Atmospheric Distillation for Simultaneous Low and High Octane Gasoline Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil refining processes face challenges in efficiently producing high and low octane gasoline, leading to high energy consumption, increased costs, and difficulties in separating components like n-heptane and isooctane, while also struggling to achieve low octane ratings for compression ignition engines.
Innovation Solution
The method involves finely dividing extraction points in atmospheric distillation to separate low and high octane gasoline components based on their octane ratings, using fixed-point extraction and additional separation techniques to combine components into low and high octane gasoline products, which are then used in respective engines, and employing secondary separation methods for close-boiling-point components like n-heptane and isooctane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional oil refining processes are used to produce high octane gasoline, then the octane rating is improved, but energy consumption increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gasoline production process by separating components into different extraction columns based on their boiling points and octane ratings. Light components (C5-C6) with lower octane ratings are extracted in one column, while heavy components (C7-C12) with higher octane ratings are extracted in another column, allowing simultaneous production of both low and high octane gasoline without energy-intensive conversion processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameters by using multiple extraction columns operating at different temperature ranges to directly obtain components with different octane ratings. Instead of using energy-intensive catalytic cracking or reforming to convert low octane components to high octane components, the process directly separates and collects the desired components based on their physical properties
2Measurement precision
If conventional oil refining processes are used to produce high octane gasoline, then the octane rating is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refining process into multiple extraction columns that operate in parallel, each targeting specific boiling point ranges. This segmentation allows for the simultaneous production of different gasoline grades from the same feedstock without requiring expensive conversion units, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining high octane ratings
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction columns serve multiple functions: they separate components by boiling point, classify them by octane rating, and produce both low and high octane gasoline products simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conversion processes and reduces overall production costs
3Quantity of substance
If conventional distillation is used, then separation of components is achieved, but difficulty in separating close-boiling-point components like n-heptane and isooctane persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple extraction columns with progressively narrower temperature ranges to segment the separation process. Each column handles a specific boiling point range, and the final columns are dedicated to separating close-boiling-point components like n-heptane and isooctane, making the complex separation manageable through systematic division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs additional extraction columns beyond what would be minimally required, with some columns operating at overlapping temperature ranges to ensure complete separation of close-boiling-point components. This excessive action guarantees high separation efficiency for difficult-to-separate pairs like n-heptane and isooctane
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 simplifies the production process, reduces costs, and provides low-cost, environmentally friendly fuels for both high and low octane gasoline engines, improving the octane ratings without the need for costly conversions or additives, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
in the process of atmospheric distillation or reduced pressure distillation of crude oil, reformate oil, oil generated from catalytic cracking, oil generated from hydrogenating cracking, pyrolysis oil, or aromatic raffinate oil
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for joint production of low octane gasoline and high octane gasoline. In the process of oil or light oil rectification, the extraction points of the distillates therein are finely divided, and the temperature ranges for extraction of fractions are narrowed down. Each of the low and high octane components having a high content in the range from C6-C12 (which may be extended to C5-C14 where necessary) is then separately extracted. After that, low octane components are combined into compression ignition low octane gasoline products, while high octane components are combined into high octane gasoline products. The remaining fractions are respectively added as supplementing agents into the low octane gasoline products or high octane gasoline products dependent on their octane ratings. Low octane gasoline is used in compression ignition gasoline engines, while high octane gasoline is used in spark ignition gasoline engines.