A distillation system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a distillation system, including controller and the distillation reation kettle, first condenser, vacuum buffer tank, air pump, second condenser and gas collection tank that are connected in proper order in series, be equipped with first pressure sensor on the distillation reation kettle, and the connecting pipeline between distillation reation kettle and first condenser is equipped with first electric control valve, and the connecting pipeline between vacuum buffer tank and air pump is equipped with second electric control valve, and air pump includes first vacuum pump and second vacuum pump, and first vacuum pump is roots vacuum pump, and second vacuum pump is reciprocating vacuum pump, first pressure sensor, first electric control valve, second electric control valve, first vacuum pump and second vacuum pump all are electric connection with controller. The utility model embodiment can realize automation and optimize distillation condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of silicone resin production technology, and in particular to a distillation system. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of silicone resins and silicone oils, to ensure the performance of the polymer materials, it is essential to remove all solvents, unreacted monomers, and incompletely reacted small molecules. This process typically employs simple vacuum distillation to remove the solvent, followed by the removal of small molecules under high vacuum conditions at a specific temperature. Vacuum distillation places high demands on the vacuum system, requiring both a large pumping capacity and a high vacuum level. Existing vacuum distillation equipment only provides vacuum and has low automation, resulting in poor impurity removal from silicone resins and silicone oils. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a distillation system that can achieve automation and optimize distillation conditions.

[0004] A distillation system according to this utility model includes a controller and a distillation reactor, a first condenser, a vacuum buffer tank, a vacuum pump, a second condenser, and a gas collection tank connected in series. The distillation reactor is equipped with a first pressure sensor. The connecting pipe between the distillation reactor and the first condenser is equipped with a first electrically controlled valve. The connecting pipe between the vacuum buffer tank and the vacuum pump is equipped with a second electrically controlled valve. The vacuum pump includes a first vacuum pump and a second vacuum pump. The first vacuum pump is a Roots vacuum pump, and the second vacuum pump is a reciprocating vacuum pump. The first pressure sensor, the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve, the first vacuum pump, and the second vacuum pump are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0005] The distillation system according to the above embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0006] The distillation system provided in this embodiment of the invention, through automatic control by a controller, can automatically control the opening and closing of the first and second electrically controlled valves, the first vacuum pump, and the second vacuum pump, so that the pressure inside the distillation reactor reaches a suitable level, thereby achieving distillation under the appropriate pressure and realizing automated operation of the equipment. Specifically, the controller can receive the pressure signal inside the distillation reactor detected by the first pressure sensor in real time, and automatically and accurately adjust the opening and closing of the first and second electrically controlled valves, as well as the start, stop, and running status of the first and second vacuum pumps, according to a preset pressure control program or target value. The first vacuum pump is a Roots vacuum pump with a high ultimate vacuum, and the second vacuum pump is a reciprocating vacuum pump with a large pumping capacity, thus enabling the system to have both a large pumping capacity and a high vacuum level. This automated control mechanism ensures that the pressure inside the distillation reactor can be quickly and stably adjusted and maintained within the process pressure range most suitable for the current distillation stage (such as solvent removal or small molecule removal), avoiding the lag and errors of manual operation and significantly improving the accuracy and response speed of pressure control. Therefore, this system not only automates equipment operation, reducing the need for manual intervention and operational risks, but more importantly, it optimizes distillation conditions through precise pressure control, thereby effectively improving the removal efficiency and thoroughness of solvents, unreacted monomers, and small molecule impurities in polymer materials such as silicone resins and silicone oils, ultimately ensuring the high quality and performance stability of polymer materials.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this utility model, two sets of air pumps are arranged in parallel. Each set of air pumps is provided with a second electrically controlled valve in the connecting pipe between the air pump and the vacuum buffer tank. The connecting pipe between the second electrically controlled valve and the air pump is provided with a second pressure sensor. The second pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the vacuum buffer tank is equipped with a vacuum pressure gauge and a venting valve.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first check valve is provided in the connecting pipe between the first electrically controlled valve and the first condenser, and a second check valve is provided in the connecting pipe between the first condenser and the vacuum buffer tank.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a third check valve is provided in the connecting pipe between the second electrically controlled valve and the vacuum buffer tank.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting pipe between the air pump and the second condenser is provided with a fourth one-way valve, and the connecting pipe between the second condenser and the gas collection tank is provided with a fifth one-way valve.

