Dividing Wall Column for Naphtha Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid catalytic cracking units face inefficiencies in producing naphtha streams, leading to high utility and capital costs due to the need for multiple splitter columns for separation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a separation zone or system utilizing a dividing wall column, either alone or in combination with another distillation column, to efficiently separate naphtha components into multiple product streams by dividing the column height with an imperforate wall, creating vertical, parallel contacting sections for enhanced separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a direct sequence of two or three splitter columns is used to separate naphtha into multiple products, then the separation can be accomplished, but utility and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column is segmented into multiple vertical contacting sections by dividing walls, allowing each section to perform a specific separation function. This enables a single column to achieve what would traditionally require multiple separate columns, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to separation by creating parallel vertical contacting sections within a single column using dividing walls. This spatial arrangement allows multiple separation processes to occur simultaneously in different vertical zones, effectively replacing the need for multiple horizontal column sequences.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple splitter columns are used for naphtha separation, then product separation is achieved, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separation functions that would traditionally require separate columns are merged into a single integrated column structure. The dividing walls create independent vertical sections within one column, combining the functionality of multiple columns while reducing capital expenditure on equipment, foundations, and auxiliary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A single column is designed to perform multiple separation functions simultaneously through its divided vertical sections. Each section can handle different separation tasks (e.g., light naphtha recovery, medium naphtha separation, aromatic naphtha extraction), making the column a universal unit that replaces several specialized columns.
3Productivity
If a traditional sequence of splitter columns is used, then four product streams can be produced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical contacting sections operate continuously and simultaneously within a single column, maintaining constant separation action without the energy losses associated with material transfer between multiple columns. The integrated design eliminates idle periods and redundant heating/cooling cycles, sustaining continuous useful separation action.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple vertical contacting sections are nested within a single column structure, with each section containing its own separation functionality. This nested arrangement allows efficient heat and mass transfer between sections, reducing overall energy consumption while producing all required product streams from a single feed input.
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
This approach reduces utility and capital costs by achieving a more efficient split of hydrocarbon feeds, providing at least four product streams with reduced energy requirements and smaller column diameters, resulting in lower energy consumption and capital savings.
Implementation Method 1
a separation zone or system utilizing a dividing wall column, either alone or in combination with another distillation column, to efficiently separate naphtha components into multiple product streams
Data Source
AI summary
One exemplary embodiment can be a separation zone for separating a plurality of naphtha components. The separation zone can include first and second columns. The first column may include a dividing imperforate wall with one surface facing a feed and another surface facing a side stream. Typically, the wall extends a significant portion of the column height to divide the portion into at least two substantially vertical, parallel contacting sections. Also, the second column can communicate with the first column so as to provide a feed to or receive a feed from the first column. Generally, the second column is non-divided. The separation zone may provide at least four product streams.