Ethylene Dimerization by a Homogeneous Ti-Based Three-Component Catalyst System: Process Evaluation and Optimization of Parametric Performance

Abstract This research utilizes the design of experimental (DOE) methodology by Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) to optimize various operating parameters of a Ti-based homogeneous catalyst in presence of the mixture of two modifiers and triethylaluminum (TEA) as activator for production of 1-butene in the ethylene dimerization reaction. 2,5–dimethoxytetrahydrofuran (2,5-DMTHF) and tetrahydropyran (THP) were used as modifiers. L9 OA of the Taguchi technique was implemented to evaluate the influence of four factors (i.e. reaction temperature, ethylene pressure, Al/Ti molar ratio, and mixed modifiers/Ti molar ratio) at three levels on the overall selectivity to 1-butene (wt. %). The process parameters were optimized and ranked using data obtained from mean S/N ratios for overall selectivity to 1-butene. Also, confirmation experiment was performed to prove effectiveness of the Taguchi technique and validity of the predicted results.