Cyclohexanone Oxime Phase Separation from KA Oil

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Solution Overview

Problem

The separation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone from their mixture is challenging due to unfavorable relative volatilities, making traditional distillation techniques ineffective.

Innovation Solution

Treating the mixture with hydroxylamine to convert cyclohexanone into cyclohexanone oxime, which has low solubility in cyclohexanol, facilitating easier separation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone oxime through phase separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional distillation techniques are used to separate cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, then the separation process is simple and well-established, but the separation is ineffective due to unfavorable relative volatilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of cyclohexanone by converting it to cyclohexanone oxime through reaction with hydroxylamine. This parameter change transforms the substance into a form with different solubility characteristics, enabling effective separation from cyclohexanol that was not achievable through physical distillation alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hydroxylamine as an intermediary substance that reacts with cyclohexanone to form cyclohexanone oxime. This intermediary enables the separation process by creating a derivative with distinct solubility properties, allowing the mixture to be separated into cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone oxime through filtration or phase separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cyclohexanone is converted to cyclohexanone oxime using hydroxylamine, then the separation of cyclohexanol becomes easier, but an additional chemical reaction step is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation easeVSAvoidprocess steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a preliminary chemical action by converting cyclohexanone to cyclohexanone oxime before the separation step. This preliminary transformation simplifies the subsequent separation operation, as the oxime form has different solubility characteristics that facilitate easier separation from cyclohexanol through filtration or phase separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of cyclohexanone by converting it to cyclohexanone oxime through reaction with hydroxylamine. This parameter change transforms the substance into a form with different solubility characteristics, enabling effective separation from cyclohexanol that was not achievable through physical distillation alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol are left as a mixed by-product stream, then no additional processing steps are needed, but the product value is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct valueVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of cyclohexanone by converting it to cyclohexanone oxime through reaction with hydroxylamine. This parameter change transforms the substance into a form with different solubility characteristics, enabling effective separation from cyclohexanol that was not achievable through physical distillation alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the mixed by-product stream into two separate valuable products: pure cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone oxime. This segmentation increases product value by allowing each component to be sold or processed independently rather than disposing of or using the low-value mixture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 method allows for the effective separation and purification of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone oxime, enabling further conversion of cyclohexanone oxime to caprolactam and utilizing cyclohexanol as a solvent, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the KA oil stream.

Implementation Method 1

treating a mixture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone with hydroxylamine results in the cyclohexanone being converted into cyclohexanone oxime

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the oxime has low solubility in the alcohol; and separating the oxime and alcohol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2970075B1Oximation of ka oil by-product
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 ADVANSIX RESINS & CHEMICALS LLC
  • EP2970075B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2970075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2970075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods for separating ketones and alcohols. In one embodiment, the methods and compositions disclosed are useful in separating cyclohexanol from cyclohexanone. In one embodiment, cyclohexanone is converted to its corresponding oxime by treating the cyclohexanone with hydroxylamine. The resulting cyclohexanone oxime is then separated from the cyclohexanol, providing streams of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone oxime.