherein the silicalite is from 5% to 50% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent. 
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 19  wherein the silicalite is from 10% to 30% by volume of the mixed matrix adsorbent.