The
impact of different process variables affecting the coking
and rejuvenation of HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst has been studied during
the conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) to olefins in a fixed bed reactor.
Those variables involve the effect of (i) the matrix material with
mesopores; (ii) temperature; (iii) space time; (iv) acidity of the
catalyst; (v) steam, inert or air in the reaction-regeneration medium.
Used catalysts have been characterized through N2 adsorption-desorption
and temperature-programmed oxidation, and the presence of three coke
fractions has been identified, deposited within the zeolite micropores,
the external surface of the crystals and the mesopores of the matrix.
Low Si/Al ratios (140) and temperatures (350 °C), and cofeeding
water with DME, reduce the formation of coke within the zeolite micropores,
favoring the stability of the catalyst. Reaction-regeneration cycles
confirm that catalysts totally recover the activity through combustion
of coke during a heating ramp up to 550 °C.