An apparatus and method for improving process efficiency

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving process efficiency, belonging to the field of hypergravity technology. The apparatus includes a hypergravity device body and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet disposed on the hypergravity device body; the hypergravity device body has a rotating shaft and a rotor rotatable around the rotating shaft inside; and a liquid level control mechanism is provided at the liquid outlet. The method involves controlling the liquid level inside the hypergravity device through the liquid level control mechanism, causing liquid to accumulate at the bottom, so that a dispersed liquid in the upper part and a continuous liquid in the lower part exist simultaneously inside the hypergravity device. This invention utilizes the stagnant liquid phenomenon within the hypergravity device to increase the residence time of the liquid within the device and the liquid volume fraction in the rotor and the upper cavity, thereby improving mass transfer and increasing process efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving process efficiency, belonging to the field of hypergravity technology. Background Technology

[0002] Centrifugal devices, such as rotating packed beds, can significantly reduce equipment size. This reduction in size leads to a substantial decrease in the residence time of materials within the device. The residence time of liquid materials within the packing material of a centrifugal device is only a few hundred milliseconds. Therefore, centrifugal technology is suitable for processes that require enhanced interphase transfer and homogeneous or quasi-homogeneous mixing.

[0003] However, due to the limitation of insufficient residence time of liquid materials in centrifugal technology, for processes constrained by reaction kinetics, the use of centrifugal technology often leads to low conversion rates or unsatisfactory yields of the target product. In mass transfer control, centrifugal technology also frequently exhibits insufficient reaction or separation efficiency as a result.

[0004] Meanwhile, in all current hypergravity technologies, the liquid is broken into a dispersed phase by the rotor after entering the hypergravity device, allowing it to fully contact the gas phase and improve gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency. Therefore, traditionally, the accumulation (stagnant liquid) of liquid in a continuous phase at the bottom of a hypergravity device is considered detrimental to gas-liquid mass transfer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for improving process efficiency. A liquid level control mechanism is set at the liquid outlet of a hypergravity device. The liquid stagnation phenomenon of the hypergravity device is used to overcome the limitation of insufficient liquid residence time in the device, thereby increasing the liquid residence time in the device and the liquid volume fraction in the rotor and upper cavity, thus improving mass transfer effect and increasing process efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following specific technical solution:

[0007] An apparatus for improving process efficiency includes a supergravity device body and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet disposed on the supergravity device body; the supergravity device body is provided with a rotating shaft and a rotor that can rotate around the rotating shaft; and a liquid level control mechanism is provided at the liquid outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the operations performed within the hypergravity device may include physical or chemical processes such as absorption, desorption, distillation, or reaction. The system in which the operation takes place may be a gas-liquid system, a liquid-liquid system, or a gas-liquid-liquid system.

[0009] To accommodate different operations and operating systems, the supergravity device body may also be equipped with other gas or liquid inlets and corresponding gas or liquid outlets.

[0010] Preferably, the liquid outlet is located below or to the side of the supergravity device body; the liquid inlet is located on one axial side of the supergravity device body.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid level control mechanism includes one or more combinations of a liquid level regulating valve, a bend, or a side pipe. More preferably, the liquid level control mechanism is a combination of a liquid level regulating valve and a bend, or a combination of a liquid level regulating valve and a side pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the rotor is an annular rotor with radial channels.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for improving process efficiency using the aforementioned device: during operation, the liquid level inside the body of the hypergravity device is controlled by a liquid level control mechanism, so that liquid accumulation (stagnant liquid) is formed at the bottom of the body of the hypergravity device, so that a dispersed liquid in the upper part and a continuous liquid in the lower part exist simultaneously in the body of the hypergravity device.

[0014] Preferably, the operations performed within the supergravity device may include physical or chemical processes such as absorption, desorption, distillation, or reaction.

[0015] Preferably, the system in operation may include a gas-liquid system, a liquid-liquid system, a gas-liquid-liquid system, etc.

[0016] Furthermore, the material contact method in the operation may include countercurrent contact, cross-flow contact, or parallel flow contact.

[0017] Furthermore, the hypergravity level of the hypergravity device body during operation can generally be 10-1000g.

[0018] Furthermore, during operation, the amount of stagnant liquid forming at the bottom of the supergravity device body accounts for less than 100% of the internal volume of the supergravity device body; preferably, the proportion of stagnant liquid is 5-40% of the internal volume of the supergravity device body.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0020] (1) It breaks and overturns the traditional understanding in the field that “if a certain amount of liquid is left in the lower part of the supergravity device” is a defect. Instead, it takes advantage of this and further sets up a liquid level control mechanism and controls the corresponding process to increase the residence time of the liquid in the device and the liquid volume fraction in the rotor and the upper cavity, thereby improving the mass transfer effect.

