Divided Wall Distillation Column for Trihalosilane Refining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for refining trichlorosilane, such as those using the Siemens technique, consume excessive energy and produce products with poor purity, particularly due to the inefficiencies in separating low, middle, and high boiling point components.
Innovation Solution
A trihalosilane refining device employing a divided wall distillation column (DWC) with specific inlet and outlet port configurations and operating conditions to effectively separate and refine trichlorosilane, minimizing energy consumption and enhancing product purity by optimizing the separation of low, middle, and high boiling point components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods are used for trichlorosilane refining, then the separation process can be implemented, but excessive energy is consumed and product purity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distillation functions into a single divided wall column that performs simultaneous separation of low boiling point components (HCl, dichlorosilane), middle boiling point components (trichlorosilane), and high boiling point components (tetrachlorosilane). This integrated approach replaces conventional multi-column distillation systems, reducing energy consumption while achieving high product purity through efficient component separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The divided wall column is segmented into multiple sections with divided walls creating distinct separation zones. The column includes a preliminary separation section for low boiling point components and a main separation section for middle and high boiling point components, allowing simultaneous multi-component separation with improved energy efficiency and product purity.
2Productivity
If conventional distillation columns are used, then the separation of multiple components can be achieved, but the process requires multiple columns and high energy input
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distillation functions that would traditionally require separate columns are merged into a single divided wall column. The column simultaneously separates low boiling point components in the preliminary separation section and middle/high boiling point components in the main separation section, achieving high productivity with reduced energy input compared to conventional multi-column systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The divided wall column performs multiple separation functions within a single unit, handling the separation of HCl, dichlorosilane, trichlorosilane, and tetrachlorosilane simultaneously. This multi-functional design improves productivity while reducing the total energy consumption associated with operating multiple separate distillation columns.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple distillation is used, then the process is simple to operate, but the separation of low, middle, and high boiling point components is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The column structure is segmented with divided walls creating distinct separation zones for different boiling point ranges. The preliminary separation section handles low boiling point components (HCl, dichlorosilane) while the main separation section handles middle and high boiling point components (trichlorosilane, tetrachlorosilane), achieving precise component separation through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the column have optimized local structures tailored to specific separation needs. The preliminary separation section is designed for low boiling point component separation while the main separation section is optimized for middle and high boiling point components, with each section having appropriate tray configurations and flow patterns for its specific separation function.
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 trihalosilane refining device achieves high-purity trihalosilane production while significantly reducing energy consumption by efficiently separating and refining trichlorosilane through the DWC's structured design and operational parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a divided wall distillation column (DWC) installed to enable an inflow of a feed containing a trihalosilane... The divided wall distillation column may have at least one inlet port and at least three outlet ports formed therein... the feed can be introduced through the inlet port, and an effluent containing the refined trihalosilane can be extruded through one of the three outlet ports
Data Source
AI summary
Trihalosilane refining device having a divided wall distillation column is disclosed. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.