Chlorine Purification Distillation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying chlorine gas are costly, energy-inefficient, and pose safety and environmental concerns due to the ineffective removal of nitrogen trichloride and bromine byproducts, which can lead to impurities in downstream processes and increased risks in distillation systems.
Innovation Solution
A distillation system with a vaporizer, distillation tower, reflux condenser, and reboiler is used to purify chlorine gas, reducing nitrogen trichloride and bromine components, while minimizing piping and external condensers, thereby enhancing energy efficiency, safety, and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional distillation systems with external condensers and reboilers are used, then chlorine purification can be achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and energy-inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condenser and reboiler into a single integrated distillation column structure, eliminating the need for separate external equipment. The condenser is positioned at the top of the column while the reboiler is at the bottom, with both functions performed within the same vertical structure, thereby reducing system complexity and piping requirements while maintaining purification effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The distillation column serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates chlorine from impurities, condenses vapor at the top, and provides heating at the bottom. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional distillation systems with long piping are used, then separation can be achieved, but safety risks increase due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the condenser and reboiler into the distillation column, the patent dramatically reduces the length of piping required in the system. Fewer connection points and shorter pipe runs mean fewer potential failure points and reduced safety risks associated with leakage and contamination, while still achieving effective separation of chlorine from impurities
3Device complexity
If nitrogen trichloride is not effectively removed, then the purification process is simpler, but impurities remain in downstream processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature parameter changes throughout the distillation column to selectively remove nitrogen trichloride. By controlling the temperature gradient from the heated reboiler at the bottom to the cooled condenser at the top, nitrogen trichloride is separated at specific temperature zones, effectively removing this harmful impurity while maintaining a relatively simple overall process structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different temperature conditions to different zones of the distillation column: the bottom reboiler zone provides high temperature for vaporization, while the top condenser zone provides low temperature for condensation. This localized temperature control enables selective removal of nitrogen trichloride at appropriate positions in the column, effectively addressing the impurity removal challenge
4Manufacturing precision
If energy-intensive distillation processes are used, then purification can be achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous vapor-liquid contact throughout the distillation column, with vapor rising continuously from the reboiler and condensing continuously at the condenser. This continuous operation maximizes the efficiency of each energy input, achieving effective purification while minimizing wasted energy through sustained, optimized mass and heat transfer throughout the column
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 significant cost savings and energy efficiency while improving safety and reducing environmental concerns by effectively separating chlorine gas from byproducts and minimizing holdup of nitrogen trichloride and bromine components, resulting in a more efficient and safer distillation process.
Implementation Method 1
heating the chlorine supply in the vaporizer to form the vapor
Implementation Method 2
condensing the vapor in the reflux condenser to form the condensate
Implementation Method 3
introducing the vapor into the distillation system to provide purified chlorine gas, a distillate including the liquid chlorine and the bromine component, and a bottoms component including nitrogen trichloride
Implementation Method 4
heating the condensate in the reboiler, removing the purified chlorine gas from the distillation system, and removing the distillate from the distillation system
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention provides a method for purifying a chlorine supply that includes a chlorine component, a bromine component, and nitrogen trichloride. The method includes the steps of introducing the chlorine supply into a vaporizer, heating the chlorine supply in the vaporizer to form a vapor, and introducing the vapor into a distillation system to provide purified chlorine gas, a distillate that includes liquid chlorine and the bromine component, and a bottoms component including the nitrogen trichloride. The method also includes the steps of condensing the vapor in a reflux condenser, heating the condensate in a reboiler, removing the purified chlorine gas from the distillation system, and removing the distillate from the distillation system.