Adjustable Gas Phase Distribution Control for Dividing Wall Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dividing wall columns face inaccuracies in gas phase distribution control and narrow adjustment ranges, leading to poor gas-liquid phase mass transfer and heat back-mixing, which affects product purity.
Innovation Solution
A gas phase distribution control apparatus with independent gas phase channels and an adjustable inlet/outlet mechanism, utilizing a hollow circular ring and sliders for precise control, along with an electromagnetic distribution system to optimize gas distribution according to preset ratios, is integrated into the dividing wall column to enhance control accuracy and prevent heat back-mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional column structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption and investment are high
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple sections by introducing a dividing wall with multiple holes, creating separate rectifying sections and stripping sections. This segmentation allows independent control of gas-liquid distribution in different zones, improving separation efficiency and reducing energy consumption while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A vertical dividing wall is introduced into the conventional horizontal column structure, adding a vertical dimension to the separation process. This creates multiple parallel flow paths for gas and liquid phases, enabling more efficient mass transfer and reducing the required column height and energy input
2Use of energy by stationary object
If dividing wall column is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but gas phase distribution control accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing wall incorporates adjustable holes that can dynamically change their opening sizes to control gas phase distribution. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise control of gas-liquid ratio in different column sections, improving distribution control accuracy while maintaining the energy efficiency of the dividing wall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The size and position of holes in the dividing wall are optimized to control gas phase flow distribution. By adjusting hole parameters (diameter, area ratio, vertical position), the system achieves accurate control of gas-liquid distribution in different sections, resolving the control accuracy issue while preserving energy savings
3Ease of manufacture
If dividing wall column is used, then investment is reduced, but gas-liquid phase mass transfer effect is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the dividing wall are equipped with holes of different sizes and distributions tailored to local requirements. The hole area ratio and dimensions are optimized for each specific location to enhance mass transfer efficiency in that zone, improving overall gas-liquid contact effectiveness while maintaining the cost advantages of the dividing wall design
4Ease of operation
If heat back-mixing is allowed, then操作简单 is maintained, but product purity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat back-mixing effect is extracted and eliminated by designing the dividing wall with strategically positioned holes that prevent hot gas from rising back into the rectifying section. The hole distribution and sizing are optimized to maintain operational simplicity while blocking the back-mixing path, thereby preserving product purity
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 solution improves the accuracy of gas and liquid phase load control, reduces heat back-mixing, and enhances product separation and purity by allowing independent operation of pre-separation and side-cut product sections, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a filler layer for removing liquid in a gas phase
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic distribution control component, which comprises: an arc-shaped track coaxially arranged outside the hollow circular ring; an electromagnet that is arranged on the arc-shaped track and movable along the arc-shaped track; and an electromagnetic controller arranged to drive the electromagnet to move according to the preset gas phase distribution ratio so as to drive the slider to a desired position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A gas phase distribution control apparatus (30) and a dividing wall column (T), the gas phase distribution control apparatus (30) comprising a filler layer (35) and a distribution layer, the filler layer (35) being used for removing liquid from the gas phase, the distribution layer being positioned above the filler layer (35), the distribution layer being provided with at least two mutually independent gas phase channels, the at least two gas phase channels respectively connecting the filler layer (35) to above the distribution layer, each gas phase channel having an inlet close to the filler layer (35) and an outlet close to above the distribution layer, and the at least two inlets being arranged to have an opening size that can be adjusted by means of a gas phase distribution mechanism and on the basis of a preset gas phase distribution ratio. The defects of inaccurate gas phase distribution control and the small range of gas phase distribution ratio adjustment are thereby overcome.