[0012] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the distillation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0016] 1. Distillation reactor; 2. First condenser; 3. Vacuum buffer tank; 4. Second condenser; 5. Gas collection tank; 6. First pressure sensor; 7. First solenoid valve; 8. Second solenoid valve; 9. First vacuum pump; 10. Second vacuum pump; 11. Second pressure sensor; 12. Vacuum pressure gauge; 13. Exhaust valve; 14. First check valve; 15. Second check valve; 16. Third check valve; 17. Fourth check valve; 18. Fifth check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of this utility model 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 this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific content of the technical solution. In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 According to the present invention, a distillation system includes a controller and a distillation reactor 1, a first condenser 2, a vacuum buffer tank 3, a vacuum pump, a second condenser 4, and a gas collection tank 5 connected in series. The distillation reactor 1 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 6. The connecting pipe between the distillation reactor 1 and the first condenser 2 is equipped with a first electrically controlled valve 7. The connecting pipe between the vacuum buffer tank 3 and the vacuum pump is equipped with a second electrically controlled valve 8. The vacuum pump includes a first vacuum pump 9 and a second vacuum pump 10. The first vacuum pump 9 is a Roots vacuum pump, and the second vacuum pump 10 is a reciprocating vacuum pump. The first pressure sensor 6, the first electrically controlled valve 7, the second electrically controlled valve 8, the first vacuum pump 9, and the second vacuum pump 10 are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0022] It is understood that the distillation system provided in this embodiment of the present invention, through the automatic control of the controller, can automatically control the opening or closing of the first solenoid valve 7, the second solenoid valve 8, the first vacuum pump 9, and the second vacuum pump 10, so that the pressure inside the distillation reactor 1 reaches a suitable level, thereby achieving distillation under the appropriate pressure and realizing the automation of equipment operation. Specifically, the controller can receive the pressure signal inside the distillation reactor 1 detected by the first pressure sensor 6 in real time, and automatically and accurately adjust the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 7 and the second solenoid valve 8, as well as the start, stop, and running status of the first vacuum pump 9 and the second vacuum pump 10 according to the preset pressure control program or target value. Among them, the first vacuum pump 9 is a Roots vacuum pump with a high ultimate vacuum, and the second vacuum pump 10 is a reciprocating vacuum pump with a large pumping capacity, so that the system can have both a large pumping capacity and ensure a high vacuum. This automated control mechanism ensures that the pressure within the distillation reactor 1 can be quickly and stably regulated and maintained within the optimal process pressure range for the current distillation stage (such as solvent removal or small molecule removal). This avoids the lag and errors inherent in manual operation, significantly improving the accuracy and response speed of pressure control. Therefore, this system not only automates equipment operation, reducing the need for manual intervention and operational risks, but more importantly, through precise pressure control, it optimizes distillation conditions, thereby effectively improving the removal efficiency and thoroughness of solvents, unreacted monomers, and small molecule impurities from polymer materials such as silicone resins and silicone oils. Ultimately, this ensures the high quality and performance stability of the polymer materials.

