Azeotrope-like Composition for Hydrogen Fluoride Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing 1,2-difluoroethylene and 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene result in hydrogen fluoride as a by-product, which requires effective separation, and current separation techniques are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An azeotrope-like composition comprising 1,2-difluoroethylene or 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene and hydrogen fluoride is developed, allowing for efficient separation through distillation or liquid-liquid separation methods, utilizing the properties of these compositions to maintain a constant boiling point and vapor composition during distillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dehydrofluorination methods are used to produce 1,2-difluoroethylene or 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene, then the target products are obtained, but hydrogen fluoride is generated as a by-product that requires separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an azeotrope-forming substance as an intermediary agent that selectively associates with hydrogen fluoride to form an azeotropic mixture. This intermediary substance enables the separation of HF from the target product by creating a distinct vapor-liquid equilibrium composition, allowing HF to be removed efficiently through distillation while the target product remains in the liquid phase or can be easily recovered.
2Reliability
If current separation techniques are applied to remove hydrogen fluoride, then separation is achieved, but the process is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in vapor pressure and boiling point parameters by introducing an azeotrope-forming substance. The addition of this substance creates a new vapor-liquid equilibrium with a constant boiling point that is lower than the target product, enabling selective removal of HF through distillation at controlled temperatures and pressures. This parameter change simplifies the separation process from complex multi-step operations to a more efficient single-stage or reduced-stage distillation process.
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 azeotrope-like compositions enable efficient separation of hydrogen fluoride from the target products, improving the purity and recovery of 1,2-difluoroethylene and 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene, reducing equipment costs and minimizing losses through optimized distillation processes.
Implementation Method 1
An azeotrope-like composition comprising 1,2-difluoroethylene or 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene and hydrogen fluoride... maintaining a constant boiling point and vapor composition during distillation
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a novel azeotrope-like composition and a separation method using the composition. The disclosure provides an azeotrope-like composition comprising 1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132) and hydrogen fluoride; an azeotrope-like composition comprising 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (HFO-1123) and hydrogen fluoride; and a separation method of a composition comprising hydrogen fluoride and at least one member selected from the group consisting of trans-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(E)), cis-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(Z)), and 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (HFO-1123).