Fractionation system and method

Abstract

An apparatus includes a distillation vessel configured to receive a mixture. The apparatus includes a column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel. A mesh is disposed in the post. The apparatus includes a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices. A fractionator head is fluidly connected to the column. The column is fluidly connected between the distillation vessel and the fractionating head.

Description

Field of the Technology

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of distillation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for fractional distillation. Background Art

[0002] Fractional distillation is a technique for separating individual components or constituents of a compositional mixture or composition. Fractional distillation takes advantage of the fact that each component of a compositional composition or mixture (composed of several different constituents) has a unique boiling point or vaporization point that is different from the boiling points of the other constituents of the compositional composition. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, a device includes a distillation vessel configured to receive a mixture. In some embodiments, the device includes a column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel. In some embodiments, a mesh is disposed in the column. In some embodiments, the device includes a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices. In some embodiments, a fractionation head is fluidly connected to the column. In some embodiments, the column is fluidly connected between the distillation vessel and the fractionation head.

[0004] In some embodiments, the fractionation head includes a magnetically activated diverter.

[0005] In some embodiments, the magnetically activated diverter is configured to be controlled by a timer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device includes a pressure relief valve.

[0007] In some embodiments, the device includes a collection vessel configured to receive a first portion of the mixture.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first one of the plurality of conduits is fluidly connected to the fractionation head.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mesh is made of a corrosion-resistant metal. In some embodiments, the corrosion-resistant metal includes at least one of stainless steel, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method includes obtaining a liquid mixture. In some embodiments, the method includes separating the liquid mixture by heating the liquid mixture in a distillation vessel. In some embodiments, the separation includes flowing vapor of the liquid mixture into contact with a column having a mesh and flowing through a fractionation head fluidly connected to the column. In some embodiments, the method includes collecting a first portion of the separated liquid mixture.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method includes controlling the fractionation head via a timer to control the separation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fractionation head comprises a magnetically activated diverter controlled by the timer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method comprises collecting a second portion of the separated liquid mixture.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method comprises evacuating the fractionation head via a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices.

[0015] In some embodiments, the liquid mixture comprises a compound of the following molecular formula:

[0016]

[0017] wherein: R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group, or a branched-chain alkyl group, and wherein M is a metal.

[0018] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a distillation vessel configured to receive a liquid mixture comprising a compound of the following molecular formula:

[0019]

[0020] wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group, or a branched-chain alkyl group, and wherein M is a metal. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel and configured to receive vapor from the distillation vessel. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a corrosion-resistant mesh disposed in the column. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a magnetically activated diverter fluidly connected to the column and configured to receive the vapor from the column.

[0021] In some embodiments, the magnetically activated diverter is configured to be controlled by a timer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a collection vessel configured to receive a first portion of the liquid mixture.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first one of the plurality of conduits is fluidly connected to the magnetically activated diverter.

[0024] In some embodiments, the corrosion-resistant mesh is made of a corrosion-resistant metal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the corrosion-resistant metal comprises at least one of stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Now, with specific and detailed reference to the figures, it should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are by way of example and for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the description in conjunction with the figures enables those skilled in the art to clearly understand how to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 A fractionation system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method for fractionation according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Fractionation is a technique for separating individual components or constituents that make up a mixture or composition. Fractionation utilizes the fact that each component of a composition or mixture (composed of several different components) has a unique boiling point or vaporization point that is different from the boiling points of the other components of the composition. Existing fractionation systems can be inefficient, unable to meet purity requirements, or both inefficient and unable to meet purity requirements. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improved fractionation systems that, in some embodiments, are efficient and capable of meeting the purification requirements for distilling liquid mixtures.

[0030] Figure 1 A fractionation system 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The fractionation system 100 includes a distillation vessel 102, a column 104, a mesh 106, a plurality of conduits 108 configured to fluidly connect to respective vacuum devices, and a fractionation head 110.

