Dividing Wall Column Hexane Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processes for producing high-purity hexane are energy intensive and result in inferior product quality due to high benzene and sulfur content, with solvent extraction processes being particularly inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A dividing wall column system is used to separate hexane, which segregates components and reduces back-mixing, combined with a hexane polishing unit for hydrogenation to lower benzene content, significantly reducing energy and equipment needs compared to traditional two-column processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional solvent extraction process is used to produce hexane, then hexane can be produced, but the product quality is inferior with high benzene and sulfur content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehexane purityVSAvoidbenzene and sulfur content

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the extraction column into multiple sections with dividing walls, creating separate zones for different separation functions. This allows the column to simultaneously perform aromatic extraction and hexane separation, producing high-purity hexane as a side product while removing contaminants like benzene and sulfur through the segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts hexane as a separate side product from the extraction column rather than relying on subsequent distillation. By taking out hexane at a specific location in the extraction column where it concentrates, the process produces high-purity hexane directly, removing it from the mixture before further processing and eliminating the need for additional purification steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional two-column distillation process is used to produce high-purity hexane, then hexane separation is achieved, but energy consumption is very high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehexane purityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hexane separation function into the extraction column itself by adding a side draw outlet. This combines the extraction and hexane separation operations into a single unit, eliminating the need for a separate distillation column and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining high hexane purity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction column is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: aromatic extraction, hexane concentration, and hexane separation. By making the extraction column multi-functional with the side draw outlet, the system eliminates the need for dedicated hexane separation equipment and reduces overall energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional extraction column is used, then aromatic extraction is performed, but hexane separation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearomatics removalVSAvoidhexane separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the extraction column by introducing a side draw outlet at a specific height, creating distinct functional zones. The lower section handles aromatic extraction while the upper section concentrates and allows withdrawal of hexane, enabling both aromatic removal and hexane separation in the same column.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the conventional extraction column by introducing a side draw outlet, transforming it from a single-product column to a multi-product system. This dimensional change in product withdrawal enables simultaneous aromatic extraction and hexane separation without requiring an additional column.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 dividing wall column system achieves high-purity hexane production with 20-70% lower operating costs and improved quality, meeting specifications for use in food, pharmaceutical, and polymer processes while reducing CO2 emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a dividing wall column comprising a dividing wall that divides the dividing wall column at least partially into a first side and a second side, with one of the first and second sides preferably configured to operate as a deisohexanizer column and the other side of the first and second side preferably configured to operate as a hexane column to produce hexane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 2

the hexane polishing unit comprises a hexane polishing reactor for hydrogenating at least a part of the benzene included in the produced hexane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentUS11834405B2Hexane as a by-product of isomerization unit using a dividing wall column

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SULZER MANAGEMENT AG

AI summary

A dividing wall column system for producing hexane includes a dividing wall column including a dividing wall that divides the dividing wall column at least partially into a first side and a second side, with one side of the first and second sides configured to operate as a deisohexanizer column and the other side of the first and second side configured to operate as a hexane column to produce hexane.