[0021] (2) This method overcomes the limitations caused by insufficient residence time of liquid materials in traditional high-gravity equipment. For processes constrained by reaction kinetics, this method can significantly improve the conversion rate or the yield of the target product. For mass transfer control processes, this method can significantly improve the mass transfer efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the background technology and the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings may only show some embodiments of the present invention, and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for improving process efficiency according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another device for improving process efficiency according to the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Liquid inlet; 201-Bend; 202-Side pipe; 3-Liquid outlet; 4-Gas inlet; 5-Gas outlet; 6-Main body of the supergravity device; 7-Rotor; 8-Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" or "a number" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] A device for improving process efficiency, referring to Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a supergravity device body 6 and a liquid inlet 1 and a liquid outlet 3 disposed on the supergravity device body 6; the supergravity device body 6 has a rotating shaft and a rotor 7 that can rotate around the rotating shaft inside; a liquid level control mechanism is provided at the liquid outlet 3. The rotor 7 is driven by an external motor 8.

[0029] To accommodate different operations and operating systems, the main body 6 of the hypergravity device may also be equipped with other gas or liquid inlets and corresponding gas or liquid outlets.

[0030] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the liquid inlet 1 is located on one axial side of the hypergravity device body 6, the liquid outlet 3 is located radially below the hypergravity device body 6, the hypergravity device body 6 has a gas inlet 4 on top, and the hypergravity device body 6 has a gas outlet 5 on one axial side.

[0031] The system used in the operation is a gas-liquid system, a liquid-liquid system, or a gas-liquid-liquid system. As a preferred embodiment, the system is a gas-liquid system.

[0032] The liquid level control mechanism includes a liquid level regulating valve and a bend 201, which can set and regulate the speed and flow rate of liquid outflow online, thereby controlling and regulating the stagnant liquid level in the body 6 of the hypergravity device.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, rotor 7 is an annular rotor with radial channels; the rotor 7 may be filled with wire mesh packing, or may employ structures such as porous corrugated plates, baffles, guide plates, stator-rotor systems, or integral packing. The stagnant liquid is continuously stirred and carried by rotor 7, causing some liquid phase material to re-enter the upper space of the hypergravity device, resulting in an increase in the liquid holdup within the rotor.

[0034] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the liquid outlet 3 is radially located on the side of the supergravity device body 6, and the liquid level control mechanism includes a liquid level regulating valve and a side pipe 202.

[0035] A method for improving process efficiency using the aforementioned device: During operation, the liquid level within the body 6 of the hypergravity device is controlled by a liquid level control mechanism, causing liquid to accumulate at the bottom of the body 6. This results in the simultaneous presence of a dispersed liquid at the top and a continuous liquid at the bottom within the body 6. The increased residence time and liquid holdup of the liquid phase material in the hypergravity device are beneficial to gas-liquid mass transfer and reaction processes, thereby significantly improving process efficiency.

[0036] As different implementations, the operations performed within the supergravity device body 6 may include physical or chemical processes such as absorption, desorption, distillation, and reaction.

[0037] As different implementation methods, the system in question may include a gas-liquid system, a liquid-liquid system, a gas-liquid-liquid system, etc.

[0038] As different implementation methods, the material contact methods in the operation include countercurrent contact, cross-flow contact, or parallel flow contact.

[0039] As a preferred embodiment, the hypergravity level of the hypergravity device body 6 during operation can be 10-1000g.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, during operation, the amount of stagnant liquid forming at the bottom of the hypergravity device body 6 accounts for less than 100% of the internal volume of the hypergravity device body 6; in a more preferred embodiment, the proportion of stagnant liquid is 5-40% of the internal volume of the hypergravity device body 6.

[0041] Specifically, taking a gas-liquid system as an example, during operation, the liquid outlet 3 is first closed, and a certain volume of liquid is introduced into the body 6 of the hypergravity device to form a stagnant liquid. Then, gas is introduced into the body 6 of the hypergravity device, the rotor 7 is turned on, and the feeding system and the liquid outlet 3 are turned on at the same time. The flow rates of the liquid inlet 1 and the liquid outlet 3 are kept consistent through the liquid level control mechanism. The gas and liquid phases are fully transferred in the stagnant hypergravity device body 6 to achieve the purpose of improving process efficiency.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, ozone was used to treat an actual organic wastewater with a volume of 400 mL, which accounts for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device, and a hypergravity level of 18.7 g. The ozone absorption rate was 48.8% and the COD removal rate was 16.3%.

[0044] Comparative Example 1

[0045] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation. The hypergravity level was 33.3g, the ozone absorption rate was 14.5%, and the COD removal rate was 8.1%.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, ammonium sulfite is oxidized with ozone. The volume of the liquid is 400 mL, which accounts for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device. The hypergravity level is 33.3 g. The time required for complete oxidation of ammonium sulfite is 25 min.

