Multistage Distillation System With Intermediate Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multistage distillation systems have low efficiency due to uneven heat flow across stages, with most energy consumed by heating the main feed liquid, leaving limited energy for steam production, and inefficient reuse of heat from generated steam.
Innovation Solution
A multistage distillation system with an intermediate cooling device that cools the heated main feed liquid before it enters subsequent stages, balancing heat transfer and reducing energy consumption by allowing more efficient steam production and reuse of heat across stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the main feed liquid is heated in the first stage to generate steam for subsequent stages, then steam production is enabled, but most energy is consumed by heating the main feed liquid leaving limited energy for steam production
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heating process into multiple stages with intermediate cooling. Instead of heating the entire main feed liquid in one stage, the system segments the liquid flow and applies heating/cooling in distributed stages, allowing more efficient energy utilization and steam generation across multiple locations simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the main feed liquid in intermediate stages before it enters subsequent heating stages. This preliminary action prepares the liquid to be heated more efficiently in later stages, as it enters at a lower temperature, thereby increasing the proportion of energy available for steam production
2Loss of energy
If heat from generated steam is reused in subsequent stages, then energy efficiency improves, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to uneven heat flow across stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different thermal conditions to different locations (stages) of the liquid flow. By introducing intermediate cooling at specific locations, the system creates localized temperature differences that optimize both heat transfer efficiency and energy efficiency. Each stage can be optimized independently for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate cooling device acts as a mediator between the heating stages. It receives the heated main feed liquid from one stage and cools it before it enters the next stage, thereby controlling the temperature profile and enabling more efficient heat transfer and steam generation in subsequent stages
3Use of energy by moving object
If the main feed liquid is cooled in intermediate stages, then heat transfer efficiency increases, but device complexity increases due to additional cooling components
Solution Approach 1:
The frame elements are designed to serve multiple functions. The same structural components that provide mechanical support and flow distribution also serve as heat exchangers for intermediate cooling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate cooling function is merged with the existing stage structure. The cooling device is integrated into the frame elements and steam channels that already exist in the distillation system, combining the cooling function with the structural and flow distribution functions of the same components
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 system increases heat transfer efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and enhances steam production by ensuring the main feed liquid is colder than or at least as cold as the steam generated in preceding stages, allowing for more efficient distillation processes.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate cooling device configured to cool the heated main feed liquid before flowing to at least one of the second to last stages of the plurality of serial stages
Implementation Method 2
The first stage of the plurality of stages is configured to heat the main feed liquid and/or to be fed with heated main feed liquid
Implementation Method 3
Each stage of the plurality of stages is configured to generate steam and feed the steam to a subsequent stage
Implementation Method 4
a multistage distillation system for concentrating a feed liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 4D~4E
AI summary
The invention relates to a multistage distillation system for concentrating a feed liquid, comprising at least one module being assembled by a stack of frame elements, wherein each module comprises at least one stage, such that the system comprises in total a plurality of stages (50, 60) configured to be flowed through in series by a main feed liquid. Each stage of the plurality of stages (50, 60) is configured to generate steam and feed the steam to a subsequent stage. The first stage of the plurality of stages (50, 60) is configured to heat the main feed liquid and/or to be fed with heated main feed liquid. The system further comprises an intermediate cooling device configured to cool the heated main feed liquid before flowing to at least one of the second to last stages of the plurality of serial stages (50, 60).