[0031] In some embodiments, the distillation vessel 102 is configured to receive a mixture, such as a liquid mixture. In some embodiments, the distillation vessel 102 can be, for example, a round-bottom flask, a conical flask, or a similar container capable of receiving a liquid mixture and being heated. In some embodiments, heat can be applied, for example, by a Bunsen burner or the like. It should be understood that this is an example, and the manner of applying heat to the distillation vessel 102 is not intended to be limiting.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the column 104 is fluidly connected to the distillation vessel 102 at a first end 112. According to some embodiments, the column 104 is fluidly connected to the fractionation head 110 at a second end 114. Between the first end 112 and the second end 114, the column 104 includes a mesh 106.

[0033] In some embodiments, the column 104 has a length L1. The length L1 can be selected based on, for example, the specific application of the liquid mixture being fractionated.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mesh 106 spans the length L2. In some embodiments, the length L2 is less than the length L1. In some embodiments, the length L2 can be selected based on, for example, a particular application of the liquid mixture being fractionated. In some embodiments, the length L2 can be selected based on the length L2.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mesh 106 is formed of a corrosion-resistant metal. In some embodiments, the corrosion-resistant metal comprises at least one of stainless steel, corrosion-resistant nickel alloys, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that these materials are examples. In some embodiments, non-metallic materials can be used for the mesh 106. For example, in some embodiments, the mesh can be made of glass, ceramic, a combination thereof, or the like.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mesh 106 can have a high surface area and a high porosity. Thus, in some embodiments, the high surface area and high porosity can provide a low pressure drop across the column. Thus, in some embodiments, the column length and separation efficiency can be increased without increasing the temperature to which the distillation vessel 102 is heated to cause distillation to occur.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mesh 106 can be formed from a plurality of flat material strips. In some embodiments, the flat material strips can be a corrosion-resistant metal or other materials, such as glass, ceramic, a combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, a configuration comprising flat material strips woven together can increase the surface area of the mesh 106 (i.e., increase the surface area to volume ratio) compared to the volume of the mesh 106. It should be understood that the geometries are examples, and other geometries, such as tubular or the like, can be used in accordance with the principles described in this specification.

[0038] The fractionation head 110 is fluidly connected to the second end 114 of the column 104. According to some embodiments, the fractionation head 110 includes a diverter 116. In some embodiments, the diverter 116 is a magnetically activated diverter. The magnetically activated diverter can reduce variability between distillations and provide better reproducibility based on the control of the magnetically activated diverter. The fractionation head 110 can include a timer to specify the position of the diverter 116. In some embodiments, the timer can be part of the diverter 116. In some embodiments, the timer can be configured to communicate electronically with the diverter 116 such that the diverter changes position when the timer is complete.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fractionation system 100 is configured to receive a liquid mixture for distillation. In some embodiments, the liquid mixture comprises a compound having the following molecular formula:

[0040]

[0041] where R 1 and R 2Each is independently hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group, or a branched-chain alkyl group, and wherein M is a metal. In some embodiments, the metal is tungsten. It should be understood that the fractionation system 100 can be used to distill liquid mixtures having compounds other than the above examples.

[0042] The fractionation system 100 includes conduits 108 fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices. A first vacuum device 118 is fluidly connected to a first one of the conduits 108 disposed at an end 120 of the fractionation head 110. A second vacuum device 122 is fluidly connected to a second one of the conduits 108 disposed at an end 124 of the fractionation head 110. In some embodiments, the second vacuum device 122 is fluidly connected adjacent to the diverter 116. In some embodiments, the conduits 108 are large-bore conduits. In some embodiments, the large-bore conduits include conduits having a diameter sufficient relative to the size of the fractionation system 100 to compensate for degassing. In some embodiments, for a fractionation system 100 having a capacity of 12 L, the large-bore conduits can have a diameter of at least 0.5 inches.

[0043] In some embodiments, the collection container 126 is fluidly connected to the fractionation head 110. In some embodiments, more than one collection container 126 can be included, for example, to collect multiple portions from the liquid mixture being distilled.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 128 is fluidly connected to the fractionation head 110 at the end 120.

[0045] In some embodiments, multiple conduits 108 fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices can shorten the time required to evacuate the fractionation system 100, which can, for example, reduce the startup time of using the fractionation system 100. In some embodiments, in the example of an interruption in the operation of the vacuum device, the multiple conduits 108 can reduce the amount of time for the vacuum device to recover. In some embodiments, the multiple conduits 108 and being fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices can achieve a stable distillation process without cycling in the distillation rate.

