Azeotropic Distillation Reactant as Entrainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current azeotropic distillation methods for producing allyl alcohol require high energy consumption without significantly improving separation performance, necessitating a reduction in energy usage without compromising separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Supplying a portion of the reactant as an azeotropic entrainer in the distillation step, where the reactant acts as both a reactant and an entrainer, enhancing separation performance and reducing energy consumption by minimizing the mixing of high-boiling components and water load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional azeotropic distillation is used for separating allyl alcohol from reaction products, then separation is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The reactant (allyl acetate) serves dual functions: as a reactant in the hydrolysis reaction and as an azeotropic entrainer in the distillation process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate entrainer addition and reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by having the reactant (allyl acetate) perform two roles simultaneously: participating in the hydrolysis reaction to produce allyl alcohol and acting as an azeotropic entrainer to facilitate water separation during distillation. This dual role reduces overall process complexity and energy requirements.
2Productivity
If all reactant is supplied to the reaction step, then reaction efficiency is maximized, but separation performance in distillation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter by supplying a portion (1-10 mass%, preferably 3-8 mass%) of the reactant to the distillation column as an azeotropic entrainer rather than directing all reactant to the reaction step. This parameter adjustment optimizes both reaction efficiency and separation performance simultaneously.
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 improves separation performance in azeotropic distillation while reducing energy consumption, specifically by recycling a high percentage of unreacted reactant as an entrainer, thereby lowering the energy required for the distillation process.
Implementation Method 1
An azeotropic phenomenon takes place in a combination of two or more components which may provide a maximum azeotropic point or a minimum azeotropic point. In an 'azeotropic distillation' utilizing the azeotropic phenomenon, when a substance (generally called an 'entrainer' or 'auxiliary agent') capable of forming an azeotropic mixture with at least one of any of at least two substances
Implementation Method 2
a distillation step for separating and refining (or purifying) reaction product(s)
Data Source
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AI summary
An azeotropic distillation method, comprising a reaction step, a distillation step for separating and refining a reaction product, and a recovery step for collecting a reactant after the distillation step; wherein at least one component constituting the reactant in the reaction step can act as an entrainer for the azeotropic distillation in the distillation step; and a portion of the reactant capable of acting as the entrainer is supplied to the distillation step.