Dividing Wall Column Vapor Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dividing wall columns (DWCs) face limitations in controlling and adjusting vapor flows across the dividing wall, especially when there are substantial feed composition changes or large vapor flow variations, leading to inefficiencies in separating hydrocarbon mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A dividing wall distillation column design with independent control valves in vapor conduits allows for adjustable vapor flow control between sections, enabling separate pressure operation and independent adjustment of vapor and liquid flow rates to accommodate varying process objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dividing wall position is adjusted to control vapor flow, then vapor flow distribution is improved, but the system loses adaptability when feed composition changes require large vapor flow variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable partitions with adjustable positions and variable resistance elements that can be dynamically modified during operation. This allows the system to adapt vapor flow distribution to changing feed compositions without requiring complete system redesign, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability to process changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs changeable resistance elements with varying flow resistance characteristics that can be adjusted to control vapor flow rates. By modifying these resistance parameters, the system can accommodate large vapor flow variations in response to feed composition changes while maintaining effective vapor flow control through the dividing wall.
2Device complexity
If a single fixed dividing wall configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but vapor flow adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed dividing wall configuration into a dynamic system with movable partitions and adjustable resistance elements. This allows vapor flow adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple single-column structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and vapor flow adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the middle section into multiple portions separated by partitions, creating independent vapor flow paths. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of vapor flow to different portions without complicating the overall column configuration, enabling flexible vapor flow control while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If parallel vapor paths are used to split vapor flow, then vapor flow distribution is improved, but pressure drop equality limits flow variation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces changeable resistance elements with variable flow resistance in the parallel vapor paths. By adjusting these resistance parameters, the system can create unequal pressure drops in different paths, enabling large vapor flow variations while maintaining effective vapor flow distribution through the dividing wall sections.
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
Enables efficient separation of hydrocarbon mixtures into multiple product streams by allowing flexible vapor flow adjustment, even with changes in feed composition or process objectives, enhancing energy efficiency and separation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Distillation accounts for a significant amount of the overall energy usage in many industries... Distillation is a separation process that exploits differences (sometimes minor) in component relative volatilities or boiling points
Implementation Method 2
This assumes that the distillation column used provides, in view of the relative volatility difference, a sufficient number of theoretical stages of vapor-liquid equilibrium contacting
Implementation Method 3
adjusting the position of the dividing wall such that the required vapor flow is achieved on the two sides of the dividing wall by hydraulic pressure drop through the parallel paths on each side of the dividing wall
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for separating a feed stream into product streams. The apparatus includes an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section has a dividing wall separating it into two portions. A liquid barrier blocks the flow of liquid from the upper section into the middle section and allows vapor to flow from the middle section to the upper section. A vapor and liquid barrier blocks both the flow of both vapor from the lower section to the middle section and the flow of liquid from the middle section to the lower section. Vapor conduits allow vapor to flow from the lower section to each of the middle portions in varying amounts. Also processes for separating a feed stream.