Extraction Column Partition Plates Reduce Axial Vortices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction columns with large diameters suffer from reduced recovery yield of acrylic acid due to axial backmixing caused by horizontal cross-flow, which is attributed to the formation of axial vortices.
Innovation Solution
The extraction column features a vertically oriented separating device that divides the column cavity into smaller, horizontally separated areas, preventing horizontal cross-flow and reducing the maximum horizontal extension, thereby minimizing axial vortices and enhancing extract yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the extraction column has a large diameter to process larger quantities of fluid, then the productivity increases, but axial backmixing occurs due to horizontal cross-flow reducing the recovery yield
Solution Approach 1:
The column cavity is divided into multiple vertically oriented sections by separating means (partition plates), which segment the horizontal cross-flow into smaller channels. This segmentation prevents the formation of large-scale axial vortices while maintaining the overall column diameter needed for high productivity, thereby preserving recovery yield.
2Quantity of substance
If the column diameter is increased to handle larger fluid volumes, then the quantity of substance processed increases, but axial vortices form causing harmful cross-flow
Solution Approach 1:
Partition plates divide the column cavity into multiple vertical sections, segmenting the fluid flow paths. This prevents the formation of large harmful axial vortices while maintaining the column diameter necessary for processing large volumes of fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating means are strategically positioned at specific locations within the column to locally address vortex formation zones. The partition plates create localized flow control zones that eliminate harmful cross-flow patterns without affecting the overall column dimensions.
3Reliability
If a vertically oriented separating device is added to divide the column cavity, then axial backmixing is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into vertical sections using relatively simple partition plates that extend from the top to the bottom of the column cavity. This segmentation approach prevents axial backmixing through a straightforward structural modification rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating means serve multiple functions: they divide the column cavity into vertical sections, prevent horizontal cross-flow, eliminate axial vortices, and maintain structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 design ensures an increased yield of acrylic acid, with up to 99.99% depletion levels, by preventing adverse cross-flow and axial vortices, even in larger diameter columns, thus improving the efficiency of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
Extraction involves separating a component, also known as the transition component or extract, from a mixture of substances, also called the material to be extracted, using an extraction solvent
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an extraction column (1) comprising, at least in sections, a cylindrical, vertically orientated column body (2), said column body forming a hollow column space (3) having a maximum horizontal extension, wherein within the column body (2) are arranged at least one first inlet (4) for an extractant, at least one second inlet (5) for the fluid to be extracted, and at least one outlet (6) for the extractant mixture and at least one outlet for the raffinate. The extraction column (1) according to the invention is characterized in that a vertically oriented dividing device (7) is arranged within the hollow column space (3) that divides the hollow column space (3) into several vertically oriented and horizontally separated areas, wherein the maximum horizontal extent of each area is smaller than the maximum horizontal extent of the hollow column space (3). The invention further relates to a method for extracting a component from a fluid by means of such an extraction column (1).