[0048] Comparative Example 2

[0049] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 33.3g, and the time required to completely oxidize ammonium sulfite was 45 minutes.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, HCl in flue gas was absorbed by NaOH. The liquid volume was 400 mL, accounting for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device, the hypergravity level was 102 g, and the HCl absorption rate was 98.5%.

[0052] Comparative Example 3

[0053] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 102g, and the HCl absorption rate was 85.1%.

[0054] Example 4

[0055] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, CO2 in flue gas was absorbed with hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine (AEEA). The liquid volume was 400 mL, accounting for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device, the hypergravity level was 52.1 g, and the CO2 absorption rate was 77.8%.

[0056] Comparative Example 4

[0057] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 52.1g, and the CO2 absorption rate was 33.4%.

[0058] Example 5

[0059] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, SO2 in flue gas is absorbed by Na2SO3 with a liquid volume of 400 mL, which accounts for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device, and the hypergravity level is 102 g. The SO2 absorption rate is 99.6%.

[0060] Comparative Example 5

[0061] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 102g, and the SO2 absorption rate was 96.1%.

[0062] Example 6

[0063] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, NO in flue gas is treated with NaOH solution and O3. X The volume of the stagnant liquid was 400 mL, accounting for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device, and the hypergravity level was 102 g. NO X The absorption rate is 89.6%.

[0064] Comparative Example 6

[0065] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stasis; the hypergravity level was 102g; NO X The absorption rate is 65.5%.

[0066] Example 7

[0067] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, H2S in flue gas was absorbed with methyl diethanolamine (MDEA). The liquid volume was 300 mL, accounting for 9% of the volume of the hypergravity device, the hypergravity level was 102 g, and the H2S absorption rate was 99.9%.

[0068] Comparative Example 7

[0069] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 102g, and the H2S absorption rate was 98.0%.

[0070] Example 8

[0071] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, oxygen is extracted from water with N2 gas, the volume of the liquid is 300 mL, accounting for 9% of the volume of the hypergravity device, the hypergravity level is 52.1 g, and the deoxygenation rate is 99.5%.

[0072] Comparative Example 8

[0073] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 52.1g, and the deoxygenation rate was 97.1%.

[0074] Example 9

[0075] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, ammonia nitrogen wastewater was stripped by air, with a residual liquid volume of 300 mL, accounting for 9% of the volume of the supergravity device, a supergravity level of 52.1 g, and an ammonia nitrogen removal rate of 92.6%.

[0076] Comparative Example 9

[0077] Using a standard supergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the supergravity level was 52.1g, and the ammonia nitrogen removal rate was 80.4%.

[0078] Example 10

[0079] Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound, was stripped from wastewater by air. The volume of the stagnant liquid was 400 mL, accounting for 12% of the volume of the hypergravity device, the hypergravity level was 52.1 g, and the formaldehyde stripping rate was 88.9%.

[0080] Comparative Example 10

[0081] Using a standard hypergravity device, there was no liquid stagnation, the hypergravity level was 52.1g, and the formaldehyde removal rate was 61.4%.

[0082] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for improving process efficiency, characterized in that, The device includes a hypergravity device body and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet disposed on the hypergravity device body; the hypergravity device body is provided with a rotating shaft and a rotor that can rotate around the rotating shaft; the liquid outlet is provided with a liquid level control mechanism. The liquid level control mechanism includes one or more combinations of a liquid level regulating valve, a bend, or a side pipe, used to control the liquid level inside the body of the hypergravity device, so that liquid accumulates at the bottom of the body of the hypergravity device, so that when the rotor rotates, its lower part directly stirs and carries the accumulated liquid, so that there are simultaneously dispersed liquid in the upper part and continuous liquid in the lower part of the body of the hypergravity device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet is located below or to the side of the supergravity device body; the liquid inlet is located on one axial side of the supergravity device body.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level control mechanism is a combination of a liquid level regulating valve and a bend, or a combination of a liquid level regulating valve and a side pipe.

4. A method for improving process efficiency using the apparatus for improving process efficiency according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The liquid level inside the hypergravity device is controlled by a liquid level control mechanism, so that liquid accumulates at the bottom of the hypergravity device. This results in the simultaneous presence of a dispersed liquid in the upper part and a continuous liquid volume in the lower part of the hypergravity device. When the rotor rotates, the lower part directly stirs and carries the accumulated liquid, thereby prolonging the residence time of the liquid phase material in the hypergravity device and increasing the liquid holding capacity.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The amount of stagnant liquid forming at the bottom of the supergravity device body accounts for less than 100% of the internal volume of the supergravity device body.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The percentage of the stagnant liquid is 5-40% of the internal volume of the supergravity device.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The operations performed within the supergravity device include absorption, desorption, distillation, or reaction of physical or chemical processes.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The system in which the operation is performed is a gas-liquid system, a liquid-liquid system, or a gas-liquid-liquid system.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The material contact methods in the operation include countercurrent contact, cross-flow contact, or co-flow contact.

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