Dividing Wall Distillation Column for n-Butanol Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dividing wall distillation columns face challenges in design flexibility and operational control due to structural limitations, making them less practical for industrial use despite their potential for reduced energy consumption and lower installation costs compared to conventional systems.
Innovation Solution
A dividing wall distillation column design that includes a main column divided into specific zones with a condenser and reboiler, where crude n-butanol is fed into an intermediate feed plate, allowing for the separation of low, intermediate, and high boiling components, with optimized plate numbers and temperatures to prevent remixing and enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional two-column distillation system is used, then the separation of three-component mixture can be achieved, but remixing of the intermediate boiling component occurs and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate distillation columns into a single integrated column with a dividing wall. The dividing wall creates separate compartments that allow simultaneous separation of different component pairs (low-boiling from intermediate, and intermediate from high-boiling) within one column structure. This merging eliminates the remixing problem that occurs in conventional two-column systems while reducing energy consumption through thermal coupling of the separation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The distillation column is segmented by a dividing wall into multiple compartments or zones. Each zone is dedicated to separating specific component pairs, with the intermediate boiling component being separated in different zones at different stages. This segmentation prevents remixing by providing dedicated separation paths for different component combinations, thereby improving separation efficiency while maintaining lower energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If a Petlyuk distillation column is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but the column is difficult to design and operate with pressure balancing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the column into distinct zones separated by a dividing wall, creating independent compartments for different separation tasks. This segmentation simplifies pressure balancing compared to the thermally coupled Petlyuk column because each zone can be independently controlled and optimized, eliminating the complex interdependence that makes Petlyuk columns difficult to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the column are designed with locally optimized characteristics tailored to specific separation requirements. The dividing wall creates zones with different operating conditions, plate configurations, and flow patterns suited to separating specific component pairs. This local optimization maintains energy efficiency while improving operational control compared to the uniform structure of conventional columns.
3Device complexity
If a dividing wall distillation column is used, then investment cost is lowered and energy consumption is reduced, but design flexibility and operational control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and flexible elements within the dividing wall structure, such as adjustable feed plate positions and configurable outlet locations. These dynamic features allow the column to be adapted to different separation requirements and feed compositions without requiring complete redesign, thereby maintaining design flexibility while preserving the cost and energy advantages of the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall distillation column is designed with multi-functional zones that can handle different separation tasks. The same basic structure with dividing wall can be configured for various component separations by adjusting feed positions, outlet locations, and operating parameters. This universality provides design flexibility for different applications while maintaining the inherent cost and energy benefits of the integrated 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
The design achieves efficient separation of n-butanol with reduced energy consumption and lower installation costs, comparable to two-column systems, while maintaining high purity and reducing the need for additional rectification steps, thus improving productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser; a reboiler; and a main column including a dividing wall installed therein
Implementation Method 2
a condenser; a reboiler; and a main column including a dividing wall installed therein
Implementation Method 3
a stream of crude n-butanol as a feed F flowing into an intermediate feed plate NR1... a low boiling component D flowing out from a top zone... an intermediate boiling component S flowing out from an intermediate outflow plate NR2... a high boiling component B flowing out from a bottom zone
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity n-butanol, and a method for the production of high-purity n-butanol by fractional distillation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method which provides a dividing wall distillation column with crude n-butanol as a feed to perform a fractional distillation of n-butanol, and an apparatus thereof. The dividing wall distillation column of the present invention exhibits the effects of a two distillation column from only one distillation column, thereby reducing energy and the costs of installing the apparatus as compared to conventional distillation systems.