Dividing Wall Column Reboiler Heat Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NGL fractionation trains require significant capital investment, plot space, and operational costs due to multiple fractionation columns and externally heated reboilers, which also pose safety risks and inefficiencies in energy use.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single dividing wall column (DWC) with an externally heated reboiler and a deisobutanizer integrated with a compressor, where the majority of externally supplied heat energy is input through the reboiler, reducing the need for multiple heat sources and optimizing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple fractionation columns and externally heated reboilers are used, then separation capability is improved, but capital investment and plot space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fractionation functions into a single dividing wall column (DWC) that performs both depropanizer and debutanizer operations simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate columns and reboilers needed, thereby reducing plot space while maintaining separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall column is designed to perform multiple functions: it separates C3/C4 hydrocarbons in the depropanizer section and C4/C5 hydrocarbons in the debutanizer section. This multi-functionality allows a single column to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate columns, reducing overall facility footprint.
2Productivity
If multiple externally heated reboilers are used, then fractionation efficiency is improved, but energy cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single externally heated reboiler at the bottom of the dividing wall column to provide heat for both the depropanizer and debutanizer sections. This eliminates the need for multiple separate reboilers, reducing energy input requirements and associated safety risks while maintaining fractionation efficiency through internal heat integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall column design allows the overhead vapor from the debutanizer section to be used as reflux for the depropanizer section, and the liquid from the depropanizer section to flow down and provide cooling. This self-service heat integration reduces the external energy input needed while maintaining efficient fractionation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fractionation units are used, then product purity is improved, but operational complexity and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates depropanizer and debutanizer functions into a single dividing wall column with a wall dividing the column into two sections. This unified design maintains product purity through effective separation while reducing operational complexity by eliminating the need to operate and coordinate multiple separate fractionation units.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall column serves as both a depropanizer and a debutanizer, with the ability to produce high-purity C3, C4, and C5+ products from a single unit. This multi-functionality simplifies operational procedures and reduces personnel requirements while maintaining the ability to produce multiple pure products.
4Loss of energy
If a single dividing wall column with integrated reboiler is used, then energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but separation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines depropanizer and debutanizer sections within a single dividing wall column, sharing a common reboiler and utilizing internal heat integration. This merging reduces overall energy input requirements while the internal complexity is managed through the unified design that allows coordinated operation of both separation functions.
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 system achieves energy and cost-effectiveness, reduces plot space requirements, and enhances safety by minimizing the number of operators and equipment, while producing high-purity hydrocarbon products with reduced refrigerant costs and efficient ethane production.
Implementation Method 1
an externally heated reboiler of the DWC... The majority of all externally supplied heat energy supplied to the system is input to the system via the externally heated reboiler
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to condense the overhead vapor
Implementation Method 3
a system and process for fractionating a hydrocarbon liquid feed stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system and process for fractionating a hydrocarbon liquid feed using a single dividing wall column (DWC), an externally heated reboiler connected to the DWC, and a deisobutanizer (DIB) integrated with a compressor. The majority of all externally supplied heat energy supplied to the system is input to the system via the externally heated reboiler of the DWC.