Alkylbenzene Desorbent Composition for Low-Energy Meta-Aromatic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desorbents for separating meta-aromatic hydrocarbons, such as toluene, have high energy consumption, limited availability, and low yield due to similar boiling points with the target product, leading to high production costs.
Innovation Solution
Using an alkylbenzene-containing desorbent with a boiling point significantly different from the target meta-aromatic hydrocarbons, such as 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene or 1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene, in combination with C5-C14 saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, to facilitate efficient adsorption and subsequent distillation-based separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toluene is used as a desorbent, then the adsorption separation of meta-aromatic hydrocarbons can be achieved, but the energy consumption is high and the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the desorbent from toluene (boiling point 110.6°C) to alkylbenzene compounds with significantly different boiling points (164-205°C). This parameter change allows the desorbent to be easily separated from the target product through distillation, reducing the energy required for separation and recycling while maintaining effective desorption performance.
2Reliability
If toluene is used as a desorbent, then the adsorption separation can be performed, but the availability is limited and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alkylbenzene compounds that are abundant, inexpensive, and readily available in the market. These desorbents can be used effectively and then easily disposed of or recycled through simple distillation, eliminating the need for expensive and limited toluene while maintaining separation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If desorbents with similar boiling points to the target product are used, then adsorption separation can occur, but the separation and recycling become difficult and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase transition (boiling) of the desorbent at a significantly different temperature than the target product. The alkylbenzene desorbent boils at 164-205°C while the meta-aromatic hydrocarbon product has a much lower boiling point, allowing easy separation through distillation and reducing the energy required for recycling the desorbent.
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 alkylbenzene desorbent enhances the yield and purity of meta-aromatic hydrocarbons while reducing energy consumption and production costs by allowing easy separation and recycling, leveraging the distinct boiling points for efficient distillation.
Implementation Method 1
the mixed aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock is contacted with an adsorbent to adsorb the meta-aromatic hydrocarbon(s)
Implementation Method 2
the adsorbent adsorbed with the meta-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) obtained in step 1) is contacted with a desorbent to desorb the meta-aromatic hydrocarbon(s)
Implementation Method 3
the extract liquid obtained in step 2) is subjected to a rectification-separation to obtain the meta-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) and the desorbent
Data Source
AI summary
An alkylbenzene-containing desorbent and its use in the adsorption-separation of meta-aromatic are provided. The desorbent contains 20-100 wt % of an alkylbenzene compound of general formula (I) and 0-80 wt % of a C5-C14 saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon. In formula (I), R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from C1-4 chain alkyl groups, and R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-4 saturated hydrocarbon groups, C1-4 alkoxy groups and halogens.