Alkylation Nozzle Optimizing Feed Dispensing for Ionic Liquid Catalyst
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alkylation processes for producing alkylate gasoline blending components face challenges in achieving optimal mixing and interfacial contact between hydrocarbon feed streams and catalysts, leading to inefficiencies in product selectivity and quality, particularly in reducing high boiling products like C11+ hydrocarbons and improving Research-Method Octane Number (RON).
Innovation Solution
A process involving a nozzle with an orifice that dispenses a mixture of recirculated streams and a hydrocarbon feed stream, where the hydrocarbon feed stream is introduced close to the orifice, within 25 times its diameter, to enhance mixing and interfacial contact, utilizing an ionic liquid catalyst in the alkylation zone, and optimizing the angle and location of introduction to improve alkylate gasoline blending component quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the hydrocarbon feed stream is introduced at a conventional distance from the orifice, then the mixing and interfacial contact between hydrocarbon feed stream and catalyst is insufficient, but introducing it closer may cause improper dispersion or contact control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the introduction distance of the hydrocarbon feed stream to be within 25 times the diameter of the orifice. This specific parameter adjustment enables proper dispersion of the feed stream and effective contact with the catalyst, resolving the contradiction between achieving high product selectivity and maintaining ease of operation control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nozzle design that replicates optimal flow patterns and distribution characteristics. The nozzle geometry is designed to copy ideal dispersion patterns, ensuring consistent mixing and interfacial contact between the hydrocarbon feed stream and catalyst regardless of operational variations, thus improving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation
2Productivity
If the hydrocarbon feed stream is introduced very close to the orifice (within 25 times diameter), then mixing and interfacial contact are enhanced, but the complexity of the nozzle design and feed introduction system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed introduction system with the nozzle structure itself. The conduit for introducing the hydrocarbon feed stream is integrated directly into the nozzle assembly, eliminating separate complex positioning mechanisms. This integration enhances mixing efficiency (improving productivity) while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By establishing a specific parameter threshold (introduction distance within 25 times the orifice diameter), the patent simplifies the design criteria. This clear parameter specification allows for straightforward nozzle design and operation, improving alkylate production efficiency without requiring overly complex systems
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional alkylation processes are used, then the process is simpler to operate, but the production of high boiling C11+ hydrocarbons is excessive and RON is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the feed introduction distance to within 25 times the orifice diameter and optimizing the nozzle geometry. These parameter adjustments improve alkylate quality and RON by enhancing mixing and interfacial contact, while remaining implementable with standard engineering practices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific zones within the nozzle where optimized mixing and interfacial contact occur. The nozzle design concentrates effective contact regions, improving product selectivity and reducing high boiling C11+ hydrocarbon production while maintaining overall process simplicity
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 the production of high boiling C11+ hydrocarbons, increases the production of C8 hydrocarbons with higher RON, and results in alkylate gasoline blending components with improved quality and reduced Reid Vapor Pressure, enhancing the overall efficiency and selectivity of the alkylation process.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle dispenses a mixture of one or more recirculated streams and the hydrocarbon feed stream through a throat of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an ionic liquid catalyst in the alkylation zone
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a process unit for the production of alkylate gasoline, comprising: a) a nozzle having an orifice that dispenses one or more recirculated streams comprising ionic liquid catalyst into a chamber in the nozzle, b) a conduit for introducing a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising an olefin to the orifice at a close distance from the orifice; and c) a throat connecting the chamber in the nozzle to an alkylation zone. The process unit can have multiple Venturi nozzles.