Thermally Coupled Feed Separation With Heat Recovery Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal separation techniques for feed flows are energy-intensive and inefficient in terms of energy consumption and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving heat exchangers and compression units to transfer energy between mass and feed flows, allowing for partial evaporation and condensation to reduce external energy requirements and enhance energy recovery by thermally coupling separation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal separation techniques are used to separate feed flows, then separation is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation processes into a single integrated system where the output of one separation unit serves as input to another. The first separation unit separates the feed flow into partial flows, and the second separation unit further separates these partial flows. This merging of processes allows heat integration between units, reducing external energy requirements while maintaining effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat exchangers as intermediary devices that transfer thermal energy between different process streams. The heat exchanger recovers heat from the mass flow and uses it to preheat the feed flow before entering the separation unit, reducing the external energy input needed for separation while maintaining separation effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If external energy is supplied to heat and evaporate feed flow, then separation is achieved, but external energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by having the mass flow itself provide the thermal energy needed for the separation process. The mass flow, after being processed through the separation units, is used as a heat source in the heat exchanger to preheat the incoming feed flow. This self-service approach reduces external energy consumption while maintaining separation throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous heat recovery and reuse throughout the process. The heat exchanger continuously transfers thermal energy from the mass flow to the feed flow, creating a continuous cycle of useful thermal action. This continuity reduces the need for intermittent external heating while maintaining steady separation throughput.
3Loss of energy
If heat exchangers are used to transfer energy between mass flow and feed flow, then energy recovery increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it recovers heat from the mass flow, preheats the feed flow, and reduces the energy input required for evaporation. This multi-functionality increases energy recovery while avoiding the need for separate devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary device that facilitates energy transfer between process streams without requiring complex control systems or multiple specialized components. By using a standard heat exchanger configuration, the system achieves energy recovery with minimal increase in 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
Reduces external energy consumption and increases energy recovery by utilizing the thermal energy of mass flows to heat and evaporate feed flows, thereby optimizing the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first heat exchanger configured to transfer energy from a first mass flow to a first feed flow
Implementation Method 2
The energy of the first mass flow may be used to heat and preferably partially evaporate a feed flow
Implementation Method 3
at least one second heat exchanger configured to transfer energy from the first partial flow to a second mass flow
Implementation Method 4
at least one compression unit configured to transfer energy to the first partial flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system. The system comprises at least one first heat exchanger configured to transfer energy from a first mass flow to a first feed flow; at least one first separation unit configured to separate the first feed flow into at least a first partial flow and a second partial flow; at least one compression unit configured to transfer energy to the first partial flow; and at least one second heat exchanger configured to transfer energy from the first partial flow to a second mass flow. The first mass flow and/or the second mass flow is not in fluid flow communication with the first separation unit.