Ethoxylated Amine Process Acid Addition Byproduct Reduction
Solution Overview
Problem
The production of ethoxylated amine compounds often results in undesirable byproducts like glycol ether amines and vinyl ether ethoxylates, which cause color formation and foaming issues, and existing methods using carbon dioxide are impractical due to handling difficulties and corrosion risks.
Innovation Solution
Adding an acid, such as a mineral or organic acid with a pKa of 13 or less, to the reaction mixture of ethylene oxide and an amine compound before or concurrently with ethylene oxide addition to reduce the formation of these byproducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If carbon dioxide is added to reduce glycol ether amine byproducts, then byproduct concentration is reduced, but handling difficulty and corrosion risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from using carbon dioxide (gas phase, requires pressure equipment) to using organic acids (liquid phase, easier handling). Specifically, acids like acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid are used instead of CO2, maintaining the byproduct reduction effect while eliminating handling and corrosion issues associated with gaseous CO2 under pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, readily available organic acids that can be easily handled and disposed of, replacing the need for complex CO2 handling systems. These acids are commonly available chemicals that don't require special storage or handling infrastructure
2Manufacturing precision
If carbon dioxide is added to reduce glycol ether amine byproducts, then byproduct concentration is reduced, but corrosion issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature from carbon dioxide (which forms corrosive carbonates with amines) to organic acids (acetic, propionic, or butyric acid). These organic acids reduce glycol ether amine byproducts without forming corrosive salts, thereby eliminating the corrosion problem while maintaining byproduct control
3Productivity
If conventional ethoxylation process is used, then production efficiency is maintained, but glycol ether amine byproducts are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces organic acids as intermediary substances that mediate the ethoxylation reaction. These acids act as catalysts or reaction modifiers that steer the reaction away from forming glycol ether amine byproducts while maintaining the desired ethoxylated amine product formation, thus preserving productivity while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical environment by introducing organic acids, which changes the reaction parameters to favor desired product formation over byproduct formation. This parameter change allows maintaining high productivity while achieving lower byproduct concentrations
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
Significantly reduces the levels of glycol ether amines and vinyl ether ethoxylates, improving the purity and reducing foaming tendencies of the ethoxylated amine compounds, with the acid present in amounts from 0.001 to 5 weight percent and reaction temperatures below 250°C.
Implementation Method 1
adding an acid to a reaction mixture comprising an amine compound selected from ammonia, a primary amine, a secondary amine, and mixtures of two or more thereof, prior to or concurrently with the addition of ethylene oxide to a reactor wherein the ethoxylated amine compound is prepared
Data Source
AI summary
An improved process for making ethoxylated amine compounds such as ethanolamines. The improvement comprises the addition of an acid to the amine compound prior to the addition of ethylene oxide to a reactor wherein the ethoxylated amine compound is prepared. The improvement reduces the concentration of undesirable glycol ether and/or vinyl ether ethoxylate byproducts which may contribute to undesirable properties, such as color and foaming, of the ethoxylated amine compounds.