A vacuum distillation column with protective devices

Abstract

This utility model discloses a vacuum distillation column with a protection device, including a distillation column body, a nitrogen protection device, and a controller for controlling both. The distillation column body includes a distillation column reboiler, a reboiler connected to the reboiler, a distillation column located above the reboiler and connected to the reboiler, a condenser connected to the top of the column, a collection tank and a buffer tank connected to the condenser, and a vacuum pump and a vent valve connected to the buffer tank. The nitrogen protection device includes several thermometers installed at the top, middle, and reboiler of the column, and several nitrogen delivery pipes extending into them at their outlet ends. Each nitrogen delivery pipe is equipped with a nitrogen inlet valve and a gas distributor connected to its outlet end. Each nitrogen delivery pipe is connected to a nitrogen generator. This utility model achieves rapid physical cooling and nitrogen replacement of oxygen through the nitrogen protection device, restoring areas with excessively high temperatures to normal, thus ensuring the safety of the distillation column during the distillation of plant essential oils.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chemical production equipment technology, and in particular to a vacuum distillation tower with a protection device. Background Technology

[0002] Distillation purification is currently the most commonly used separation method for plant essential oils. The principle behind this method is to utilize the boiling point differences between the different components in the essential oil. During distillation, the differences in volatility of the components are used, and a multi-stage separation operation with high purity is achieved through reflux technology, involving multiple stages of partial vaporization and partial condensation simultaneously. Due to prolonged production, the vacuum level in the distillation column can easily decrease due to rust, corrosion, and other external factors at the joints of the distillation column sections and the valves of various tanks. This allows air to enter the distillation column during the distillation process, creating significant production safety hazards. To address this, in the essential oil industry, a common method to reduce the safety hazards caused by insufficient vacuum is to use corrosion-resistant materials such as silicone sealing rings and fluororubber gaskets at the joints of the distillation column to achieve a high-sealing design and enhance the sealing performance of the joints. Furthermore, the valves of the entire distillation system are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel to reduce the risk of vacuum leakage during the distillation column production process.

[0003] The disadvantage of this method is that while using corrosion-resistant materials such as silicone sealing rings, fluororubber gaskets, and stainless steel valves can extend the service life of the distillation column without vacuum leakage during long-term production compared to ordinary gaskets and valves, the risk of vacuum leakage cannot be completely eliminated as the distillation process continues and the corrosion caused by different types of essential oils increases. If abnormal phenomena such as a sudden and sharp increase in temperature occur during the distillation process, insufficient safety measures can easily lead to major safety accidents. These accidents can range from minor property damage to serious incidents such as fires and explosions, endangering the lives of operators and posing significant production hazards to the company. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vacuum distillation tower with a protection device to reduce the production safety hazards caused by the abnormal phenomenon of sudden and rapid temperature rise during the distillation of essential oils.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution proposed by this utility model is as follows: A vacuum distillation column with a protection device includes a distillation column body, a nitrogen protection device, and a controller. The distillation column body includes a distillation column reboiler, a distillation column, a condenser, a collection tank, a buffer tank, a vacuum pump, a vent valve, and a reboiler. The reboiler is connected to the distillation column reboiler. The distillation column is positioned above and connected to the reboiler. The condenser is connected to the top of the distillation column. The collection tank and the buffer tank are respectively connected to the condenser. The vacuum pump and the vent valve are both connected to the buffer tank. The nitrogen protection device... The gas protection device includes a nitrogen generator, nitrogen delivery pipelines, a gas distributor, a thermometer, and a nitrogen inlet valve. The top, middle, and bottom of the distillation column are each equipped with a thermometer, which is connected to a nitrogen delivery pipeline with its outlet end extending into it. The outlet end of each nitrogen delivery pipeline is connected to a gas distributor. Each nitrogen delivery pipeline is connected to the nitrogen generator and is equipped with a nitrogen inlet valve. The controller is electrically connected to the condenser, vacuum pump, vent valve, reboiler, nitrogen generator, thermometer, and nitrogen inlet valve.

[0006] Preferably, nitrogen delivery pipes are provided at the top, middle and opposite sides of the distillation column and the distillation column reboiler.

[0007] Preferably, the gas distributor is hollow inside and has an air inlet and several side spray holes, and the air inlet is connected to the outlet end of the nitrogen delivery pipeline.

