Distillation Column Tray Open Area Ratio for Acid Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for recovering (meth)acrylic acid in the distillation process suffer from high loss and unstable temperature profiles, making stable operation and energy efficiency challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an absorption process with water, an extraction process using a hydrophobic solvent, and a distillation process in a column with perforated trays, where the tray open area ratio at the rectifying section is lower than at the stripping section, minimizing (meth)acrylic acid loss and stabilizing the distillation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional distillation methods are used to recover (meth)acrylic acid, then the distillation process can be performed, but (meth)acrylic acid loss is high and temperature profile becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the tray open area ratio between two distinct zones of the distillation column: the rectifying section (upper part) and the stripping section (lower part). Specifically, the rectifying section has a smaller tray open area ratio (3-15%) compared to the stripping section (15-30%). This localized differentiation optimizes mass transfer and temperature control in each section, reducing (meth)acrylic acid loss while stabilizing the overall distillation process.
2Loss of energy
If conventional distillation methods are used, then the process can operate, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality optimization by assigning different tray open area ratios to different sections of the distillation column. The rectifying section (3-15% open area) is optimized for vapor-liquid equilibrium and product purity, while the stripping section (15-30% open area) is optimized for efficient removal of lighter components. This localized optimization improves overall energy utilization and reduces energy consumption while maintaining high recovery efficiency.
3Device complexity
If uniform tray open area ratio is used throughout the distillation column, then the structure is simple, but temperature profile becomes unstable and (meth)acrylic acid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality differentiation to the tray open area ratio. Rather than using a uniform structure, the column is divided into two sections with different tray configurations: the rectifying section uses trays with 3-15% open area ratio for better vapor-liquid contact and product purity, while the stripping section uses trays with 15-30% open area ratio for efficient component separation. This localized structural differentiation reduces (meth)acrylic acid loss and stabilizes temperature profile while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
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 reduces (meth)acrylic acid loss, stabilizes the distillation process, and decreases energy consumption, enabling more efficient recovery and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a mixed gas including (meth)acrylic acid, non-reacted propane or propylene, (meth)acrolein, an inert gas, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and various organic by-products contacts an absorption solvent including water in a (meth)acrylic acid absorption tower, and is recovered as a (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
a part of the (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution obtained through the absorption process is contacted with an extraction solvent in an extraction column to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid extract solution
Implementation Method 3
a feed including the remainder of the (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution obtained through the absorption process and the (meth)acrylic acid extract obtained through the extraction process is distilled to obtain (meth)acrylic acid
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method for continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid and an apparatus used for the recovery method. The method of continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid according to the present invention may minimize loss of (meth)acrylic acid particularly in the distillation process, and yet enables stable operation of the distillation process and energy reduction.