Distillation Device for Olefin Monomer Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing distillation processes for polyolefin elastomers consume a large amount of energy and incur high costs due to inefficient collection of solvents and unreacted monomers, particularly in the solution polymerization method where a significant amount of solvent is used.
Innovation Solution
A distillation device comprising two distillation units and a heat exchanger is used to optimize temperature and pressure conditions for isolating 1-octene, iso-octene, and n-hexane, allowing for high-purity and efficient separation of solvents and unreacted olefin monomers by leveraging boiling point differences and heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional distillation devices with two sequentially connected distillation columns are used to collect solvent and unreacted monomer, then the separation function is achieved, but energy consumption is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distillation functions into a single integrated distillation column with multiple side draw outlets. Instead of using two separate distillation columns sequentially, the invention implements a unified column that can simultaneously separate and collect different components (solvent and unreacted monomer) at different height positions through side draws, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The distillation column is segmented into multiple functional zones with side draw outlets positioned at different heights. Each side draw outlet corresponds to a specific boiling point range, allowing selective withdrawal of different components. This segmentation enables efficient separation of solvent and unreacted monomer without requiring multiple separate columns.
2Ease of manufacture
If a large amount of solvent is used in solution polymerization method, then the polymerization process can be carried out, but energy consumption in solvent collection process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation column is designed with pre-positioned side draw outlets at optimal heights before the distillation process begins. These outlets are strategically located to match the expected composition distribution based on boiling points, allowing immediate withdrawal of solvent and unreacted monomer as they reach the appropriate zones during the distillation process, thereby reducing the energy required for solvent collection.
3Productivity
If traditional distillation processes are used, then solvent and monomer can be collected, but the installation cost and operating cost are high
Solution Approach 1:
The single distillation column is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: separation of solvent, collection of unreacted monomer, and potential fractionation into different purity grades. The side draw outlets enable the column to serve as both a separation device and a collection device for multiple components, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment and lowering both installation and operating costs.
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 significantly reduces energy loss and costs by maximizing heat exchange efficiency and achieving high-purity products, with energy reduction rates up to 44.7% compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a distillation device composed of two sequentially connected distillation columns
Implementation Method 2
distillation columns with various shapes may be used, considering ingredients of an introduced raw material or the boiling points of the ingredients to be separated
Implementation Method 3
two distillation units 10 and 20 and a heat exchanger 30
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a distillation device. The distillation device of the present application can minimize energy loss occurring in a purification process of the olefin monomer, the solvent, and the raw material including, for example, 1-octene, iso-octene, and n-hexane, used in a polymerization process of the polyolefin elastomer, and can increase economic efficiency by isolating a high-purity product.