[0023] It should be noted that the first condenser 2 is located between the distillation reactor 1 and the vacuum buffer tank 3. It is responsible for receiving and processing the high-temperature vapor mixture containing solvent, unreacted monomers, and some small molecules that evaporate from the reactor. By using a cooling medium to efficiently condense it, most of the condensable components are liquefied and separated and recovered to the vacuum buffer tank 3 or the corresponding receiving device. This achieves the preliminary purification and recovery of the main materials, while significantly reducing the vapor load entering the subsequent vacuum system. It effectively protects key equipment such as the vacuum pump from large amounts of vapor impact and potential condensation contamination, laying the foundation for the smooth operation of the entire vacuum distillation process. The second condenser 4 is located between the vacuum pump and the gas collection tank 5. It is used to process the residual gas flow after the vacuum pump has drawn the gas. This gas may contain trace amounts of non-condensable vapors that escaped from the first condenser 2, non-condensable gases in the system, and trace amounts of oil vapors carried by the vacuum pump during operation. The second condenser 4 aims to further condense and capture the residual condensable impurities as much as possible by implementing deeper cooling of this part of the exhaust gas. This ensures that the gas that finally enters the gas collection tank 5 has extremely high purity, meeting the stringent requirements of polymer materials such as silicone resin and silicone oil for impurity content. At the same time, it prevents these residual vapors from condensing at the vacuum pump exhaust end or in the gas collection tank 5, which could cause equipment damage, pollution, or safety hazards. It plays a dual role in ensuring the quality of the final product and maintaining the long-term stable and safe operation of the system.

[0024] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present invention, two sets of air pumps are connected in parallel. Each set of air pumps is equipped with a second electrically controlled valve 8 in the connecting pipe between the air pump and the vacuum buffer tank 3. The connecting pipe between the second electrically controlled valve 8 and the air pump is equipped with a second pressure sensor 11. The second pressure sensor 11 is electrically connected to the controller.

[0025] Understandably, by setting up two sets of parallel pumps and equipping each set with an independent second electrically controlled valve 8 and a second pressure sensor 11 electrically connected to the controller, the system's reliability, flexibility, and safety are significantly improved. Specifically, when one set of pumps fails or requires maintenance, the controller can automatically or manually switch to the other normally operating pump to continue operation, achieving online switching and redundancy backup. This avoids interruptions to the entire distillation process due to a single pump failure, ensuring production continuity. Simultaneously, the second pressure sensor 11, located before each set of pumps, can monitor the pressure at the outlet of the vacuum buffer tank 3 or the inlet of the pump in real time, providing the controller with more refined feedback information. This allows the controller to more accurately determine the pump set's operating status and system vacuum level, thereby more intelligently controlling the opening and closing of the corresponding second electrically controlled valve 8 and optimizing the pumping strategy. This dual-pump parallel, independently monitored and controlled structure not only improves the system's ability to cope with emergencies but also enhances the precision of vacuum control. It should be noted that the number of air pumps is not limited to two. More air pumps can be set according to actual needs. In this embodiment of the utility model, two air pumps are preferred in order to reduce production costs.

[0026] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the vacuum buffer tank 3 is provided with a vacuum pressure gauge 12 and an air release valve 13.

[0027] Understandably, the installation of a vacuum pressure gauge 12 and a vent valve 13 on the vacuum buffer tank 3 provides the system with intuitive pressure display and convenient safe operation functions. The vacuum pressure gauge 12 allows operators to directly and quickly read the real-time pressure inside the vacuum buffer tank 3 on-site, without relying on a controller or remote monitoring system. This facilitates on-site inspections, rapid fault diagnosis, and reference during manual operation, enhancing the system's operability and maintenance convenience. The vent valve 13 is used to safely and controllably release the vacuum in the vacuum buffer tank 3 and connected pipelines to atmospheric pressure during system maintenance, component replacement, or emergencies. This not only ensures the personal safety of maintenance personnel and prevents accidental injuries caused by negative pressure but also facilitates equipment cleaning and restart preparation, improving system safety and maintenance efficiency.

[0028] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting pipe between the first electrically controlled valve 7 and the first condenser 2 is provided with a first one-way valve 14, and the connecting pipe between the first condenser 2 and the vacuum buffer tank 3 is provided with a second one-way valve 15.

[0029] Understandably, the installation of a first check valve 14 between the first electrically controlled valve 7 and the first condenser 2, and a second check valve 15 between the first condenser 2 and the vacuum buffer tank 3, effectively prevents backflow of materials and condensate, ensuring the stability of the process and equipment safety. The first check valve 14 ensures that steam or materials in the distillation reactor 1 can only flow unidirectionally to the first condenser 2, preventing condensate or unreacted materials from flowing back into the reactor during system pressure fluctuations or shutdowns, thus avoiding contamination of raw materials or affecting the reaction within the reactor. The second check valve 15 prevents gas or potential backflow from the vacuum buffer tank 3 or downstream vacuum system from flowing back into the first condenser 2, protecting the condenser from damage due to back pressure and ensuring a unidirectional flow path from the reactor to the condenser and then to the buffer tank, maintaining the normal order of the distillation process and improving the reliability and safety of the system.