[0008] Preferably, the gas distributor includes an end wall and a hollow peripheral wall with openings at both ends. One end of the peripheral wall is an air inlet, and the other end is connected to the end wall. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity inside the peripheral wall gradually increases from one end to the other end, and the peripheral wall is provided with a plurality of side spray holes.

[0009] Preferably, the peripheral wall includes three side walls that are connected end to end in sequence, and the side walls are provided with a plurality of side spray holes.

[0010] Preferably, the gas distributor is a regular triangular frustum shape.

[0011] Preferably, the gas distributor located inside the distillation column is arranged with the central axis of its peripheral wall perpendicular to the central axis of the distillation column.

[0012] Preferably, the gas distributor located in the distillation column reboiler is arranged at a 45° angle with the central axis of its peripheral wall to the central axis of the distillation column.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention reduces the safety hazards caused by sudden and rapid temperature increases during essential oil distillation by setting up a nitrogen protection device. The nitrogen protection device is simple to operate, highly practical, widely applicable, and has strong protection capabilities. Nitrogen delivery pipelines are set at three different points: the top, middle, and bottom of the distillation column. It can promptly take countermeasures for sudden local temperature anomalies, providing targeted protection, strong emergency response capabilities, and rapid protection time. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of the gas distributor.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gas distributor from the left.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top view of the gas distributor.

[0018] The components include: 1. Nitrogen generator; 2. Nitrogen delivery pipeline; 3. Gas distributor; 31. End wall; 32. Peripheral wall; 321. Side wall; 33. Side spray hole; 34. Inlet; 4. Thermometer; 5. Nitrogen inlet valve; 6. Distillation column reboiler; 7. Distillation column column; 8. Condenser; 9. Collection tank; 10. Buffer tank; 11. Vacuum pump; 12. Vent valve; 13. Reboiler. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] A distillation column 7 typically comprises several sections, each connected by flanges and bolts. After prolonged operation, rust can develop on the bolts at the section connections and valves on the pipes, affecting the vacuum within the column. During distillation, the plant essential oils are at high temperatures; any vacuum leak will draw in a small amount of air. This air reacts with the plant essential oils at high temperatures, easily oxidizing and polymerizing to generate significant heat. In severe cases, this can cause a fire and burn through the distillation column 7, posing a serious safety hazard. Therefore, this invention provides a vacuum distillation column with a protective device to ensure the safety of the vacuum distillation column during the distillation of plant essential oils.

[0021] Combination Figures 1-4The vacuum distillation column with protection device of this utility model includes a distillation column body, a nitrogen protection device, and a controller. The distillation column body includes a distillation column reboiler 6, a distillation column 7, a condenser 8, a collection tank 9, a buffer tank 10, a vacuum pump 11, a vent valve 12, and a reboiler 13. The reboiler 13 is connected to the distillation column reboiler 6. The distillation column 7 is positioned above and connected to the distillation column reboiler 6. The condenser 8 is connected to the top of the distillation column 7. The collection tank 9 and the buffer tank 10 are respectively connected to the condenser 8. The vacuum pump 11 and the vent valve 12 are respectively connected to the buffer tank 10. The nitrogen protection device includes a nitrogen generator 1, a nitrogen delivery pipeline 2, a gas distributor 3, a thermometer 4, and a nitrogen inlet valve 5. The top, middle, and bottom sections of the distillation column 7 are each equipped with a thermometer 4, and each is connected to a nitrogen delivery pipeline 2 with its outlet end extending into it. Each thermometer 4 is used to detect temperature changes at various points within the column. Each nitrogen delivery pipeline 2 has its outlet end connected to a gas distributor 3. Each nitrogen delivery pipeline 2 is connected to the nitrogen generator 1 and is equipped with a nitrogen inlet valve 5, which controls the flow of nitrogen. The condenser 8, vacuum pump 11, vent valve 12, reboiler 13, nitrogen generator 1, thermometer 4, and nitrogen inlet valve 5 are electrically connected to a controller, enabling automated operation under the controller's control.

