Ethylene Oligomerization Effluent Separation Heat Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for separating ethylene oligomerization effluents are energy-inefficient due to excessive heat loads on condensers, leading to high energy consumption and operating costs, as the feed temperature to C6 separation towers is higher than the tower temperature, necessitating excessive cooling water usage.
Innovation Solution
Cooling the residual reaction product from C2/C4 or C4 separation towers using a heat exchanger connected to the C6 separation tower's reboiler, reducing the feed temperature and utilizing the generated cooling heat in the reboiler to decrease condenser loads and improve energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the feed temperature to C6 separation tower is higher than the tower temperature, then the separation process can proceed, but excessive cooling water is required and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-temperature feed stream into a beneficial heat source by using it to preheat the reboiler feed and generate steam in the reboiler, thereby reducing the need for external heating and converting an energy waste into a useful resource
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function and heating function into a single heat exchange system where the hot feed stream simultaneously cools down and provides heat to the reboiler, eliminating the need for separate cooling and heating utilities
2Temperature
If cooling water is excessively used to remove heat from the feed, then the feed temperature can be reduced, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat that would otherwise be removed by cooling water into a useful resource by using it to generate steam in the reboiler, thereby eliminating the need for excessive cooling water and reducing operating costs
3Use of energy by moving object
If the feed is supplied to a lower tray in the C6 separation tower, then energy efficiency may be improved, but the composition distribution in the tower is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the feed stream by cooling it to match the tower temperature, thereby enabling flexible feed stage selection without compromising composition distribution, as the cooled feed can be introduced at the optimal stage for both energy efficiency and separation performance
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 reduces energy consumption by lowering the condenser load and allows for the efficient use of heat generated during cooling, thereby decreasing operating costs and enhancing energy efficiency in ethylene oligomerization effluent separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
the residual reaction product is cooled by a heat exchanger that is included in the reboiler connected to the C6 separation tower
Implementation Method 2
heat generated by cooling the residual reaction product discharged from the C2/C4 separation tower or the C4 separation tower is supplied to a reboiler of the C6 separation tower and thus used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of separating an ethylene oligomerization effluent, in which, during the separation and purification of a product obtained through ethylene oligomerization, the temperature of the reaction product is adjusted and used, thus improving energy efficiency.