Divided-Wall Column Pivotable Splitter Plates Vapor-Liquid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dividing wall columns face challenges in independent control of overhead liquid reflux and rising vapor, limiting their efficiency and operational flexibility during the separation of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates pivotable splitter plates connected to rotation shafts, allowing for precise control of vapor and liquid distribution across the partition plate, enabling independent regulation of vapor and liquid flow rates within the column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional distillation columns are used, then the separation process is simple, but energy consumption is high and device investment is large
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation column is segmented into multiple functional zones using partition plates that divide the column into overhead section, bottom section, feed section, and intermediate side-draw product section. This segmentation enables thermally coupled distillation with integrated pre-separation and main column functions, reducing energy consumption by approximately 30% while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pre-separation column and main column into a single integrated column shell with internal partition plates, creating a thermally coupled distillation system. This consolidation reduces device investment by about 30% and energy consumption by 30-60% compared to conventional two-column sequences, while increasing operating capacity
2Loss of energy
If dividing wall column is used, then energy consumption and device investment are reduced, but independent control of overhead liquid reflux and rising vapor is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamically adjustable flow distribution plates that can be positioned at different angles to control the distribution of rising vapor and overhead liquid reflux. The flow distribution plates are connected to adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time modification of vapor-liquid flow paths, enabling independent control of reflux and vapor rates while maintaining the energy efficiency of the divided-wall column structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate flow distribution plates as mediator components between the partition plates and the vapor-liquid streams. These intermediate plates with adjustable flow distribution channels serve as mediators to independently regulate vapor and liquid flows, solving the control problem while preserving the energy-efficient divided-wall column design
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 solution enhances energy efficiency, reduces device investment, and simplifies column design by allowing for accurate and independent control of vapor and liquid distribution, improving separation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the first splitter plate is configured to be pivotable around the first shaft, so as to control distribution of a stream from below the first splitter plate into spaces formed at two sides of the partition plate
Implementation Method 2
Distillation technology, the most widely used unit operation in the chemical field
Implementation Method 3
separation of multiple components in an existing dividing wall column
Data Source
AI summary
A dividing wall column (10), comprising: a partition plate (11) arranged along an axial direction of the dividing wall column (10); a first shaft (22) arranged along a radial direction of the dividing wall column (10), and a first splitter plate (23) with an end connected to the first shaft (22), which are both placed beneath the partition plate (11), wherein the first splitter plate (23) is configured to be pivotable around the first shaft (22), so as to control distribution of a stream from below the first splitter plate (23) into spaces formed at two sides of the partition plate (11); and a second shaft (13) arranged along the radial direction of the dividing wall column (10), and a second splitter plate (20) with an end connected to the second shaft (13), which are both placed above the partition plate (11), wherein the second splitter plate (20) is configured to be pivotable around the second shaft (13), so as to control the stream from above the second liquid splitter plate (20) into the spaces formed at two sides of the partition plate (11).