Alcohol Dehydration via PSA and Membrane Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The combination of distillation columns and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) with membrane separation apparatuses in alcohol production leads to insufficient throughput and high operating costs, limiting the increase in production capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method combining distillation, adsorption-desorption, and membrane separation steps to minimize energy consumption and enhance productivity, where crude alcohol is processed through multiple stages including PSA and membrane separation, with a further dehydration step to achieve high concentration alcohol production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PSA and membrane separation apparatus are added to increase production capacity, then alcohol production capacity is improved, but operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PSA and membrane separation apparatus into an integrated dehydration system where the membrane separation apparatus processes the dehydration liquid from PSA, creating a synergistic system that achieves higher production capacity while controlling operating costs through optimized resource utilization
2Manufacturing precision
If membrane separation apparatus is added downstream of PSA, then dehydration efficiency is improved, but throughput of PSA becomes insufficient and production capacity cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes for the PSA system (including semi-continuous and continuous modes) that adapt to the membrane separation apparatus processing capacity, allowing the system to maintain high dehydration efficiency while scaling up production capacity through flexible operational adjustments
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple dehydration apparatuses are used in series, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes operational parameters including alcohol concentration ranges, temperature conditions, and pressure settings across the dehydration apparatuses to minimize energy consumption while maintaining effective dehydration performance, thereby reducing the need for excessive system complexity
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 reduces energy consumption, lowers initial costs for membrane separation, and increases production capacity by optimizing the use of existing equipment, allowing for efficient production of high concentration alcohol.
Implementation Method 1
a distillation step of introducing a water-alcohol mixture into a distillation column to obtain crude alcohol
Implementation Method 2
an adsorption-desorption step of introducing a part of the crude alcohol into an adsorption-desorption column to obtain high concentration alcohol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to improve the production capacity of alcohol in a method of producing high concentration alcohol using a distillation column and an adsorption-desorption column. The method is a method of producing high concentration alcohol by dehydration of a water-alcohol mixture, including: a distillation step of introducing a water-alcohol mixture into a distillation column to obtain crude alcohol; and an adsorption-desorption step of introducing a part of the crude alcohol into an adsorption-desorption column to obtain high concentration alcohol; wherein a further part of the crude alcohol is introduced into a dehydration apparatus to obtain high concentration alcohol.