Ethyleneamine Production via CO2 Adduction and Chain Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing EDC-based process for producing ethyleneamine compounds is inefficient due to its reliance on expensive and hazardous ethylenedichloride, lack of flexibility in product and starting material usage, and inefficient waste stream processing.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage process involving a CO2 adduction step, chain-extension reaction, elimination step, ethylenedichloride reaction, caustic treatment, and salt separation to produce ethyleneamine compounds, allowing for flexibility in starting materials and products, and efficient use of apparatus and waste treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the EDC-based process is used for producing ethyleneamine compounds, then the production can be maintained, but the process becomes dependent on expensive and hazardous ethylenedichloride with HSE issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hazardous ethylenedichloride component from the process by replacing it with alternative routes using ethylene oxide or carbon dioxide adduction, thereby removing the source of HSE issues while maintaining production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and hazardous ethylenedichloride with cheaper and safer alternative reagents such as ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide, which are more readily available and pose fewer handling risks, thus improving both cost and safety profiles
2Productivity
If the EDC-based process is used, then ethyleneamine production is achieved, but flexibility in product slate and starting materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal process platform that can produce multiple ethyleneamine products (EDA, DETA, TETA, TEPA) from multiple starting materials (ethylene oxide, carbon dioxide adducts) through a common reaction mechanism, enabling flexible adaptation to market demands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic process control where the product slate and starting materials can be adjusted based on market conditions, allowing the process to adapt its output mix and input requirements in response to changing economic and environmental factors
3Productivity
If the EDC-based process is used, then ethyleneamine compounds are produced, but waste stream processing becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful waste streams from ethylenedichloride processing into valuable by-products or recyclable materials through alternative reaction pathways, transforming environmental liabilities into economic and environmental assets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements recovery systems for by-products and waste streams generated during ethyleneamine production, capturing and reutilizing materials that would otherwise be discarded, thereby improving overall process efficiency and reducing environmental impact
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 process enhances the production of ethyleneamine compounds by offering flexibility in product slate, reducing operational costs, and improving waste management efficiency, while minimizing the use of hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
in an adduction step, providing a CO2 adduct of a starting compound comprising a —NH—CH2-CH2-NH— moiety or a —NH—CH2-CH2-OH moiety, or HO—CH2-CH2-OH
Implementation Method 2
in a chain-extension step, reacting a hydroxy-functional compound selected from ethanolamines and dihydroxyethane with an ethyleneamine compound
Implementation Method 3
in an elimination step, converting the CO2 adduct of the chain-extended ethyleneamine compound to the corresponding product ethyleneamine compound by removal of the carbonyl group
Implementation Method 4
in a ethylenedichloride reaction step, reacting ethylenedichloride with at least one compound selected from the group of ammonia, an ethyleneamine and/or an ethanolamine to form a hydrochloride salt
Implementation Method 5
in a caustic treatment step, reacting a hydrochloride salt of the ethyleneamine or ethanolamine with a base to form an ethyleneamine compound and an inorganic chloride salt
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a process for manufacturing ethyleneamine compounds selected from the group of ethyleneamines and hydroxyethylethyleneamines wherein the process comprises two reaction sequences.