Alcohol Distillation with Membrane Separation and Heat Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing alcohol from a water-alcohol mixture face challenges in achieving high energy efficiency due to the limitations of azeotropic mixtures and partial heat utilization in multiple-effect distillation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a multiple-effect distillation column where vapor from the top is condensed and the condensed liquid is fed to a membrane separation apparatus using pervaporation, optimizing heat utilization and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a liquid recovered from the bottom or middle stage of a distillation column is fed to a membrane separation apparatus, then the separation process can proceed, but the liquid requires re-vaporization which worsens energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vapor phase from the distillation column top and directs it to the membrane separation apparatus, leaving the liquid phase in the distillation column. This extraction of the vapor stream enables membrane separation without requiring re-vaporization of liquid, thereby resolving the energy efficiency problem while maintaining separation feasibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gas recovered from the top or middle stage of a distillation column is fed to a membrane separation apparatus, then the multiple-effect method can be applied after partial condensation, but the amount of heat that can be utilized for other distillation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation heat from the vapor stream is utilized for multiple purposes: it provides the driving force for membrane separation through pervaporation and simultaneously serves as heat source for other distillation columns in the multiple-effect system. This multi-functional use of condensation heat maximizes energy utilization while enabling the multiple-effect method
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vapor recovered from the top of a distillation column is partially condensed, then the multiple-effect method can be applied, but adequate effect of the multiple-effect method cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the condensation parameter from partial condensation to total condensation of the vapor stream. This parameter change enables adequate heat utilization for the multiple-effect method while the pervaporation membrane separation handles the liquid phase, achieving both multiple-effect implementation and high energy efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances overall energy efficiency by fully utilizing the heat of condensation for distillation, improving the separation process and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a concentration step of introducing a water-alcohol mixed solution into a multiple-effect distillation column to concentrate the water-alcohol mixed solution
Implementation Method 2
a condensation step of introducing a vapor recovered from the top of the multiple-effect distillation column into a condenser to condense the vapor
Implementation Method 3
a separation step of introducing the water-alcohol mixed solution condensed in the condensation step in a liquid phase into a membrane separation apparatus to separate the water and alcohol in the mixed solution
Data Source
AI summary
The object is to provide a method for producing an alcohol by applying a multiple-effect method to improve the energy efficiency of the whole process. The object is achieved by a method for producing an alcohol including a concentration step of introducing a water-alcohol mixed solution into a multiple-effect distillation column for concentrating the same; a condensation step of introducing a vapor recovered from the top of the distillation column into a condenser for condensing the same; and a separation step of introducing the water-alcohol mixed solution condensed in the condensation step in a liquid phase into a membrane separation apparatus for separating the water and alcohol in the mixed solution.