Fluorinated Fluid Separation Using Segmented Distillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating components from azeotropic or pseudo-azeotropic mixtures of fluorinated fluids are inefficient and require case-by-case treatment, making them time-consuming and impractical for handling mixtures of different compositions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving primary distillation in a simple main column to identify sub-mixtures, followed by secondary distillation using either pressure swing or extraction distillation methods in a unit of two auxiliary columns, allowing for the separation of chemical components from complex sub-mixtures without the need for adapting the solvent or distillation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple column distillation is used to separate fluorinated fluid components, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot separate azeotropic or pseudo-azeotropic mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is divided into multiple sequential distillation columns, each targeting specific components or sub-mixtures. The first column separates high-boiling components, the second column handles azeotropic mixtures with entraining agents, and the third column recovers the entraining agent, enabling effective separation of complex fluorinated fluid mixtures that cannot be separated by a single simple distillation column
Solution Approach 2:
An entraining agent is introduced as an intermediary substance in the second distillation column to break azeotropic relationships. The entraining agent selectively interacts with specific fluorinated components, altering their relative volatility and enabling separation of azeotropic or pseudo-azeotropic mixtures that would otherwise be inseparable by simple distillation
2Reliability
If pressure swing or extraction distillation is used to separate azeotropic mixtures, then separation is achieved, but the process requires case-by-case treatment of each mixture type
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-column distillation system is designed to handle multiple types of fluorinated fluid mixtures including HFC, HFO, and HCFO components through a universal process configuration. The system can process different mixture compositions using the same three-column architecture, eliminating the need for case-by-case process design and enabling efficient treatment of diverse refrigerant blends
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes changes in pressure and composition parameters across different distillation columns to achieve separation of various fluorinated fluid types. By adjusting operating conditions and utilizing the specific properties of each column (simple distillation, extraction with entraining agent, and agent recovery), the system efficiently separates multiple mixture types without requiring separate dedicated processes for each
3Reliability
If multiple auxiliary columns are used to separate different sub-mixtures, then complete separation is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation task is segmented into three functional columns rather than using multiple auxiliary columns for each sub-mixture. The first column handles high-boiling component separation, the second column handles azeotropic mixtures with entraining agents, and the third column recovers the entraining agent. This segmentation achieves complete component separation while minimizing the total number of columns required
Solution Approach 2:
The third distillation column serves a dual function by both separating remaining components and recovering the entraining agent for reuse. This merging of separation and solvent recovery functions in a single column reduces the total number of auxiliary columns needed and improves overall process efficiency by eliminating the need for separate solvent recovery equipment
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 enables efficient and fast separation of all chemical components from a mixture of fluorinated fluids, regardless of their nature, allowing for the reuse of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) and hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO) components, and reducing the need for multiple auxiliary columns, thereby lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
a primary distillation step, by means of a simple main distillation column, so as to separate each identified sub-mixture
Implementation Method 2
each complex sub-mixture being associated either with a first secondary distillation group by a pressure swing distillation method or with a second secondary distillation group by an extraction distillation method
Implementation Method 3
The reaction then makes it possible to isolate one of the components having interacted with the solvent. The component having interacted with the solvent is then separated from the other components by simple distillation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for separating a plurality of chemical components from a chemical mixture comprising a plurality of fluorinated fluids, the method comprising: ⋅ a step of identifying, in the chemical mixture, at least two sub-mixtures, each complex sub-mixture being associated either with a first group for secondary pressure swing distillation or with a second group (G2) for secondary extractive distillation, ⋅ a step of primary distillation, using a main column, so as to separate each identified sub-mixture, ⋅ a secondary distillation step, using the same advanced unit of two auxiliary columns, for distilling each complex sub-mixture, the complex sub-mixtures of the first group being separated by the pressure swing distillation method and the complex sub-mixtures of the second group being separated by the extractive distillation method.