Aliphatic Isocyanate Preparation via Segmented Phosgenation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The preparation of high purity aliphatic isocyanate is hindered by side reactions and high energy consumption due to the need for high temperature and reactivity in phosgenation reactions, leading to impurities and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a two-step phosgenation reaction process where an aliphatic amine salt is formed at a lower temperature, followed by a second reaction with phosgene in the presence of an organic solvent, with unreacted materials being separated, condensed, and recycled, reducing energy consumption and side reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high temperature heating is applied to increase reaction yield, then the reaction efficiency is improved, but side reactions are generated and product purity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction yieldVSAvoidproduct purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single high-temperature phosgenation reaction into two separate reaction stages: first forming the amine salt at lower temperature (40-80°C), then reacting with phosgene at controlled temperature (60-100°C). This segmentation allows each stage to operate under optimal conditions, preventing side reactions while maintaining high yield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter throughout the process - initially maintaining lower temperature (40-80°C) during salt formation, then controlling the phosgenation temperature (60-100°C). This dynamic parameter adjustment prevents thermal denaturation and side reactions while ensuring complete reaction and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If continuous high temperature heating is maintained to progress the reaction, then reaction rate is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by forming the amine salt at lower temperature (40-80°C) before the phosgenation reaction. This preliminary step reduces the overall energy requirement because the subsequent phosgenation can proceed at moderate temperature (60-100°C) without requiring continuous high-temperature heating, thus maintaining reaction rate while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If high temperature processing is used to ensure complete reaction, then conversion efficiency is improved, but thermal denaturation of products occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidthermal denaturation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reaction process into two distinct stages with different temperature profiles: salt formation at 40-80°C and phosgenation at 60-100°C. This prevents thermal denaturation by avoiding excessive temperature exposure while ensuring complete conversion through the second controlled heating stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by implementing a two-stage continuous process where the amine salt formed in the first stage is immediately used in the second stage. This continuous flow ensures complete conversion efficiency while the controlled temperature progression prevents thermal denaturation throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 significantly reduces energy consumption and side reactions, allowing for the production of high purity aliphatic isocyanate with reduced production costs and minimized exposure to high temperatures, thereby improving yield and resin quality.

Implementation Method 1

sending a mixture comprising hydrogen chloride, unreacted phosgene and a solvent to a condenser to condense

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

sending the separated unreacted phosgene and solvent to a distillation column to recover unreacted phosgene to the upper stage and separate the solvent to the lower stage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentEP3808732B1Method for preparing aliphatic isocyanates
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP3808732B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for preparing aliphatic isocyanate. More specifically, the present invention relates to a high purity isocyanate preparation method that can effectively recover unreacted materials and recycle them to a reaction step, and reduce energy consumed when separating reactants.