Dividing Wall Debutanizer Column for NGL Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional natural gas liquids (NGL) refineries face inefficiencies in handling large volumes of butanes, requiring additional columns and heating/cooling systems to regulate Reid vapor pressure (RVP) of the natural gasoline fraction, which is energy-intensive and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A debutanizer with a dividing wall configuration that separates an incoming mixed stream of depropanized alkanes into three compositions: a refined butanes stream, an alkane C5s product stream, and a natural gasoline (NG) stream, meeting RVP requirements in a single distillation column, reducing the number of downstream columns and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional multiple columns are used to fractionate NGL streams and regulate RVP, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distillation functions into a single debutanizer column with a dividing wall configuration. The dividing wall creates separate upper and lower sections that simultaneously perform multiple fractionation tasks: the upper section separates C4s from middle products while the lower section separates C5s from natural gasoline, eliminating the need for multiple separate columns and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining separation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall segments the single column into distinct upper and lower fractionation sections, each with its own feed inlet and product outlets. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section for specific separation tasks while utilizing a single integrated column structure, resolving the contradiction between achieving precise multi-component separation and reducing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If additional columns and heating/cooling systems are added to regulate RVP, then product quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates RVP regulation functionality directly into the debutanizer column by strategically positioning the side draw-off for C5s product at the interface between the upper and lower sections. This allows the column itself to perform RVP control through its internal fractionation zones, eliminating the need for separate heating/cooling systems and additional columns that would be required in traditional configurations, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The debutanizer column performs self-regulation of RVP through its dividing wall configuration and internal flow patterns. The column automatically adjusts the distribution of C5s and natural gasoline products between the upper and lower sections based on operating conditions, eliminating the need for external energy-intensive RVP adjustment systems while ensuring product meets quality specifications
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple downstream columns are used for fractionation, then separation precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fractionation operations that would traditionally require separate downstream columns into a single debutanizer with dividing wall configuration. The column simultaneously produces C4s, C5s, and natural gasoline products in one integrated process, eliminating the need for multiple sequential columns and associated interconnecting piping, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the separation precision needed for each product stream
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 energy usage and maintenance needs by processing multiple components in a single column, eliminating the need for additional columns and associated equipment, and ensures the NG product stream requires no further RVP adjustment for blending.
Implementation Method 1
a debutanizer with a dividing wall configuration that separates an incoming mixed stream of depropanized alkanes into three compositions: a refined butanes stream, an alkane C5s product stream, and a natural gasoline (NG) stream
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed relate to a debutanizer with a dividing wall. The configuration of the debutanizer includes having a feed section, a top section, a bottom section, and a draw-off section. The debutanizer produces a C4s product, a C5s product and a natural gasoline (NG) product from a C4+s feed. The dividing wall is configured such that an upper portion of the dividing wall is positioned off-set from a vertical centerline and a lower portion of the dividing wall is positioned along the vertical centerline of the debutanizer. A process of use of the debutanizer is also disclosed. A natural gas liquids (NGL) system that includes parallel debutanizers, each with a dividing wall, and a process of use of such system, is also disclosed.