Coupled Distillation Columns with Dividing Wall for Multicomponent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distillation methods for separating multicomponent mixtures into three or more components require either multiple distillation columns or large, costly dividing wall columns, which can lead to high capital and energy expenses due to the need for extensive column dimensions and increased construction heights.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus configuration using three coupled distillation columns, where one column has a horizontal dividing wall, allowing mass and heat transfer between the columns, effectively mimicking the operation of a dividing wall column but with reduced capital costs and energy requirements by utilizing existing columns and a smaller additional column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods use multiple distillation columns or large dividing wall columns to separate multicomponent mixtures, then separation capability is improved, but capital costs and construction heights increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a multicomponent mixture separation task into multiple binary distillation steps, where each step separates two components. This segmentation approach avoids the need for complex large-scale dividing wall columns while achieving the same separation capability through a series of simpler, smaller distillation columns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-column vertical separation approach to a multi-column sequential separation approach, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the separation process. This allows complex multicomponent separation to be achieved through multiple simpler separation stages rather than one complex column
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods use multiple distillation columns or large dividing wall columns, then separation into three or more components is achieved, but energy expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements heat integration between distillation columns by using overhead vapors from one column as heating medium for another column's reboiler. This feedback loop recovers and reuse heat energy that would otherwise be wasted, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple distillation columns into an integrated system where heat and mass transfer occur between columns. By merging the thermal fields of multiple columns, the system achieves energy synergies that reduce total energy requirements compared to operating columns independently
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 configuration achieves significant energy savings and increased plant capacity while reducing capital costs, making it more economical and efficient compared to traditional dividing wall column setups, particularly suitable for revamps that require enhanced capacity with reduced energy demands.
Implementation Method 1
Distillative processes are commonly used in chemical engineering in order to thermally separate mixtures of different relative volatility and/or mutually soluble substances
Implementation Method 2
Some of this fraction is evaporated and fed back to the column
Implementation Method 3
The low-boiler fraction exits at the top of the column as vapor and is liquefied in a condenser
Implementation Method 4
the second distillation column comprises a horizontal dividing wall dividing the stripping section and rectifying section of the second distillation column
Implementation Method 5
three coupled distillation columns, where one column has a horizontal dividing wall, allowing mass and heat transfer between the columns
Implementation Method 6
allowing mass and heat transfer between the columns
Data Source
AI summary
Efficient distillative separation of an at least three component mixture containing high boiler, medium boiler and low boiler components is accomplished by interposing a column having a stripping section and a rectifying section separated from each other by a horizontal impermeable dividing wall between conventional distillation columns. High efficiency and low capital cost is achieved.