Esterification product neutralization / water separation device and esterification product neutralization / water separation method

Abstract

An esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes: a neutralization tank into which an unrefined product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water are introduced to form a neutralized mixture; a water separation tank disposed below the neutralization tank and separating the neutralized mixture into a floating layer and an aqueous layer; a partition wall extending downward from the ceiling of the water separation tank to form a lower passage in the water separation tank; and a transfer line for transferring the neutralized mixture from the neutralization tank to the water separation tank, wherein the water separation tank includes a first water separation section into which the neutralized mixture flows from the neutralization tank via the transfer line; and a second water separation section into which the neutralized mixture flows from the first water separation section via the lower passage, and the first and second water separation sections are separated by the partition wall.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0115694, filed on September 19, 2019, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for neutralizing / water-separating an esterified product and a method for neutralizing / water-separating an esterified product, and more particularly to an apparatus for neutralizing / water-separating an esterified product and a method for neutralizing / water-separating an esterified product, in which both the neutralization reaction and water separation can be performed well and efficiency can be increased when producing a plasticizer. [Background technology]

[0003] Phthalate plasticizers accounted for 92% of the global plasticizer market until the 20th century (Mustafizur Rahman and Christopher S. Brazel, "The plasticizer market: an assessment of traditional plasticizers and research trends to meet new challenges," Progress in Polymer Science 2004, 29, 1223-1248). They are additives primarily used to impart flexibility, durability, and cold resistance to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and to improve processability by lowering viscosity when melted. They are added to PVC in various amounts and are used in a wide range of applications, from rigid products like pipes to soft, flexible products that are suitable for food packaging, blood bags, and flooring. They are more closely related to real life than any other material, and are widely used in applications where direct contact with the human body is unavoidable.

[0004] However, despite the compatibility of phthalate plasticizers with PVC and their excellent flexibility, recent concerns have been raised that phthalate plasticizers may leak out of PVC products during use and act as a suspected endocrine disruptor (environmental hormone) and a carcinogen at the same level as heavy metals (see NR Janjua et al., "Systemic Uptake of Diethyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate, and Butyl Paraben Following Whole-Body Topical Application and Reproductive and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Humans," Environmental Science and Technology 2008, 42, 7522-7527). In particular, in the 1960s, reports were published in the United States that diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), the most widely used phthalate plasticizer, was leaking out of PVC products. In the 1990s, interest in environmental hormones increased, and various studies were conducted on the human toxicity of phthalate plasticizers, leading to the implementation of environmental regulations worldwide.

[0005] Therefore, in order to address the environmental hormone problem caused by the leakage of phthalate plasticizers and environmental regulations, many researchers are conducting research to develop new non-phthalate alternative plasticizers that do not contain phthalic anhydride, which is used in the production of phthalate plasticizers, or to develop leakage prevention technology that not only significantly reduces the harm to the human body by suppressing the leakage of phthalate plasticizers but also complies with environmental standards.

[0006] Meanwhile, as a non-phthalate plasticizer, a terephthalate plasticizer is not only comparable in physical properties to a phthalate plasticizer, but is also attracting attention as an environmentally friendly substance, and various types of terephthalate plasticizers are currently being developed. In addition to research into developing terephthalate plasticizers with excellent physical properties, research into equipment for producing such terephthalate plasticizers is also actively underway, and in terms of process design, there is a demand for a more efficient, economical, and simple process design. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for neutralizing and separating water from an esterified product, in which both the neutralization reaction and water separation can be carried out well and the efficiency can be increased when producing a plasticizer.

[0008] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes: a neutralization tank into which an unrefined product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water are introduced to form a neutralized mixture; a water separation tank disposed below the neutralization tank and separating the neutralized mixture into a floating layer and an aqueous layer; a partition wall extending downward from the ceiling of the water separation tank to form a lower passage in the water separation tank; and a transfer line for transferring the neutralized mixture from the neutralization tank to the water separation tank, wherein the water separation tank includes a first water separation section into which the neutralized mixture flows from the neutralization tank via the transfer line; and a second water separation section into which the neutralized mixture flows from the first water separation section via the lower passage, and the first and second water separation sections are separated by the partition wall.

