Aqueous Absorbent for Ethylene Oxide Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ethylene oxide (EO) plants face challenges in continuously reducing EO levels in CO2 vent gases, particularly during maintenance of incinerator systems, and require independent control of EO emissions to comply with stringent environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A process involving contacting contaminated CO2-rich streams with an aqueous absorbent to convert ethylene oxide to glycol, utilizing increased residence time and controlled temperature conditions, allowing for high conversion efficiency without additional additives, and incorporating a converter apparatus with a holding unit for extended contact time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If incineration is used to reduce EO levels in vent gas, then EO removal efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to maintenance requirements and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aqueous absorbent as an intermediary substance that absorbs ethylene oxide from the vent gas stream. This absorbent acts as a mediator between the harmful EO gas and the environment, converting it into a liquid phase that can be easily handled and disposed of, thereby achieving reliable EO removal without the reliability issues of incineration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal incineration system with a chemical absorption system. Instead of using high-temperature combustion to destroy EO, the invention uses chemical absorption in aqueous media to remove EO, substituting a complex thermal processing system with a simpler chemical treatment approach that maintains reliability
2Quantity of substance
If conventional CO2 scrubbing is used, then CO2 removal is achieved, but EO contamination increases due to hydrocarbon dissolution and entrainment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different absorbents for different targets in the same gas stream. The aqueous absorbent is specifically tailored to absorb EO while being less effective at absorbing CO2, creating a localized chemical environment that selectively removes EO without the hydrocarbon dissolution problems associated with conventional CO2 scrubbing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the absorption system by using aqueous absorbents with specific compositions (such as aqueous alkali metal carbonates or hydroxides) that have different absorption characteristics compared to conventional CO2 scrubbing absorbents. This parameter change enables selective EO removal while minimizing hydrocarbon dissolution and entrainment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If absorption is used to remove EO, then EO removal is achieved, but additional process equipment is required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing an absorption system that can handle multiple functions: EO removal, CO2 tolerance, and potential integration with existing process equipment. The aqueous absorbent serves multiple purposes including EO absorption, heat transfer medium, and potential catalyst for EO conversion, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the EO removal function with existing process streams and equipment. By integrating the absorption step into the existing vent gas handling system and potentially combining it with CO2 removal or other process operations, the invention reduces equipment complexity by consolidating multiple functions into unified process units
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
Achieves significant reduction of EO levels below 1 ppmv in CO2 vent gases, enabling continuous compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing the need for incineration, while maintaining process efficiency and minimal modifications to existing EO plants.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the contaminated fluid with an aqueous absorbent to yield a fat absorbent having absorbed fluid
Implementation Method 2
conversion of alkylene oxide... converting ethylene oxide to glycol
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for remediation of a fluid contaminated with alkylene oxide, involving contacting the contaminated fluid with an aqueous absorbent to yield a fat absorbent having absorbed fluid, conferring intimate contact of fat absorbent and alkylene oxide and conversion of alkylene oxide; and, an apparatus for remediation of the fluid which has a converter having inlet means connected to the outlet of a fluid absorber for contacting fluid and aqueous absorbent, a holding unit having a volume V for the fat absorbent, and outlet means connected to the inlet of a fluid desorber.