Dividing Wall Distillation Columns for Multicomponent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distillation processes for separating multicomponent mixtures of three or more components require multiple columns or large, costly dividing wall columns, leading to high energy consumption and capital costs, with limited options for reducing energy usage and capital expenditure.
Innovation Solution
Coupling two distillation columns with vertical dividing walls to allow material and vapor transfer, effectively doubling the number of theoretical plates and achieving energy savings while reducing capital costs by converting existing columns into dividing wall columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple conventional distillation columns are used to separate multicomponent mixtures, then separation capability is improved, but capital costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distillation functions into a single integrated column by implementing multiple feed inlets at different heights and multiple product draw-offs, allowing simultaneous separation of multiple components in one column rather than requiring multiple separate columns
Solution Approach 2:
The distillation column is designed to perform multiple separation functions simultaneously through strategic placement of feed inlets and product draw-offs, enabling one column to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized columns for different separation tasks
2Device complexity
If traditional dividing wall columns are used to reduce the number of columns, then device complexity is reduced, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distillation process into multiple zones within a single column by providing multiple feed inlets at different heights and multiple product draw-offs, creating functionally distinct sections without requiring physical dividing walls or multiple columns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the vertical dimension as a key organizing principle, using height-based positioning of feed inlets and product draw-offs to create multiple separation zones, thereby replacing the horizontal dimension approach of using multiple columns side-by-side or dividing walls
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used for multicomponent separation, then separation performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous counter-current contact between vapor and liquid phases throughout the entire column height with multiple feed and draw-off points, maintaining continuous separation action across all zones simultaneously, which improves energy utilization efficiency compared to sequential processing in multiple columns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses internally generated vapor and liquid streams as intermediaries that transfer mass and energy between different zones of the column, allowing heat integration and energy recovery between upstream and downstream separation sections without external energy 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 configuration results in significant energy savings and lower capital costs compared to traditional dividing wall columns, while maintaining high separation performance, by utilizing existing columns and optimizing their operation.
Implementation Method 1
Method and apparatus for the separation by distillation of a three- or multi-component mixture
Implementation Method 2
thermally separate mixtures of different relative volatilities and/or mutually soluble materials
Implementation Method 3
The high boiling fraction is removed from the column in the bottoms. Part of the concentrate is evaporated using a heating unit
Implementation Method 4
The low boiler rises up inside the column as vapor, is withdrawn from the top of the column, and is condensed in a condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for distillative separation of a mixture comprising three or more components including at least one low boiler, at least one medium boiler, and at least one high boiler, the method comprising feeding the mixture of three or more components to a first distillation column, removing the at least one high boiler as a bottom fraction from the first distillation column, feeding a top fraction of the first distillation column to a second distillation column, removing the at least one medium boiler via a sidestream takeoff from the second distillation column, removing the at least one low boiler as a top fraction from the second distillation column, and feeding a bottom takeoff stream from the second distillation column to the first distillation column as a reflux, wherein the first and the second distillation columns have vertical dividing walls.