[0010] The apparatus may further include a first discharge pump configured to discharge the resultant material contained in the flotation layer to the outside through a sidewall of the second water separator.

[0011] The water separation tank may further include a second discharge pump configured to discharge salts precipitated in the water layer from the bottom of the water separation tank to the outside.

[0012] The neutralization tank may further include a propeller agitator that is installed in the neutralization tank and that agitates the neutralization mixture.

[0013] The bottom surface of the water separation tank may be inclined downward toward the center.

[0014] The inclination may be 5 to 45 degrees.

[0015] The lower passage may have a height that is 10 to 50% of the height of the partition wall.

[0016] A plurality of water separation tanks may be formed.

[0017] In addition, a plurality of the water separation tanks may be connected in parallel to the neutralization tank.

[0018] The neutralized mixture may be alternately introduced into the plurality of water separation tanks.

[0019] The neutralization mixture may be simultaneously introduced into the plurality of water separation tanks.

[0020] To solve the above problems, a method for neutralizing / water-separating an esterification product according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: introducing a crude product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water into a neutralization tank of a neutralization / water-separation apparatus; mixing the crude product mixture, the neutralizing agent, and the water to form a neutralized mixture; flowing the neutralized mixture through a transfer line into a first water-separation section of a water-separation tank located below the neutralization tank; flowing the neutralized mixture through a lower passage into a second water-separation section of the water-separation tank; fractionating the neutralized mixture into a floating layer and a water layer; and discharging the product contained in the floating layer to the outside.

[0021] In the step of forming the neutralized mixture, the neutralized mixture may be stirred using a propeller stirrer.

[0022] The bottom surface of the water separation tank may be formed to slope downward toward the center, and sediment contained in the water layer may be collected at the center of the bottom surface of the water separation tank.

[0023] Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the embodiment of the present invention, at least the following effects are obtained.

[0025] Since the neutralization tank where the neutralization reaction occurs and the water separation tank where the water separation occurs are formed separately, both the neutralization reaction and the water separation can occur well, thereby increasing efficiency.

[0026] In addition, since the neutralization tank is located above and the water separation tank is located below, the neutralization mixture flows naturally from the neutralization tank to the water separation tank by gravity, and no separate transfer pump is required. This means that the total volume does not increase, the structure is simple, it can be easily installed in a small space, and the problem of salt accumulation can be prevented.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and various other effects are included in this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional integrated neutralization / water separation vessel in which both neutralization and water separation occur. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional neutralization / water separation device formed by separating a neutralization tank and a water separation tank. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a neutralization / water separation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a neutralization / water separation vessel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a neutralization / water separation vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided solely to ensure complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used as meanings that can be commonly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly defined otherwise.

[0031] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specified in the text. The words "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements other than the elements mentioned.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional single, integrated neutralization / water separation vessel 3 in which both neutralization and water separation occur.

[0034] The process for producing a plasticizer involves a mixing step, neutralization step, water separation step, purification step, and filtration step. In the mixing step, a carboxylic acid and an alcohol are mixed to cause an esterification reaction, thereby forming a crude product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound. In the neutralization step, a basic aqueous solution is added to the crude product mixture to neutralize it. In the water separation step, the neutralized mixture is separated into a floating layer 22 containing organic matter and an aqueous layer 23 containing salts 24. In the purification step, the remaining alcohol is removed after the product is discharged from the floating layer 22, and in the filtration step, the product is filtered to obtain the final product, a plasticizer.

[0035] These various steps of the conventional neutralization and water separation method are carried out in a single, integrated container-like neutralization / water separation tank 3, as shown in Figure 1. The neutralization / water separation tank 3 is internally separated into a first space 31 and a second space 32 by a partition wall 33. The partition wall 33 extends upward from the bottom surface 34 of the neutralization / water separation tank 3 to form an upper passage 331.