[0046] Figure 2 A flowchart showing a method 150 for fractionation according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fractionation system 100 as described can be used to perform the method 150. Figure 1 to perform the method 150.

[0047] At block 152, the method 150 includes obtaining a liquid mixture. In some embodiments, the liquid mixture includes a compound having the following molecular formula:

[0048]

[0049] R 1 and R 2Each is independently hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group, or a branched-chain alkyl group. M is a metal. In some embodiments, the metal is tungsten.

[0050] At block 154, method 150 includes separating a liquid mixture by heating the liquid mixture in a distillation vessel (e.g., Figure 1 distillation vessel 102). In some embodiments, the separation includes flowing the vapor of the liquid mixture to contact a column (e.g., Figure 1 column 104) having a mesh (e.g., Figure 1 mesh 106) and flowing through a fractionation head (e.g., Figure 1 fractionation head 110) that is fluidly connected to the column. In some embodiments, the fractionation head includes a timer and a magnetically activated diverter to control the fractionation head. In some embodiments, the timer is used to control the magnetically activated diverter.

[0051] At block 156, method 150 includes collecting a first portion of the separated liquid mixture. Optionally, in some embodiments, a second portion of the separated liquid mixture may be collected. It should be understood that one or more additional portions of the liquid mixture may also be collected.

[0052] In some embodiments, multiple large-bore vacuum devices may be used to evacuate the fractionation system. In some embodiments, including multiple large-bore vacuum devices enables the distillation chamber to be evacuated faster than existing methods.

[0053] Aspect

[0054] Various aspects are described below. It should be understood that any one or more of the features recited in the following aspects may be combined with any one or more other aspects.

[0055] Aspect 1. An apparatus, comprising: a distillation vessel configured to receive a mixture; a column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel; a mesh disposed in the column; a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices; and a fractionation head fluidly connected to the column, wherein the column is fluidly connected between the distillation vessel and the fractionation head.

[0056] Aspect 2. The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the fractionation head includes a magnetically activated diverter.

[0057] Aspect 3. The apparatus according to aspect 2, wherein the magnetically activated diverter is configured to be controlled by a timer.

[0058] Aspect 4. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, comprising a pressure relief valve.

[0059] Aspect 5. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein a collection container is configured to receive a first portion of the mixture.

[0060] Aspect 6. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein a first one of the plurality of conduits fluidly connected to the respective vacuum devices is fluidly connected to the fractionation head.

[0061] Aspect 7. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the mesh is made of a corrosion-resistant metal.

[0062] Aspect 8. The apparatus according to Aspect 7, wherein the corrosion-resistant metal includes at least one of stainless steel, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0063] Aspect 9. A method, comprising: obtaining a liquid mixture; separating the liquid mixture by heating the liquid mixture in a distillation vessel, wherein the separation includes flowing vapor of the liquid mixture into contact with a column having a mesh and flowing through a fractionation head fluidly connected to the column; and collecting a first portion of the separated liquid mixture.

[0064] Aspect 10. The method according to Aspect 9, comprising controlling the fractionation head via a timer to control the separation.

[0065] Aspect 11. The method according to Aspect 10, wherein the fractionation head includes a magnetically activated diverter controlled by the timer.

[0066] Aspect 12. The method according to one of Aspects 10 or 11, comprising collecting a second portion of the separated liquid mixture.

[0067] Aspect 13. The method according to any one of Aspects 10 to 12, comprising evacuating the fractionation head via a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices.

[0068] Aspect 14. The method according to any one of Aspects 10 to 13, wherein the liquid mixture includes a compound having the following molecular formula:

[0069]

[0070] wherein: R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group, or a branched-chain alkyl group; and M is a metal.

[0071] Aspect 15. An apparatus, comprising: a distillation vessel configured to receive a liquid mixture including a compound having the following molecular formula:

[0072]

[0073] wherein R 1 and R2 each independently being hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group, or a branched-chain alkyl group; and wherein M is a metal; a column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel and configured to receive vapor from the distillation vessel; a corrosion-resistant mesh disposed within the column; a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices; and a magnetically activated diverter fluidly connected to the column and configured to receive the vapor from the column.

