Dividing Wall Column for Isomerization Unit Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional isomerization units are energy-intensive and space-consuming due to multiple distillation columns operating at high pressures and temperatures, leading to high liquid losses and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A dividing wall column apparatus with strategically placed primary and secondary vertical walls, configured to produce multiple cuts, reduces the need for additional columns and equipment by combining the functions of the DIH and FGH columns into a single unit, minimizing equipment count and utility consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distillation columns are used in conventional isomerization units, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple distillation columns (DIH column and FGH column) into a single dividing wall column apparatus. The dividing wall column is configured with internal walls that create separate separation zones, allowing it to perform the separation functions previously requiring multiple independent columns. This merging reduces equipment count, simplifies the process flow, and reduces space requirements while maintaining separation efficiency through the multi-zoned internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall column apparatus is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs the separation functions of the DIH column (producing light isomerate, heavy isomerate, and n-hexane rich side cut) and the FGH column (producing food grade hexane). By integrating multiple separation functions into a single column structure with strategically placed internal walls, the apparatus achieves universal operation across multiple product streams without requiring separate dedicated columns for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple distillation columns operate at high pressure and temperature, then separation performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation functions of multiple columns into a single dividing wall column, thereby consolidating the energy consumption. Instead of multiple reboilers and condensers operating at high pressure and temperature, the integrated structure uses a single reboiler and condenser system, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining separation performance through optimized internal wall configurations and multi-zone separation.
3Productivity
If conventional columns are used for stabilizer and deisohexanizer functions, then processing capability is maintained, but liquid losses to off gases increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing wall column is segmented into multiple separation zones by internal walls, creating distinct regions for different product withdrawals. This segmentation allows for optimized separation of light isomerate, heavy isomerate, n-hexane rich side cut, and food grade hexane, enabling better control over product composition and reducing liquid losses to off gases by improving the efficiency of each separation zone.
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 solution significantly reduces column height, reboiler duty, and utility consumption while maintaining product quality, eliminating the need for an additional column and associated equipment, and enhancing the purity of products.
Implementation Method 1
Dividing wall columns (DWC) are basically conventional columns fitted with a dividing wall on top, middle or bottom of columns having one or set of two or more walls at different locations inside the column thermally coupled capable of separating mixtures of three or more components into high purity products
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus also includes a pump is located around the one or more secondary vertical walls and configured to reduce the reboiler duty
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a dividing wall column in an isomerization unit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a at least one primary vertical wall located at a first set of predetermined plurality of trays and configured to separate a feed from a first side cut; one or more walls placed at a second set of predetermined plurality of trays and configured to enable a second side cut wherein each of the one or more walls includes at least one predetermined shape, wherein the dividing wall column produces four cuts wherein one is hexane cut, wherein there are two walls in different sections of the column. The at least one primary vertical wall includes one of a straight wall, an ‘L’ shaped wall, an ‘Γ’ shaped wall, or a zig-zag wall. The one or more walls are mechanically coupled to form a second vertical wall.