[0036] First, the crude product mixture was introduced into the first space 31 of the neutralization / water separation tank 3 through the first inlet 351, and a basic aqueous solution of neutralizing agent and water was also introduced into the first space 31 through the second inlet 352. Then, the circulation pump 36 connected to the first space 31 was operated to mix and neutralize the crude product mixture, neutralizing agent, and water to produce the neutralized mixture 21. The mixture was immediately separated into a floating layer 22 containing organic matter and an aqueous layer 23 containing salts 24. When the neutralized mixture 21 reached a water level higher than the partition wall 33, the floating layer 22 overflowed and flowed into the second space 32 through the upper passage 331 located above the partition wall 33. The first discharge pump 371 connected to the second space 32 then discharged the resulting product from the floating layer 22 to the outside. Meanwhile, the salt 24 precipitated in the first space 31 does not flow into the second space 32 through the upper passage 331, but is precipitated in the lower part of the first space 31. The second discharge pump 372 connected to the first space 31 discharges the precipitated salt 24 from the aqueous layer 23 to the outside.

[0037] However, the more external energy is applied to the neutralization mixture 21 in the first space 31 to make it flow more quickly, the better the neutralization reaction occurs, and the more the neutralization mixture 21 is left alone without external energy application, the better the water separation occurs. In other words, the conditions for the neutralization reaction and water separation to occur well are contradictory, and therefore, both the neutralization reaction and water separation do not occur well, resulting in a problem of reduced efficiency.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional neutralization / water separation apparatus 3a formed by separating a neutralization tank 31a and a water separation tank 32a.

[0039] To solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 2, the neutralization tank 31a and the water separation tank 32a were separated. That is, the crude product mixture was introduced into the neutralization tank 31a of the neutralization / water separation device 3a through a first inlet 351a, and a basic aqueous solution of neutralizing agent and water was also introduced into the neutralization tank 31a through a second inlet 352a. The circulation pump 36a connected to the neutralization tank 31a was operated to mix and neutralize the crude product mixture, neutralizing agent, and water to produce a neutralized mixture 21. The transfer pump 38 then transferred the neutralized mixture 21 to the water separation tank 32a. The water separation tank 32a was internally separated into a first space 321 and a second space 322 by a partition wall 33a. The partition wall 33a extended upward from the bottom surface 34a of the water separation tank to form an upper passage 331a.

[0040] When the neutralization mixture 21 was introduced into the first space 321 via the transfer pump 38, it immediately separated into a floating layer 22 containing organic matter and an aqueous layer 23 containing salts 24. When the neutralization mixture 21 reached a water level higher than the partition wall 33a, the floating layer 22 overflowed and flowed into the second space 322 via the upper passage 331a located above the partition wall 33a. The first discharge pump 171 connected to the second space 322 discharged the resulting product from the floating layer 22 to the outside. Meanwhile, the second discharge pump 172 connected to the first space 321 discharged the precipitated salts 24 from the aqueous layer 23 to the outside. As a result, in the neutralization tank 31a, external energy was applied to the neutralization mixture 21 to efficiently induce a neutralization reaction, while in the water separation tank 32a, water separation was efficiently performed without external energy application to the neutralization mixture 21, thereby increasing efficiency.

[0041] However, such a neutralization / water separation device 3a requires a separate transfer pump 38, which increases the total volume and complicates the structure. Furthermore, when the neutralization / water separation device 3a stops operating, the neutralized mixture 21 may remain in the transfer pump 38, causing salt 24 to precipitate. If the salt 24 accumulates in the transfer pump, the pressure inside the transfer pump increases, which reduces the efficiency and lifespan of the pump.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a neutralization / water separation device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the neutralization tank 11 where the neutralization reaction occurs and the water separation tank 12 where water separation occurs are formed separately, so that both the neutralization reaction and water separation occur smoothly, thereby increasing efficiency. In addition, since the neutralization tank 11 is located at the top and the water separation tank 12 is located at the bottom, the neutralization mixture 21 flows naturally from the neutralization tank 11 to the water separation tank 12 by gravity, and no separate transfer pump is required. This prevents an increase in total volume, simplifies the structure, and allows for easy installation in a small space, preventing the problem of salt 24 accumulating.