[0074] Aspect 16. The apparatus according to aspect 15, wherein the magnetically activated diverter is configured to be controlled by a timer.

[0075] Aspect 17. The apparatus according to aspect 15 or 16, wherein a collection container is configured to receive a first portion of the liquid mixture.

[0076] Aspect 18. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 15 to 17, wherein a first one of the plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices is fluidly connected to the magnetically activated diverter.

[0077] Aspect 19. The apparatus according to any one of aspects 15 to 18, wherein the corrosion-resistant mesh is made of a corrosion-resistant metal.

[0078] Aspect 20. The apparatus according to aspect 19, wherein the corrosion-resistant metal includes at least one of stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0079] Among the benefits and improvements already disclosed, other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Additionally, each of the examples given with respect to the various embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0080] The entire contents of all existing patents and publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference.

[0081] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings expressly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and "in some embodiments" used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Additionally, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" used herein do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, although they may. All embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be combinable without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0082] As used herein, the term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, throughout the specification, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes both "in" and "on."

[0083] As used herein, the term "between" does not necessarily require direct placement next to other elements. Generally, this term means a configuration in which something is sandwiched between two or more other items. At the same time, the term "between" can describe something that is directly located next to two opposing items. Thus, in any one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, a particular structural component disposed between two other structural elements can be:

[0084] Directly disposed between both of two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is in direct contact with both of the two other structural elements;

[0085] Directly disposed next to only one of two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is in direct contact with only one of the two other structural elements;

[0086] Indirectly disposed next to only one of two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is not in direct contact with only one of the two other structural elements and there is another element juxtaposing the particular structural component with one of the two other structural elements;

[0087] Indirectly disposed between both of two other structural elements such that the particular structural component is not in direct contact with both of the two other structural elements and other features can be disposed therebetween; or

[0088] Any combination thereof.

[0089] As used herein, "embedded" means that a first material is distributed throughout a second material.

[0090] It should be understood that changes can be made in detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in terms of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of the components. This specification and the described embodiments are examples, where the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: A distillation vessel configured to receive a mixture; A column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel; A mesh disposed in the column; A plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices; And A fractionation head fluidly connected to the column, Wherein the column is fluidly connected between the distillation vessel and the fractionation head.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fractionation head includes a magnetically activated diverter.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the magnetically activated diverter is configured to be controlled by a timer.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pressure relief valve.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, a collection container configured to receive a first portion of the mixture.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first one of the plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices is fluidly connected to the fractionation head.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mesh is made of a corrosion-resistant metal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the corrosion-resistant metal includes at least one of stainless steel, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, or a combination thereof.

9. A method, comprising: Obtaining a liquid mixture; Separating the liquid mixture by heating the liquid mixture in a distillation vessel, Wherein the separation includes flowing vapor of the liquid mixture into contact with a column having a mesh and flowing through a fractionation head fluidly connected to the column; and Collecting a first portion of the separated liquid mixture.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising controlling the fractionation head via a timer to control the separation.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fractionation head includes a magnetically activated diverter controlled by the timer.

12. The method according to claim 10, comprising collecting a second portion of the separated liquid mixture.

13. The method according to claim 10, comprising evacuating the fractionation head via a plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the liquid mixture includes a compound of the following molecular formula: Wherein: R 1 and R 2 each independently is hydrogen, a linear alkyl group or a branched alkyl group, and M is a metal.

15. An apparatus, comprising: A distillation vessel configured to receive a liquid mixture including a compound of the following molecular formula: wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen, a straight-chain alkyl group or a branched-chain alkyl group; and Where M is a metal; A column fluidly connected to the distillation vessel and configured to receive vapor from the distillation vessel; A corrosion-resistant mesh disposed in the column; A plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices; And A magnetically activated diverter fluidly connected to the column and configured to receive the vapor from the column.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the magnetically activated diverter is configured to be controlled by a timer.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, a collection container configured to receive a first portion of the liquid mixture.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a first one of the plurality of conduits fluidly connected to respective vacuum devices is fluidly connected to the magnetically activated diverter.

19. The device according to claim 15, wherein the corrosion-resistant mesh is made of a corrosion-resistant metal.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the corrosion-resistant metal comprises at least one of stainless steel, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, or a combination thereof.

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