CHDM Purification Using FFE and MVR Heat Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for purifying 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) are inefficient in removing water as a solvent, leading to high energy consumption and increased CHDM loss, which affects economic feasibility and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a Falling Film Evaporator (FFE) to separate water from CHDM, followed by an absorber to recover CHDM, and using a Mechanical Vapor Compressor (MVR) to recycle vapor as a heat source for the FFE, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is used as a solvent in CHDM production, then the hydrogenation reaction can proceed effectively, but the energy consumption for water removal increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through evaporation in the FFE unit, enabling efficient separation and removal of water solvent from the reaction mixture, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with conventional water removal methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an organic solvent as an intermediary substance to facilitate the separation of water from CHDM. The organic solvent forms an azeotropic mixture with water, enabling easier removal of water through distillation and phase separation, thus reducing the direct energy burden of water removal
2Quantity of substance
If conventional separation processes are used to remove water, then water can be separated from CHDM, but CHDM loss increases due to high hydrophilicity
Solution Approach 1:
The organic solvent acts as a mediator that reduces the hydrophilic interaction between CHDM and water. By forming an azeotropic mixture, the organic solvent enables water to be preferentially removed while CHDM remains in the organic phase, minimizing CHDM loss during the separation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the separation system by introducing an organic solvent that alters the polarity and solubility characteristics. This parameter change enables selective separation of water from CHDM based on differential solubility and azeotropic behavior, reducing CHDM co-evaporation and loss
3Manufacturing precision
If water is removed from the crude product, then the purity of CHDM increases, but the concentration of CHDM accompanied with water increases causing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The organic solvent serves as an intermediary that breaks the strong association between CHDM and water molecules. By forming a ternary system (water-organic solvent-CHDM), the organic solvent reduces the hydrophilic binding, allowing water to be removed while CHDM remains dissolved in the organic phase, thus achieving high purity with minimal loss
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 method achieves high-purity CHDM with low energy consumption, minimizing CHDM loss and by-product content, suitable for use in high-quality polymer production.
Implementation Method 1
evaporating a first stream containing water as a main component in an upper part of the FFE
Implementation Method 2
evaporating a first stream containing water as a main component
Implementation Method 3
compressing a stream discharged to the upper part of the absorber in the step 2 using an MVR (Mechanical Vapor Compressor)
Implementation Method 4
using it as a heat source for the FFE
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for purifying a 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) composition, and more particularly, to a method for purifying CHDM that can efficiently remove water as a solvent with low energy and can separate high-purity CHDM.