[0044] To this end, the esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a neutralization tank 11 into which a crude product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water are introduced to form a neutralized mixture 21; a water separation tank 12 disposed below the neutralization tank 11 and separating the neutralized mixture 21 into a floating layer 22 and a water layer 23; a partition wall 13 extending downward from a ceiling 14a of the water separation tank 12 to form a lower passage 131 in the water separation tank 12; and a transfer line 18 that transfers the neutralization mixture 21 from the neutralization tank 11 to the water separation tank 12, the water separation tank 12 including a first water separation section 121 into which the neutralization mixture 21 flows from the neutralization tank 11 via the transfer line 18; and a second water separation section 122 into which the neutralization mixture 21 flows from the first water separation section 121 via the lower passage 131, the first water separation section 121 and the second water separation section 122 being separated by the partition wall 13.

[0045] As described above, the plasticizer is first produced through a mixing step, in which a carboxylic acid and an alcohol are mixed together to cause an esterification reaction, thereby forming a crude product mixture containing the alcohol and the ester compound.

[0046] Here, the carboxylic acid may be an alkyl carboxylic acid having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid having 3 to 24 carbon atoms, an aromatic carboxylic acid having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid may be selected from caprylic acid, caproic acid, lauric acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, ethanoic acid (acetic acid), propionic acid, butyric acid, pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, ethylhexanoic acid, cyclohexane carboxylic acid, benzoic acid, cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane 1,3-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane 1,4-dicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the carboxylic acid is cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane 1,3-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane 1,4-dicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, or a combination thereof, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0047] The alcohol may be an aliphatic alcohol having a C1-C20 alkyl group, preferably an aliphatic primary alcohol having a C3-C10 alkyl group, where the alcohol may have a linear or branched alkyl group, may be a mixed alcohol between structural isomers, or may contain a mixture of alcohols with different carbon numbers.

[0048] The esterification reaction between the alcohol component and the carboxylic acid may be carried out in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst may be one commonly used in the esterification reaction of alcohols, and may be, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, propanesulfonic acid, butanesulfonic acid, and alkylsulfuric acid; metal salts such as aluminum lactate, lithium fluoride, potassium chloride, cesium chloride, calcium chloride, iron chloride, and aluminum phosphate; metal oxides such as heteropolyacids; natural / synthetic zeolites; cation and anion exchange resins; and organometallic catalysts such as tetraalkyl titanates and their polymers, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] Next, the crude product mixture is subjected to a neutralization step in which it is neutralized with a basic neutralizing agent, and a water separation step in which it is fractionated into a floating layer 22 and an aqueous layer 23. The method for neutralizing and separating water from an esterified product according to the first embodiment of the present invention is carried out in a neutralization / water separation apparatus 1 formed by separately configuring a neutralization tank 11 and a water separation tank 12, as shown in Figure 3. This allows the neutralization reaction and water separation to occur more efficiently by applying external energy only to the neutralization tank 11.

[0050] The neutralization tank 11 is a space where an unrefined product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water are introduced to form a neutralization mixture 21. As shown in FIG. 3, a propeller agitator 16 is connected to the neutralization tank 11. The propeller agitator 16 is a long rod with at least one propeller attached. The propeller is immersed in the liquid and rotates the rod to agitate the liquid. As shown in FIG. 3, the propeller agitator 16 may have two propellers, but is not limited to this and may have various numbers of propellers. The propeller agitator 16 may be installed approximately vertically in the neutralization tank 11, but is not limited to this and may be installed in various other ways, such as at an angle or horizontally. The installation of the propeller agitator 16 allows the neutralization mixture 21 to be agitated quickly and uniformly.

