Divided-Wall Distillation for Alkanol Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing alkanols, such as n-butanol, are inefficient in separating high-purity products while minimizing energy loss, particularly in the separation and refinement processes using traditional distillation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a divided-wall distillation column and a general-type distillation column is used to separate and refine alkanols by introducing a raw material with components of varying boiling points, allowing for the exchange of heat between streams to optimize reflux ratios and reduce energy consumption, thereby enhancing the separation efficiency and purity of n-butanol and iso-butanol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional distillation techniques are used for separating alkanols, then the separation process can be performed, but energy consumption is high and separation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation system is segmented into multiple columns (first distillation column, second distillation column, third distillation column) that work in sequence. Each column handles a specific separation task, allowing for more efficient and targeted separation of alkanol components, thereby improving separation efficiency while optimizing energy distribution across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple distillation operations into an integrated system where the output of one column serves as input to the next. The heat exchanger merges thermal energy from hot streams with cold streams, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost. This merging of separation stages and heat recovery creates a synergistic effect that reduces total energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional distillation techniques are used for separating alkanols, then the separation process can be performed, but energy loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers thermal energy from hot process streams that would otherwise be discarded. The heat exchanger captures heat from streams exiting the distillation columns and uses it to preheat incoming feeds or generate steam, significantly reducing energy loss while ensuring consistent product purity through the multi-column separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple distillation operations into an integrated system where the output of one column serves as input to the next. The heat exchanger merges thermal energy from hot streams with cold streams, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost. This merging of separation stages and heat recovery creates a synergistic effect that reduces total energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple distillation columns are used for separating alkanols, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation system is segmented into multiple columns (first distillation column, second distillation column, third distillation column) that work in sequence. Each column handles a specific separation task, allowing for more efficient and targeted separation of alkanol components, thereby improving separation efficiency while optimizing energy distribution across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it cools hot streams, heats cold streams, and potentially generates steam for the distillation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating and cooling equipment, thereby managing device complexity while supporting the multi-column separation system's efficiency goals.
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 method effectively reduces energy consumption by optimizing reflux ratios and stream exchanges, leading to the production of high-purity alkanols with minimized energy loss and improved separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a raw material including three components having a low boiling point, a middle boiling point and a high boiling point into a divided-wall distillation column to separate the compound of Formula 1 and isomer thereof from the raw material
Implementation Method 2
the divided-type column top stream flows out from the divided-type column top region and passes through the divided-type column condenser, some of the divided-type column top stream passing through the divided-type column condenser is refluxed to the divided-wall distillation column
Implementation Method 3
the divided-type column bottom stream of the divided-wall distillation column and the general-type column bottom stream of the general-type distillation column is refluxed to the divided-type column bottom region and the general-type column bottom region through the divided-type column reboiler and the general-type column reboiler
Implementation Method 4
allowing some or all of at least one of inflow and outflow streams in the divided-wall distillation column and the general-type distillation column to exchange heat
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a device and a method for preparing alkanol. According to the present application, energy can be reduced when preparing alkanol by reducing the amount of steam used in a reboiler or cooling water used in a condenser, and steam generated from a heat exchanger for overhead stream can be utilized in a variety of fields. Also, highly pure alkanol can be prepared according to the present application.