[0022] During the distillation process of plant essential oils in a distillation column, leaks may occur due to prolonged production. Because plant essential oils are prone to oxidation and polymerization at high temperatures, this can lead to a rapid increase in temperature, endangering production and personal safety. By installing a nitrogen protection device to target different points of temperature anomaly, nitrogen is introduced into the column. This process does not rely on chemical reactions but rather utilizes the synergistic effect of diluting the oxygen concentration with an inert gas, physically isolating oxygen, and achieving localized vaporization and heat absorption for cooling. This disrupts the necessary conditions for combustion, thereby enabling the vacuum distillation column to achieve a safe, stable, and sustainable production state, ensuring the safety of personnel and property.

[0023] The working principle of the main body of the distillation column of this utility model is as follows: the reboiler 13 heats the liquid in the distillation column 6 to boiling point, generating rising steam. The condenser 8 condenses the rising steam entering the top of the distillation column 7. Part of the condensate flows back into the distillation column 7, and the other part is collected as the top product and enters the collection tank 9. Common types of distillation columns 7 include packed columns and plate columns. The vacuum pump 11 is used to continuously extract non-condensable gases from the column to maintain the vacuum level. Common types of vacuum pumps 11 include reciprocating vacuum pumps 11, water ring vacuum pumps 11, and Roots vacuum pumps 11. The buffer tank 10 is mainly used to stabilize the system pressure and prevent the vacuum pump 11 from frequently starting and stopping due to pressure fluctuations. The buffer tank 10 regulates vacuum fluctuations by storing gas or liquid, ensuring that the pressure inside the vacuum distillation column is maintained within the set range. At the same time, the buffer tank 10 can also achieve gas-liquid separation to prevent liquid backflow into the vacuum pump 11. The vent valve 12 is mainly used to control the gas discharge when the pressure inside the column exceeds the limit, preventing damage to the equipment due to excessive pressure. During continuous distillation, the vent valve 12 works in conjunction with the vacuum pump 11 to ensure that the system pressure remains stable within the process requirements by regulating the airflow.

[0024] This invention provides nitrogen protection in the most critical risk areas of the vacuum distillation column 7, including the top, middle, and bottom sections 6. It rapidly cools and replaces air in these areas, addressing potential problems immediately with nitrogen protection, thus minimizing the risk of explosion and ensuring safe production. In some preferred embodiments, a nitrogen delivery pipe 2 is provided on each of the opposite sides of the top, middle, and bottom sections of the column 7 and the bottom section 6. This dual-sided nitrogen supply is more efficient, safer, and more reliable than single-sided supply, and also helps buffer pressure fluctuations caused by airflow disturbances, resulting in a more uniform and stable pressure environment throughout the column.

[0025] The gas distributor 3 of this invention is used to diffuse nitrogen gas in all directions. In some preferred embodiments of this invention, the gas distributor 3 is hollow inside and has an inlet 34 and several side spray holes 33. The inlet 34 is connected to the outlet end of the nitrogen gas delivery pipe 2. After entering the gas distributor 3 through the inlet 34, the nitrogen gas is sprayed out laterally from the side spray holes 33.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the gas distributor 3 includes an end wall 31 and a hollow peripheral wall 32 with openings at both ends. One end of the peripheral wall 32 is an air inlet 34, and the other end is connected to the end wall 31. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity inside the peripheral wall 32 gradually increases from one end to the other. The peripheral wall 32 has several side spray holes 33. The gas distributor 3 adopts a gradually expanding flow channel structure. The gradually expanding cross section reduces the axial velocity of nitrogen and increases the static pressure, forming a pressure energy storage environment. This pressure potential energy is suddenly released at the side spray holes 33 of the peripheral wall 32, forcing the nitrogen to turn into a radial high-speed jet, which diffuses rapidly in all directions, improving the safety factor.

[0027] The gas distributor 3 in this embodiment can be frustum-shaped or truncated pyramidal, such as a triangular truncated pyramid. In this case, the peripheral wall 32 includes three sidewalls 321 connected end to end, and each sidewall 321 has a plurality of side spray holes 33, such as 10 side spray holes 33 with a diameter of 0.2 cm. The gas distributor 3 is preferably a regular triangular truncated pyramidal to make nitrogen gas diffuse evenly and rapidly in all directions.