[0051] The water separation tank 12 is disposed below the neutralization tank 11 and is a space for storing the neutralization mixture 21 and separating it into a floating layer 22 and an aqueous layer 23. The floating layer 22 contains organic matter that will later become a plasticizer, and the aqueous layer 23 contains water and salt 24 produced by the neutralization reaction.

[0052] Transfer line 18 is connected to bottom 141 of neutralization tank 11 and transfers neutralization mixture 21 to water separation tank 12. Because transfer line 18 is connected to bottom 141 of neutralization tank 11, neutralization mixture 21 can flow naturally by gravity from neutralization tank 11 to water separation tank 12 without the need for a separate transfer pump.

[0053] In the esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the neutralization tank 11 is located at the top and the water separation tank 12 is located at the bottom. The neutralization mixture 21 flows naturally from the neutralization tank 11 to the water separation tank 12 by gravity. Therefore, a separate transfer pump for transferring the neutralization mixture 21 to the water separation tank 12 is not required, which does not increase the total volume, simplifies the structure, and prevents the problem of salt 24 accumulation.

[0054] The water separation tank 12 is internally separated into a first water separation section 121 and a second water separation section 122 by a partition wall 13. The first water separation section 121 is a space that separates the second water separation section 122 from the transfer line 18, which supplies the neutralization mixture 21 from the neutralization tank 11. The second water separation section 122 is a space that accommodates the neutralization mixture 21 and separates it into a floating layer 22 and an aqueous layer 23. The neutralization mixture 21 has a large kinetic energy and flows from the neutralization tank 11 into the first water separation section 121 via the transfer line 18. The neutralization mixture 21 then flows from the first water separation section 121 into the second water separation section 122 via the lower passage 131. Here, because the first water separation section 121 separates the transfer line 18 from the second water separation section 122, the kinetic energy of the neutralization mixture 21 is reduced in the second water separation section 122. Therefore, water separation from the neutralized mixture 21 can be achieved more efficiently, and the mixture can be more quickly and clearly separated into the floating layer 22 and the aqueous layer 23.

[0055] The partition wall 13 separates the first water separation section 121 and the second water separation section 122. This significantly reduces the kinetic energy of the neutralization mixture 21 when it is introduced into the second water separation section 122, allowing for more efficient water separation. The partition wall 13 extends downward from the ceiling 14a of the water separation tank 12 to form a lower passage 131 below. That is, the first water separation section 121 and the second water separation section 122 are not completely isolated by the partition wall 13 but are connected to each other via the lower passage 131. Therefore, the neutralization mixture 21 introduced into the first water separation section 121 naturally flows into the second water separation section 122 through the lower passage 131 located below the partition wall 13.

[0056] Meanwhile, the lower passage 131 preferably has a height of 10 to 50% of the height of the partition wall 13. If the lower passage 131 has a height less than 10% of the height of the partition wall 13, the flow rate of the neutralization mixture 21 may be significantly reduced, and the total process time may be excessive. If the lower passage 131 has a height greater than 50% of the height of the partition wall 13, the first water separation section 121 may not sufficiently separate the transfer line 18 from the second water separation section 122, and the kinetic energy of the neutralization mixture 21 flowing into the second water separation section 122 may not be significantly reduced, which may reduce the efficiency of water separation.

[0057] Meanwhile, a first discharge pump 171 for discharging the resultant contained in the floating layer 22 to the outside may be connected to a sidewall of the second water separation unit 122. The first discharge pump 171 is connected to a sidewall of the second water separation unit 122 at a height corresponding to the floating position of the floating layer 22. The first and second inlets 151 and 152 adjust the input amounts of the unrefined product mixture, neutralizing agent, and water, and the first discharge pump 171 adjusts the output amount of the resultant, thereby easily adjusting the floating position of the floating layer 22. That is, increasing the input amount or decreasing the output amount increases the floating position of the floating layer 22, whereas decreasing the input amount or increasing the output amount decreases the floating position of the floating layer 22. However, since it is preferable that the floating layer 22 floats at least higher than the lower passage 131, the first discharge pump 171 may be connected to a position higher than the lower passage 131.

