Ethyl Acetate Purification via Solvent Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The production of ethyl acetate by dehydrogenation of ethanol results in complex reaction mixtures containing esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, making separation challenging, especially when the ethanol feed contains impurities. Additionally, water in the feed or produced as a by-product inhibits dehydrogenation catalysts, and separating ethyl acetate from ethanol and water is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a solvent with an extracting agent and a defoamer to purify an ethyl acetate stream. The solvent contacts an inlet stream containing ethyl acetate and impurities, transferring impurities into the solvent to form an extract and a purified product. The extract is then separated from the purified product, and the impurities are removed using a defoamer to prevent foam formation, resulting in a regenerated solvent that is recycled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation column is used to separate ethyl acetate from ethanol and water, then some separation is achieved, but water and impurities remain in the mixture and separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid-liquid extraction with a selective solvent to remove impurities from the ethyl acetate stream. The solvent is specifically designed to extract water and impurity compounds from the reaction mixture, separating them into an aqueous phase while leaving pure ethyl acetate in the organic phase. This extraction mechanism achieves higher purity than conventional distillation by selectively transferring impurities to the solvent phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary substance that facilitates the separation process. The solvent acts as a mediator between the ethyl acetate stream and the impurities, creating a selective interaction that transfers impurities from the organic phase to the aqueous phase. This intermediary approach enables efficient separation without requiring extreme conditions or complex equipment.
2Productivity
If water is present in the feed ethanol or produced as by-product, then dehydrogenation reaction occurs, but water inhibits the dehydrogenation catalyst
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes water from the recycle stream using the selective solvent extraction process. By transferring water from the organic phase to the aqueous phase, the system maintains low water content in the ethanol recycle stream that returns to the dehydrogenation reactor. This prevents water inhibition of the catalyst while maintaining the necessary reaction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the solvent extraction process continuously monitors and adjusts the water content in the recycle stream. The extraction unit operates to maintain optimal water levels, providing feedback control that ensures catalyst activity is preserved while allowing the dehydrogenation reaction to proceed efficiently.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction is used to remove impurities, then some purification is achieved, but foam formation occurs during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses foam formation, which is typically a harmful byproduct of extraction, by converting it into a manageable phenomenon. The system uses controlled agitation and proper solvent-to-feed ratios to manage foam generation, and the foam that does form is contained within the extraction column and does not interfere with the separation process. This approach transforms a potential operational problem into a controlled aspect of the extraction mechanism.
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 method effectively purifies ethyl acetate by removing impurities and preventing foam formation, leading to a higher purity ethyl acetate product and a regenerated solvent that can be reused, thus improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the ethyl acetate production process.
Implementation Method 1
contacting an inlet stream with a solvent, transferring at least a portion of the impurity compound from the inlet stream into the solvent to form an extract and a purified product
Implementation Method 2
separating the portion of the impurity compound from the extract using the defoamer, forming an impurities stream and a regenerated solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A method of purifying an ethyl acetate stream includes contacting an inlet stream with a solvent, transferring at least a portion of the impurity compound from the inlet stream into the solvent to form an extract and a purified product, separating the extract from the purified product; separating the portion of the impurity compound from the extract, preventing the formation of foam while separating the portion of the impurity compound from the extract using the defoamer, forming an impurities stream and a regenerated solvent, and recycling at least a portion of the regenerated solvent to contact the inlet stream. The inlet stream comprises ethyl acetate and an impurity compound, and the solvent comprises an extracting agent and a defoamer. The extract comprises the solvent and the portion of the impurity compound transferred from the inlet stream.