Patent ID: 7692001
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: B01J

Abstract:
1. A process for the continuous hydrogenolysis of a carbohydrate to produce polyols and glycols comprising the steps of: a) Providing a single reactor; b) Providing a water-stable catalyst in the single reactor, wherein the water-stable catalyst consists essentially of about 45 wt % to about 55 wt % nickel, up to about 0.5 wt % of a metal promoter, about 40 wt % to about 50 wt % alumina, and about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % silica binder, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the water-stable catalyst, and the water-stable catalyst is made by first co-precipitating and calcining the nickel, alumina and optionally the metal promoter to form a nickel, alumina and optional metal promoter precursor and then mixing the silica binder with the nickel, alumina and optional metal promoter precursor to form the water-stable catalyst; c) Heating the water-stable catalyst to about 180° C. to about 300° C.; d) Providing and maintaining a hydrogen gas to the reactor to achieve a pressure of about 1000 psig to about 3000 psig; and e) Continuously passing a liquid feed stream, containing about 15 wt % to about 50 wt % of a carbohydrate dissolved in a polar liquid through the reactor in the presence of the hydrogen and the water-stable catalyst.