[0030] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments of this utility model, a third one-way valve 16 is provided in the connecting pipe between the second electric control valve 8 and the vacuum buffer tank 3.

[0031] Understandably, a third check valve 16 is installed on the connecting pipe between the second solenoid valve 8 and the vacuum buffer tank 3. Its main function is to prevent backflow of gas or potential condensate within the vacuum buffer tank 3 under specific operating conditions. When the second solenoid valve 8 is closed (e.g., when the pump stops or switches), the third check valve 16 effectively blocks the backflow path from the vacuum buffer tank 3 to the second solenoid valve 8. This prevents the backflow of gas or trace amounts of condensate accumulated in the buffer tank due to downstream pressure changes or pump shutdown, thereby protecting the second solenoid valve 8 from contamination or corrosion, maintaining the stable state of the vacuum buffer tank 3, and ensuring a rapid establishment of an effective vacuum upon the next pumping start, thus improving the system's sealing and operational stability.

[0032] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting pipe between the air pump and the second condenser 4 is provided with a fourth one-way valve 17, and the connecting pipe between the second condenser 4 and the gas collection tank 5 is provided with a fifth one-way valve 18.

[0033] Understandably, the installation of a fourth check valve 17 between the vacuum pump and the second condenser 4, and a fifth check valve 18 between the second condenser 4 and the gas collection tank 5, creates a forced unidirectional flow channel from the vacuum pump to the gas collection tank 5. The fourth check valve 17 prevents gas from flowing back from the second condenser 4 or downstream pipelines to the vacuum pump, protecting the vacuum pump from potential reverse impacts and contamination from process gases or condensates, thus extending the pump's service life. The fifth check valve 18 ensures that the gas processed by the second condenser 4 can only enter the gas collection tank 5 in one direction, preventing gas in the collection tank from flowing back to the second condenser 4 due to pressure changes (such as the collection tank being full or external pressure fluctuations), thus ensuring the effectiveness and safety of gas collection. These two stages of check valves jointly ensure the stable, safe, and efficient operation of the downstream vacuum and gas collection system.

[0034] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A distillation system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a distillation reactor, a first condenser, a vacuum buffer tank, a vacuum pump, a second condenser, and a gas collection tank connected in series. The distillation reactor is equipped with a first pressure sensor. The connecting pipe between the distillation reactor and the first condenser is equipped with a first electrically controlled valve. The connecting pipe between the vacuum buffer tank and the vacuum pump is equipped with a second electrically controlled valve. The vacuum pump includes a first vacuum pump and a second vacuum pump. The first vacuum pump is a Roots vacuum pump, and the second vacuum pump is a reciprocating vacuum pump. The controller includes the first pressure sensor, the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve, the first vacuum pump, and the second vacuum pump, all of which are electrically connected to the controller.

2. The distillation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two sets of air pumps are connected in parallel. Each set of air pumps is equipped with a second electrically controlled valve in the connecting pipe between the air pump and the vacuum buffer tank. The connecting pipe between the second electrically controlled valve and the air pump is equipped with a second pressure sensor, which is electrically connected to the controller.

3. The distillation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum buffer tank is equipped with a vacuum pressure gauge and a vent valve.

4. The distillation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe between the first electrically controlled valve and the first condenser is equipped with a first check valve, and the connecting pipe between the first condenser and the vacuum buffer tank is equipped with a second check valve.

5. The distillation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe between the second electrically controlled valve and the vacuum buffer tank is equipped with a third check valve.

6. The distillation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe between the air pump and the second condenser is equipped with a fourth one-way valve, and the connecting pipe between the second condenser and the gas collection tank is equipped with a fifth one-way valve.

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