[0058] Meanwhile, a second discharge pump 172 may be connected to the bottom 14 of the water separation tank 12 to discharge salts 24 contained in the aqueous layer 23 and precipitated therein. As the neutralized mixture 21 flows through the first water separation unit 121 and the second water separation unit 122, it is separated into a floating layer 22 and an aqueous layer 23, and salts 24 contained in the aqueous layer 23 may precipitate at the bottom of the water separation tank 12. Salts 24 are compounds formed by neutralizing the unrefined product mixture with a neutralizing agent, resulting in the production of acidic anions and basic cations. Therefore, the second discharge pump 172 is particularly connected to the bottom 14 of the second water separation unit 122 to discharge salts 24 precipitated from the aqueous layer 23 to the outside.

[0059] A method for neutralizing / water-separating an esterified product according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: introducing a crude product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water into a neutralization tank 11 of a neutralization / water-separation apparatus 1; mixing the crude product mixture, the neutralizing agent, and the water to form a neutralized mixture 21; flowing the neutralized mixture 21 through a transfer line 18 into a first water-separating section 121 of a water-separating tank 12 located below the neutralization tank 11; flowing the neutralized mixture 21 through a lower passage 131 into a second water-separating section 122 of the water-separating tank 12; separating the neutralized mixture 21 into a floating layer 22 and a water layer 23; and discharging the resulting material contained in the floating layer 22 to the outside.

[0060] Specifically, first, an unpurified product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound is fed into the neutralization tank 11 of the neutralization / water separation device 1 through a first inlet 151, and then a neutralizing agent, which is a basic aqueous solution, and water are also fed into the neutralization tank through a second inlet 152. The unpurified product mixture, neutralizing agent, and water are then mixed and neutralized to produce a neutralized mixture 21. The neutralizing agent may be an aqueous solution of a basic substance such as an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, or a mixture thereof, such as an aqueous NaOH solution or an aqueous KOH solution.

[0061] Then, the propeller agitator 16 installed in the neutralization tank 11 is operated. Such a propeller agitator 16 rotates to agitate the neutralization mixture 21 in the neutralization tank 11, thereby enabling the neutralization mixture 21 to be neutralized quickly and uniformly.

[0062] Neutralized mixture 21 neutralized in neutralization tank 11 has a large amount of kinetic energy and flows from neutralization tank 11 to first water separation unit 121 via transfer line 18. Transfer line 18 is connected to bottom surface 141 of neutralization tank 11, allowing neutralized mixture 21 to flow naturally by gravity from neutralization tank 11 to water separation tank 12 without the need for a separate transfer pump. Neutralized mixture 21 introduced into first water separation unit 121 then flows naturally into second water separation unit 122 via lower passage 131 located below partition wall 13.

[0063] As described above, the first water separation unit 121 separates the transfer line 18 from the second water separation unit 122. Therefore, the kinetic energy of the neutralized mixture 21 flowing into the second water separation unit 122 is reduced, allowing the neutralized mixture 21 to be more quickly and clearly separated into the floating layer 22 and the aqueous layer 23. The first discharge pump 171 connected to the sidewall of the second water separation unit 122 discharges the resulting material from the floating layer 22 to the outside. The discharged material undergoes subsequent processes, such as a purification step to remove alcohol and a filtration step, to produce a final product, which may be used as a plasticizer. The second discharge pump 172 connected to the bottom 14 of the water separation tank 12 discharges the salt 24 precipitated in the aqueous layer 23 to the outside.

