Annular divided wall column
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional annular divided wall columns for cryogenic distillation of air face challenges with high capital costs and space requirements due to maldistribution of vapor and liquid in separation sections, especially when using structured packing as mass-transfer elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second annular column wall with a defined annulus and interior core column region, each equipped with structured packing elements of different surface area densities and geometries, including varying nominal inclination angles, to optimize mass transfer efficiency and reduce costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional annular divided wall columns use structured packing as mass-transfer elements, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but vapor and liquid maldistribution occurs due to large wall surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using structured packing with different surface area densities in different regions: the first structured packing in the annulus column region has a first surface area density, while the second structured packing in the interior core column region has a second surface area density. This regional differentiation optimizes mass transfer efficiency in each zone while compensating for the maldistribution caused by the large wall surface area, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved mass transfer and maintained distribution uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If divided-wall columns are used to better utilize column diameter, then capital cost is reduced, but maldistribution of vapor and liquid increases due to large wall surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through differentiated structured packing densities. The annulus column region uses structured packing with a first surface area density optimized for that zone, while the interior core column region uses structured packing with a second surface area density. This regional optimization maintains reliable vapor and liquid distribution throughout the column, preventing the maldistribution issues that would otherwise undermine the capital cost savings of using a divided-wall configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If annular divided wall column configuration is used, then space requirements are reduced, but performance deteriorates due to vapor and liquid maldistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality principles with structured packing of different surface area densities in different regions. The first structured packing in the annulus column region and the second structured packing in the interior core column region are specifically configured to optimize separation performance in each zone. This regional differentiation ensures that the compact annular divided wall column configuration achieves high separation performance despite the space constraints, preventing performance deterioration from maldistribution.
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 configuration enhances the performance of air separation by minimizing maldistribution and optimizing space usage, leading to reduced capital costs and improved efficiency in cryogenic rectification processes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of structured packing elements of a first type disposed within the annulus column region and a plurality of structured packing elements of a second type disposed within the interior core column region, wherein the first type of structured packing elements and the second type of structured packing elements have different surface area densities
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to annular divided wall columns for the cryogenic distillation of air or constituents of air
Data Source
AI summary
An annular divided wall column is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall and radially spaced therefrom to define an annulus column region as the space between the first annular column wall and the second annular column wall. An interior core column region is also defined by the interior space of the second annular column wall. The present annular divided wall column further includes a plurality of packing elements, disposed within the interior core column region within the annulus column region having different surface area densities and optionally, also have different geometries.