Bubble Catcher for Oligomer Discharge Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
The clogging of level control valves in product discharge lines due to choked flow phenomena caused by mixed gas and liquid phases in oligomerization reaction product streams, leading to operational inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bubble catcher in the product discharge line to remove bubbles from the reaction product stream, which includes features like a pressure gauge, baffles, and a demister to ensure smooth flow and prevent valve congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reaction product stream with mixed gas and liquid phases is discharged through the product discharge line, then the oligomerization reaction can proceed with gas holdup ratio of 5% to 40%, but a choked flow phenomenon occurs causing clogging of the level control valve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful gas phase (bubbles) from the reaction product stream before it reaches the level control valve. The bubble catcher is installed in the product discharge line to separate and remove bubbles, allowing only the liquid phase to proceed to the valve, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining reaction productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble catcher acts as an intermediary device between the reaction product stream and the level control valve. It mediates the flow by removing gas bubbles and preventing them from reaching the valve, thus protecting the valve from clogging without affecting the overall reaction process
2Ease of operation
If the reaction product stream flows through the level control valve, then product discharge can be controlled, but the mixed gas-liquid flow causes congestion and clogging of the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble catcher performs preliminary action by removing gas bubbles from the reaction product stream before the flow reaches the level control valve. This preliminary separation ensures that only liquid phase flows through the valve, preventing congestion and maintaining smooth flow conditions
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 bubble catcher effectively reduces the gas-phase content in the reaction product stream, preventing valve clogging and extending maintenance cycles by ensuring a smooth flow and minimizing polymer fouling.
Implementation Method 1
a bubble catcher provided in an area of the product discharge line to remove bubbles contained in the reaction product stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for preparing an oligomer, including: a reactor receiving a monomer stream and performing an oligomerization reaction to prepare a reaction product; a product discharge line for transferring a reaction product stream discharged from the reactor; and a bubble catcher provided in any area of the product discharge line to remove bubbles contained in the reaction product stream.