[0064] In this way, both the neutralization reaction and water separation proceed smoothly, increasing efficiency. Furthermore, since the neutralization tank 11 is located above and the water separation tank 12 is located below, the neutralization mixture 21 flows naturally from the neutralization tank 11 to the water separation tank 12 by gravity, eliminating the need for a separate transfer pump. This reduces the overall volume, simplifies the structure, and allows for easy installation in a small space, preventing the problem of salt 24 accumulating.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a neutralization / water separation vessel 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface 14 of the water separation tank 12 is formed flat. However, if the bottom surface 14 of the water separation tank 12 is flat, the precipitated salt 24 will be dispersed on the bottom surface 14 of the water separation tank 12. Therefore, it may be difficult for the second discharge pump 172 to discharge the salt 24 to the outside.

[0067] In the neutralization / water separation tank 1a according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface 142 of the water separation unit 120 may be formed to slope downward toward the center. That is, the bottom surface 142 of the water separation unit 120 may have a conical shape. The second discharge pump 172 may be connected to the center of the bottom surface 142 of the water separation unit 120. As a result, when salt 24 precipitates, it collects at the center of the bottom surface 142 of the water separation unit 120, and the second discharge pump 172 can easily discharge the precipitated salt 24 to the outside.

[0068] Meanwhile, in the past, when the neutralization / water separation device 3a was stopped for a long period of time, the bottom of the neutralization tank 31a was flat, so the precipitated salt 24 was dispersed on the bottom of the neutralization tank 31a and accumulated and solidified in the corners of the bottom of the neutralization tank 31a. As a result, even when the neutralization / water separation device 3a was operated again, the salt 24 was not mixed into the neutralization mixture 21 and remained in the corners of the bottom of the neutralization tank 31a.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the neutralization tank 11 is located at the top and the water separation tank 12 is located at the bottom, even if the neutralization / water separation device 1 stops operating, the neutralization mixture 21 naturally flows by gravity from the neutralization tank 11 to the water separation tank 12. Therefore, even if the neutralization / water separation device 1 stops operating for a long period of time, the salt 24 does not settle on the bottom surface 141 of the neutralization tank 11 and all flows into the water separation tank 12, preventing the salt 24 from accumulating and coagulating on the bottom surface 141 of the neutralization tank 11.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a neutralization / water separation vessel 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 5, a neutralization / water separation tank 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of water separation tanks 12a, 12b. The plurality of water separation tanks 12a, 12b are connected in parallel to a neutralization tank 11. To this end, a transfer line 18 connected to a bottom surface 141 of the neutralization tank 11 branches into a first transfer line 181 and a second transfer line 182. The first transfer line 18 is connected to the first water separation tank 12a, and the second transfer line 182 is connected to the second water separation tank 12b. Therefore, when the neutralization mixture 21 is discharged from the neutralization tank 11 via the transfer line 18, it can flow into the first water separation tank 12a via the first transfer line 181 and into the second water separation tank 12b via the second transfer line.

[0072] The neutralization mixture 21 may be alternately introduced into the multiple water separation tanks 12a, 12b. That is, the first water separation tank 12a serves as the main water separation tank, and the neutralization mixture 21 may generally be introduced into the first water separation tank 12a. The second water separation tank 12b serves as the secondary water separation tank, and if the first water separation tank 12a is stopped due to malfunction, replacement, cleaning, or other reasons, the neutralization mixture 21 may be introduced into the second water separation tank 12b. Alternatively, to prevent overloading of the water separation tanks, the first water separation tank 12a and the second water separation tank 12b may be alternately introduced into each other at regular intervals. In this case, only the water separation tank 12 into which the neutralization mixture 21 has been introduced and the first discharge pump 171 and second discharge pump 172 connected thereto operate, allowing the product and salt 24 to be discharged.

[0073] The neutralized mixture 21 may be simultaneously introduced into the plurality of water separation tanks 12a, 12b. That is, when the neutralized mixture 21 is discharged from the neutralization tank 11 via the transfer line 18, a portion of the neutralized mixture 21 may be introduced into the first water separation tank 12a, and the remaining portion of the neutralized mixture 21 may be introduced into the second water separation tank 12b. This allows a larger amount of product to be discharged more quickly, significantly increasing productivity.

