Distillation Tower Heating Mechanism to Prevent Solid CO₂ Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distillation methods face difficulties in separating carbon dioxide from methane at cryogenic temperatures, leading to solidification of CO2 and subsequent adhesion to distillation tower surfaces, which interferes with the separation process.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that introduces a heating mechanism to the controlled freeze zone section of a distillation tower to destabilize and prevent the adhesion of solids to the surface, by applying heat directly to the internal or external surface of the controlled freeze zone wall, allowing for effective separation of hydrocarbons from contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional distillation is used to separate CO2 from methane at cryogenic temperatures, then separation efficiency is improved, but solid CO2 adheres to distillation tower surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidsolid adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heating mechanisms to the controlled freeze zone wall to convert the harmful adhesion of solid CO2 into a beneficial effect by preventing accumulation. The heat destabilizes the solid CO2 and prevents it from adhering to surfaces, thereby maintaining separation efficiency while eliminating the adhesion problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the controlled freeze zone wall by applying heat, transforming it from a cold surface that promotes adhesion to a warmed surface that prevents adhesion. This parameter change allows solid CO2 to be destabilized and prevented from adhering while maintaining the cryogenic separation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heating is applied to prevent solid adhesion, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heating mechanisms locally to the controlled freeze zone wall rather than heating the entire distillation tower. This localized application of heat provides the necessary anti-adhesion effect only where solid CO2 accumulation occurs, improving operational reliability while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a heating mechanism that applies heat to the controlled freeze zone wall, which may be more heating than strictly necessary for thermodynamic separation but is precisely targeted. This partial action approach ensures reliable prevention of adhesion without excessively heating the entire system, balancing reliability and energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 heating mechanism effectively prevents solid adhesion, ensuring proper operation and efficient separation of hydrocarbons from contaminants, maintaining the integrity of the distillation process and producing high-quality hydrocarbon products.

Implementation Method 1

directly applying heat to the controlled freeze zone wall of the controlled freeze zone section with a heating mechanism coupled to at least one of a controlled freeze zone internal surface of the controlled freeze zone wall and a controlled freeze zone external surface of the controlled freeze zone wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

separating the feed stream in the stripper section into an enriched contaminant bottom liquid stream, comprising the contaminant, and a freezing zone vapor stream, comprising the hydrocarbon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 3

contacting the freezing zone vapor stream in the controlled freeze zone section with a freezing zone liquid stream, comprising the hydrocarbon, at a temperature and pressure at which a solid, comprising the contaminant forms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS9874396B2Method and device for separating hydrocarbons and contaminants with a heating mechanism to destabilize and/or prevent adhesion of solids

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY(US)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for separating a feed stream in a distillation tower which includes separating a feed stream in a stripper section into an enriched contaminant bottom liquid stream and a freezing zone vapor stream; contacting the freezing zone vapor stream in the controlled freeze zone section with a freezing zone liquid stream at a temperature and pressure at which a solid and a hydrocarbon-enriched vapor stream form; directly applying heat to a controlled freeze zone wall of the controlled freeze zone section with a heating mechanism coupled to at least one of a controlled freeze zone internal surface of the controlled freeze zone wall and a controlled freeze zone external surface of the controlled freeze zone wall; and at least one of destabilizing and preventing adhesion of the solid to the controlled freeze zone wall with the heating mechanism.