Combined Gravimetric and Flash Separator for Polymer Volatiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating volatile compounds from polymers, particularly in solution polymerization processes, face challenges such as high energy consumption and inefficient separation of low-molecular weight polymers, leading to polymer entrainment and equipment fouling.
Innovation Solution
A combined separation device and process utilizing both gravimetric and flash separators, where the gravimetric separator ensures energy-efficient separation and the flash separator minimizes polymer entrainment, allowing for efficient separation of volatile compounds from polymers of varying molecular weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flash separator is used to achieve clean separation with minimum polymer entrainment, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases due to high temperature and pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is divided into multiple stages: a first flash separator performs initial separation at high temperature and pressure, followed by a second flash separator that operates at lower temperature and pressure for final separation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve clean separation while reducing overall energy consumption by distributing the separation task across multiple units with different operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a gravimetric separator is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but polymer entrainment occurs leading to equipment fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a gravimetric separator with a flash separator in series. The gravimetric separator performs the initial separation with high energy efficiency, and the subsequent flash separator removes the polymer entrainment issue by using temperature and pressure differential. This merging of two different separation mechanisms allows the system to achieve both energy efficiency and clean separation without polymer fouling.
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
The combined approach effectively reduces energy consumption and prevents polymer entrainment, thereby minimizing equipment fouling and enabling efficient production of both high and low molecular weight polymers.
Implementation Method 1
conditions are used, in which the reaction mixture is split up into two liquid phases, a polymer-lean liquid phase and a polymer-rich liquid phase. The polymer-rich liquid phase is present has higher density than the polymer-lean phase and, hence, is located below the polymer-lean liquid phase.
Implementation Method 2
the temperature and pressure are reduced. The temperature is in particular reduced below the low critical solution temperature (LCST). As a result, the mixture, which is fed to the flash separator, is separated into a polymer-lean vapour phase and a polymer-rich liquid phase.
Data Source
AI summary
The current application is related to a separating device for separating volatile compounds from a polymer reaction mixture comprising a gravimetric separator, having a gravimetric vessel, an inlet for feeding the polymer reaction mixture, a first outlet located in the lower part of the gravimetric vessel for withdrawing a first polymer-rich stream, and a second outlet located in the upper part of the gravimetric vessel for withdrawing a first polymer-lean stream; and a flash separator having a flash vessel, a first inlet for feeding a second polymer-lean stream split from the first polymer-lean stream, a first outlet located at the lower part of the flash vessel for withdrawing a liquid stream, and a second outlet located at the upper part of the flash vessel for withdrawing a gaseous stream, wherein the second outlet of the separator vessel is fluidly connected to the first inlet of the flash vessel.