[0074] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, a first discharge pump 171a and a second discharge pump 172a may be connected to the first water separation tank 12a, and a first discharge pump 171b and a second discharge pump 172b may be connected to the second water separation tank 12b. This allows the product and salt 24 to be sufficiently discharged even if the capacities of the first discharge pump 171 and the second discharge pump 172 are not large. However, this is not limited thereto, and if the capacities of the first discharge pump 171 and the second discharge pump 172 are sufficiently large, one first discharge pump 171 and one second discharge pump 172 may be connected to the first water separation tank 12a and the second water separation tank 12b, respectively. That is, one first discharge pump 171 and one second discharge pump 172 may be connected to the first water separation tank 12a and the second water separation tank 12b, respectively. This simplifies the structure, facilitates installation, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below, rather than the above detailed description, and various embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a neutralization tank into which a crude product mixture containing an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water are introduced to form a neutralized mixture; a water separation tank disposed below the neutralization tank, which separates the neutralized mixture into a floating layer and an aqueous layer; a partition wall extending downward from the ceiling of the water separation tank to form a lower passage in the water separation tank; a transfer line for transferring the neutralized mixture from the neutralization tank to the water separation tank; The water separation tank is a first water separation section into which the neutralization mixture flows from the neutralization tank through the transfer line; a second water separation section into which the neutralized mixture flows from the first water separation section through the lower passage, The first water separation unit and the second water separation unit are separated by the partition, a first discharge pump configured to discharge the resultant material contained in the flotation layer to the outside through a sidewall of the second water separation unit; The water separation tank further includes a second discharge pump configured to discharge salts precipitated in the water layer from a bottom surface of the water separation tank to the outside, The water separation tank is A plurality of esterification product neutralization / water separation devices are formed.

2. 2. The esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a propeller agitator disposed in the neutralization tank for agitating the neutralization mixture.

3. The bottom of the water separation tank is The apparatus for neutralizing an esterification product and separating water according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus is formed so as to slope downwards toward the center.

4. The inclination is The esterification product neutralization / water separation device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature is 5 to 45°.

5. The lower passage is 2. The esterification product neutralization / water separation device according to claim 1, having a height of 10 to 50% of the height of the partition wall.

6. The plurality of water separation tanks include: An esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, connected in parallel to the neutralization tank.

7. The plurality of water separation tanks include:

7. The esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the neutralization mixture is alternately introduced.

8. The plurality of water separation tanks include:

7. The esterification product neutralization / water separation apparatus of claim 6, wherein the neutralization mixture is simultaneously introduced.

9. charging a crude product mixture including an alcohol and an ester compound, a neutralizing agent, and water into a neutralization vessel of a neutralization / water separation apparatus; combining the crude product mixture, the neutralizing agent, and the water to form a neutralized mixture; the neutralization mixture flows into a first water separation section of a water separation tank located below the neutralization tank through a transfer line; the neutralization mixture flows into a second water separation section of the water separation tank through a lower passage; allowing the neutralized mixture to partition into a float layer and an aqueous layer; discharging the resultant contained in the floating layer to the outside through a sidewall of the second water separator by a first discharge pump; and discharging the precipitated salt contained in the aqueous layer from the bottom of the water separation tank to the outside by a second discharge pump, The water separation tank includes a partition wall extending downward from a ceiling of the water separation tank to form a lower passage in the water separation tank, the first water separation section and the second water separation section are separated by the partition wall, The water separation tank is Multiple formations Neutralization / water separation method for esterification products.

10. In the step of forming a neutralized mixture, 10. The process for neutralizing an esterified product and separating water as claimed in claim 9, wherein the neutralized mixture is agitated using a propeller agitator.

11. The bottom of the water separation tank is The more you get to the center, the more it slopes downward. The precipitate contained in the aqueous layer is The method for neutralizing an esterification product / separating water according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the water is collected at the center of the bottom surface of the water separation tank.

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