Electrostatic Precipitator Fractionation for Oil Shale Pyrolysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rectification columns used in oil shale pyrolysis processes face challenges in controlling fractionation separation, leading to reduced productivity and significant pressure loss due to the use of packings, which complicates the efficient separation of oil fractions based on their boiling points.

Innovation Solution

The process involves dedusting and cooling the vapor gas mixture and then fractionating it in multiple electrostatic precipitator stages, each operated at temperatures corresponding to the boiling points of the respective oil fractions, replacing traditional rectification columns and eliminating the need for packings, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing pressure loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional rectification columns with packings are used for fractionation, then oil fractions can be separated based on boiling points, but substantial pressure loss occurs over the column

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefractionation separation qualityVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rectification column with packings with an electrostatic precipitator system that uses electrical fields for fractionation. The electrostatic precipitator applies high voltage to create an electric field that separates oil fractions based on their dielectric properties and condensation temperatures, eliminating the mechanical packings that cause pressure loss while achieving effective fractionation separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the separation parameter from boiling point-based thermal distillation to condensation temperature-based electrostatic precipitation. By controlling the temperature and voltage parameters in the electrostatic precipitator, different oil fractions are condensed and collected at different stages without the pressure loss associated with traditional rectification columns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If rectification columns operate with substantial reflux to control fractionation, then separation quality improves, but productivity reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefractionation separation qualityVSAvoidoil production rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic precipitator system replaces the reflux-based separation mechanism with an electrical field-based condensation and collection process. Oil fractions are directly condensed and collected on collection plates at different temperature zones, eliminating the need for substantial reflux while maintaining high separation quality and enabling continuous operation at higher productivity rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables continuous fractionation without the intermittent reflux cycles required in traditional rectification columns. The electrostatic precipitator continuously condenses and collects different oil fractions as they pass through different temperature zones, maintaining steady-state operation that improves productivity while preserving separation quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If traditional scrubbers are used to remove dust particles, then dedusting is achieved, but the apparatus complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust removal efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dedusting function with the fractionation function in a single integrated electrostatic precipitator system. The same electrostatic field that separates oil fractions also captures dust particles on the collection plates, eliminating the need for separate scrubber equipment and reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining effective dust removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for more efficient separation of oil fractions with minimal reflux requirement, resulting in a more compact apparatus and higher-quality products with reduced contamination, as the electrostatic precipitators effectively capture oil condensate droplets without additional energetic expense.

Implementation Method 1

The dedusted and cooled VGM are fractionated in at least two electrostatic precipitator stages at respective temperatures corresponding to respective boiling points of the oil fractions so as to separate the oil fractions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic precipitation: Electrostatic Deposition

Implementation Method 2

The vapor gas mixture (a gas containing also fine particles) is then quenched in a condensation unit for winning the oil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS9034076B2Process and apparatus for winning oil from a vapor gas mixture

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 ENEFIT OUTOTEC TECH OU

AI summary

A process for winning oil from a vapor gas mixture (VGM) containing a plurality of oil fractions obtained by the pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon containing material includes dedusting and cooling the VGM. The dedusted and cooled VGM are fractionated in at least two electrostatic precipitator stages at respective temperatures corresponding to respective boiling points of the oil fractions so as to separate the oil fractions.