Chromatographic Separation of Butanediol from Polyhydric Alcohols
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Solution Overview
Problem
The separation of butanediol compounds from mixtures of polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol and ethylene glycol, is challenging due to their close boiling points, leading to difficulties in achieving high purity through traditional distillation methods, which require tall and expensive distillation columns and high energy inputs.
Innovation Solution
A method using a chromatographic matrix for separating butanediol compounds from polyhydric alcohols through simulated moving bed chromatography, where one compound preferentially adsorbs to the matrix, allowing for the separation of propylene glycol substantially free of butanediol compounds and the recovery of butanediol compounds, thereby eliminating the need for distillation columns and azeotropic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional distillation methods are used to separate butanediol compounds from polyhydric alcohols, then separation can be achieved, but tall and expensive distillation columns and high energy inputs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical distillation system with a chromatographic separation system using adsorption. Instead of using heat and tall distillation columns, the invention uses a chromatographic matrix that selectively adsorbs butanediol compounds, allowing separation through flow dynamics and adsorption equilibria. This substitutes thermal-mechanical separation with a chemical-physical adsorption process, dramatically reducing energy requirements while achieving the same purification goal
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional distillation methods are used to separate butanediol compounds from polyhydric alcohols, then separation can be achieved, but tall and expensive distillation columns are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distillation infrastructure with a simpler chromatographic system. Instead of tall columns requiring structural support, trays, reflux systems, and condensers, the invention uses adsorption columns with chromatographic matrices that rely on flow-through separation. This dramatically simplifies the device structure while maintaining separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from thermal-based distillation to adsorption-based chromatography. By altering the fundamental separation parameter from temperature-driven volatility differences to concentration-driven adsorption equilibria, the system achieves separation in a much more compact and simpler configuration
3Use of energy by stationary object
If chromatographic matrix adsorption is used to separate butanediol compounds, then energy consumption is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but high manufacturing precision is required to achieve less than 2% butanediol contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chromatographic matrix as an intermediary substance that mediates the separation between butanediol compounds and polyhydric alcohols. This matrix acts as a selective adsorbent that captures butanediol compounds while allowing propylene glycol to pass through. The intermediary enables high-precision separation without requiring extreme operational conditions, achieving less than 2% butanediol contamination through controlled adsorption rather than through high-energy processes
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 enables the production of propylene glycol with less than 2% butanediol contamination, reducing energy consumption and costs associated with distillation, while providing a bio-based product suitable for certification as a U.S.D.A. Certified Bio-based Product.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the mixture with a chromatographic matrix. The butanediol compound or the non-butanediol compound, but not both, adsorbs to the chromatographic matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of separating at butanediol compound from a mixture containing polyhydric alcohols and butanediol compounds. The mixture of polyhydric alcohols typically contains propylene glycol and ethylene glycol in addition to the butanediol contaminants. Butanediol contaminants are removed by contacting the mixture with a chromatographic matrix. Either the butanediol compounds or the non-butanediol compounds adsorb to the chromatographic matrix. If desired, the adsorbed compounds may be eluted from the matrix, purified and used in products.