Neutralized Aralkyl Hydroperoxide Cleavage Stream Salt Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for processing phenol streams from hydrocarbon cleavage processes result in residual neutralization salts that cause corrosion and fouling in downstream equipment, necessitating a more effective method to reduce salt content.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a vessel with a first inlet for the neutralized aralkyl hydroperoxide cleavage mass stream, which separates into aqueous and hydrocarbon layers due to density differences, allowing for controlled removal of the aqueous phase and withdrawal of a hydrocarbon stream with reduced salt concentration through strategically positioned outlets, thereby reducing salt content before further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the neutralized cleavage mass is stored in tanks or surge vessels, then the stream can be held for further processing, but salt concentration increases and causes corrosion and fouling in downstream equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel segments the neutralized stream into two distinct phases: an aqueous layer at the bottom containing concentrated salts and a hydrocarbon layer at the top with reduced salt content. This segmentation allows selective withdrawal of the hydrocarbon phase, thereby reducing salt exposure to downstream equipment while maintaining storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful aqueous phase containing concentrated neutralization salts from the mixture by allowing phase separation in the vessel. The hydrocarbon phase is then withdrawn separately, effectively removing the salt contamination that would otherwise cause corrosion and fouling in downstream equipment.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional wash/phase separation steps are used, then some salt removal occurs, but residual salts remain and become more concentrated through purification columns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary salt removal by implementing a dedicated phase separation vessel before the stream enters the purification columns. This preliminary action reduces the salt burden on subsequent purification equipment, preventing salt concentration buildup and maintaining manufacturing precision throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase separation vessel acts as an intermediary step between neutralization and purification. It provides a controlled environment for salt removal through phase separation, mediating the transition from a salt-containing neutralized stream to a cleaner stream suitable for purification column processing.
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 effectively reduces salt concentration in the hydrocarbon stream, minimizing equipment fouling and corrosion by maintaining a salt gradient that lowers salt levels in the hydrocarbon phase, as demonstrated by sodium analysis showing reduced salt content near the top of the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
a neutralized stream enters the vessel through a first inlet, and a hydrocarbon stream exits the vessel through a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon layer
Implementation Method 2
the vessel having an inlet, two outlets, an aqueous layer and a hydrocarbon layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing the salt content of a neutralized aralkyl hydroperoxide cleavage mass stream comprising passing the neutralized stream into a vessel, the vessel having an inlet, two outlets, an aqueous layer and a hydrocarbon layer wherein the neutralized stream enters the vessel through a first inlet and a hydrocarbon stream exits the vessel through a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon layer.