Alcohol Production Stream Splitting for Cn:C2n Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing alcohols lack precise control over the composition, particularly the ratio of Cn to C2n alcohols, due to fluctuations in starting material compositions, which affects the properties of plasticizer alcohols used in industries like lubricating oils and cosmetics.
Innovation Solution
A process that controls the ratio of Cn to C2n alcohols by adjusting the ratio of partial streams during aldolization and hydrogenation, using a two-column or dividing wall column system to separate and adjust isomer ratios, ensuring the production of alcohols suitable for plasticizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydroformylation and aldol condensation are used to produce alcohols, then the production volume increases, but the control over the ratio of Cn to C2n alcohols deteriorates due to fluctuations in starting material compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The process divides the alcohol production into separate segments: Cn alcohol production via hydroformylation and C2n alcohol production via aldol condensation. By controlling the ratio of olefin feedstock allocated to each pathway, the overall Cn:C2n alcohol ratio can be precisely managed while maintaining high production volumes through parallel operation of both segments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the controllable parameter from downstream product separation to upstream feedstock distribution. By adjusting the ratio of olefins directed to hydroformylation versus aldol condensation, the process directly controls the Cn:C2n alcohol ratio at the source, preventing composition fluctuations from affecting product quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If aldol condensation is performed to produce C2n alcohols, then the variety of alcohol products increases, but the isomer distribution control of Cn alcohols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The process segments Cn alcohol production into two independent pathways: direct hydroformylation producing Cn aldehydes that are hydrogenated to Cn alcohols, and aldol condensation producing C2n aldehydes that are hydrogenated to C2n alcohols. This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of isomer distribution in Cn alcohols while simultaneously producing diverse C2n alcohol products
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary control of Cn alcohol isomer distribution by managing the olefin feed composition before the hydroformylation reaction. By pre-adjusting the olefin mixture ratios and controlling the hydroformylation conditions, the desired isomer distribution is established early in the process, preventing downstream complications
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
The process allows for targeted control of isomer distribution and water content in alcohols, producing plasticizers with desirable properties without further treatment, suitable for esterification reactions.
Implementation Method 1
Carrying out an aldol condensation of the aldehydes contained in the first partial stream to obtain a mixture of Cn- and α,β-unsaturated C2n-aldehydes
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogenating the mixture of Cn- and α,β-unsaturated C2n-aldehydes and isomeric Cn-aldehydes obtained in c) with hydrogen to obtain a mixture of saturated Cn and C2n alcohols
Implementation Method 3
separation of the mixture of Cn and C2n alcohols by at least one two-column system or by at least one dividing wall column
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the production of saturated Cn and C2n alcohols, wherein the ratio of Cn to C2n alcohols is controlled by the diversion of partial streams in individual process steps.