[0028] Since the leakage point of the distillation column 7 is generally on the side wall 321, the gas distributor 3 located inside the distillation column 7 is arranged with its central axis of peripheral wall 32 perpendicular to the central axis of the distillation column 7. Figure 1 The central axis (as described above) is used to direct nitrogen gas towards the sidewall of the distillation column 7, thereby diluting the oxygen concentration at the source and preventing local oxygen concentration increases, thus improving dilution efficiency. Furthermore, the gas distributor 3 sprays gas in a roughly vertical direction, taking into account both the upper and lower spaces of the distillation column 7 and covering its internal space as much as possible. Since leaks in the distillation column reboiler 6 are generally located on the sidewall and at the connection point with the distillation column 7, the gas distributor 3, located inside the reboiler 6, is arranged at a 45° angle between its central axis 32 and the central axis of the distillation column 7, so that nitrogen gas is directed towards the sidewall and top surface of the reboiler 6.

[0029] The working principle of this nitrogen protection device is as follows: During normal distillation in the distillation column, all nitrogen inlet valves 5 are closed. When an abnormality occurs inside the distillation column due to vacuum leakage, an abnormal situation will occur at the corresponding point where the temperature exceeds the value. The material undergoes an abnormal situation similar to oxidation and polymerization, generating a large amount of heat instantaneously. When the corresponding thermometer 4 detects a sharp increase in temperature exceeding the value, its corresponding nitrogen inlet valve 5 opens, the vacuum pump 11 stops, and the nitrogen enters the column and diffuses rapidly and evenly in all directions, physically cooling the distillation column, replacing the air inside the column, and bringing the distillation column to a safe and stable state, preventing further safety accidents. At the same time, after the nitrogen enters the column, the vent valve 12 can be opened to release the nitrogen pressure inside the column, ensuring safe and sustainable production.

[0030] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum distillation column with a protection device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the distillation column includes: a distillation column reboiler (6), a distillation column (7), a condenser (8), a collection tank (9), a buffer tank (10), a vacuum pump (11), a vent valve (12), and a reboiler (13); the reboiler (13) is connected to the distillation column reboiler (6), the distillation column (7) is located above the distillation column reboiler (6) and is connected to the distillation column reboiler (6), the condenser (8) is connected to the top of the distillation column (7), the collection tank (9) and the buffer tank (10) are respectively connected to the condenser (8), and the vacuum pump (11) and the vent valve (12) are both connected to the buffer tank (10); The nitrogen protection device includes: a nitrogen generator (1), a nitrogen delivery pipeline (2), a gas distributor (3), a thermometer (4), and a nitrogen inlet valve (5); the top, middle and bottom of the distillation column (7) and the distillation column bottom (6) are respectively equipped with thermometers (4) and connected to nitrogen delivery pipelines (2) with their outlets extending into them; the outlet of each nitrogen delivery pipeline (2) is connected to a gas distributor (3); each nitrogen delivery pipeline (2) is connected to the nitrogen generator (1) and is equipped with a nitrogen inlet valve (5); The controller is electrically connected to the condenser (8), vacuum pump (11), vent valve (12), reboiler (13), nitrogen generator (1), thermometer (4) and nitrogen inlet valve (5), respectively.

2. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distillation column (7) is provided with nitrogen delivery pipes (2) at the top, middle and opposite sides of the distillation column bottom (6).

3. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas distributor (3) is hollow inside and has an air inlet (34) and several side spray holes (33). The air inlet (34) is connected to the outlet end of the nitrogen delivery pipe (2).

4. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gas distributor (3) includes an end wall (31) and a peripheral wall (32) that is hollow inside and open at both ends. One end of the peripheral wall (32) is an air inlet (34), and the other end is connected to the end wall (31). The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity inside the peripheral wall (32) gradually increases from one end to the other end. The peripheral wall (32) is provided with a plurality of side spray holes (33).

5. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The peripheral wall (32) includes three side walls (321) connected end to end, and the side walls (321) are provided with a number of side spray holes (33).

6. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas distributor (3) is a regular triangular frustum.

7. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas distributor (3) located in the distillation column (7) is arranged in the distillation column (7) with the central axis of its peripheral wall (32) perpendicular to the central axis of the distillation column (7).

8. The vacuum distillation column with a protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas distributor (3) located in the distillation column reboiler (6) is arranged in the distillation column reboiler (6) at a 45° angle with the central axis of the distillation column (7).

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