Dividing Wall Column for Olefin Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation methods for the reaction product of ethylene oligomerization, which includes a solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins, are economically inefficient due to high energy consumption and the need for multiple distillation columns, leading to complex equipment and unstable product quality.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a dividing wall column to separate a mixture of solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins into solvent, C8 linear alpha olefin, and C10 or higher linear alpha olefin in a single treatment, reducing energy consumption and equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to separate solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins, then separation completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distillation columns into a single dividing wall column that performs the separation functions of multiple columns simultaneously. The dividing wall column integrates the separation of solvent (C7 hydrocarbons) and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins into one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate distillation columns while maintaining separation completeness and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall column is segmented into multiple sections by vertical walls that create distinct separation zones within a single column structure. This segmentation allows different separation processes to occur simultaneously in different sections of the same column, enabling the column to perform multiple separation functions that would otherwise require multiple separate columns.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to separate solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins, then separation completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distillation columns into a single dividing wall column, reducing the number of separate equipment units from multiple columns to one integrated column. This merging simplifies the overall equipment configuration, reduces the number of connections and support structures needed, and maintains separation effectiveness while lowering device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to separate solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins, then separation completeness is improved, but initial equipment investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distillation columns into a single dividing wall column, which reduces the total amount of equipment material, installation labor, and support infrastructure required. This merging approach lowers the initial equipment investment while maintaining the separation completeness that would otherwise require multiple separate columns.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to separate solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins, then separation completeness is improved, but process stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple separation processes into a single dividing wall column, reducing the number of interconnections and potential failure points between separate equipment units. This integration improves process stability by eliminating multiple interfaces where leaks or operational issues could occur, while maintaining separation completeness through the segmented design within the column.
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 method significantly reduces energy usage while maintaining product specifications, simplifying equipment, and lowering costs for initial investment and maintenance, thereby improving process stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
distilling a mixture comprising a solvent having a boiling point lower than C8 linear alpha olefin, C8 linear alpha olefin, and C10 or higher linear alpha olefin in a dividing wall column
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a separation method for a reaction product of olefin oligomerization, and a method and a device for preparing ethylene oligomer utilizing the separation method, and more specifically, a method capable of separating a mixture, which was generated after oligomerization reaction of ethylene and comprises a solvent and C8 or higher linear alpha olefins, into the solvent, C8 linear alpha olefin, and C10 or higher linear alpha olefin even by one-time treatment, and a method and a device for preparing ethylene oligomer utilizing the separation method.