Heat-Integrated Distillation Layout for Side-Cut and Feed Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat integrated distillation apparatus with double-pipe structures faces limitations in side-cutting, feed stream optimization, multi-feed handling, maintenance accessibility, and heat transfer design freedom, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heat integrated distillation apparatus configuration with a high-pressure rectifying section and a low-pressure stripping section, where the rectifying section corresponding portion is located above the heat exchanging section, allowing for a thermo-siphon system without a liquid head or pressure loss, enabling efficient heat transfer and energy savings by optimizing the heat exchange process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If double-pipe structures with inner and outer pipes are used for heat integration, then energy consumption is reduced, but side-cutting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The column is segmented into multiple independent tube units, each capable of functioning as a complete distillation column. This segmentation allows side-cutting to be performed at any tube unit while maintaining the heat integration function of the double-pipe structure between adjacent tube units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tube unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as an independent distillation column for side-cutting, while simultaneously serving as part of the heat integration system through its double-pipe structure with adjacent units. The structured packing in each tube unit provides both separation and heat transfer functions.
2Device complexity
If double-pipe structures with fixed packing heights are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but feed stage optimization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed packing heights to adjustable packing heights in each tube unit. The packing height in each tube unit can be independently adjusted to optimize feed stage positions according to different feed stream compositions and operational requirements, while maintaining relatively simple cylindrical tube structures.
3Power
If tube units are densely arranged for heat transfer, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but maintenance accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple independent tube units that can be accessed individually. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service specific tube units without disrupting the entire column, improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining dense arrangement for heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pipe is nested within the outer pipe, creating a compact double-pipe structure that maximizes heat transfer surface area within limited space. This nested arrangement achieves high heat exchange efficiency while maintaining a relatively accessible external structure for maintenance.
4Device complexity
If double-pipe structures with fixed heat transfer area are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but design freedom for heat exchanged rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed to adjustable heat transfer area through variable packing heights in each tube unit. The heat transfer area can be dynamically adjusted by changing packing heights to meet different heat exchanged rate requirements, while maintaining the simple double-pipe structural form.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer area parameter can be independently adjusted by varying packing heights in different tube units without changing the fundamental double-pipe structure. This allows flexible control of heat exchanged rate while preserving structural simplicity.
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 configuration enhances energy efficiency, facilitates side-cutting and feed stage optimization, simplifies maintenance, and increases design freedom, reducing heat consumption at condensers and reboilers while minimizing the need for external pressure or liquid heads.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer occurs from the rectifying section to the stripping section when there is a heat-exchange surface therebetween
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a thermo-siphon system without a liquid head or pressure loss
Implementation Method 3
Distillation separation is a unit operation widely applied to industrial processes in general
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A distillation apparatus of the present invention includes high-pressure column 1 corresponding to a region above a heat exchanging section located at a lowermost part of a region including a trayed section or a packed bed section, which is used as a rectifying section; and low-pressure column 2 that is located above as seen from high-pressure column 1, which integrates a region including a trayed section or a packed bed section which is used as a stripping section, with rectifying section corresponding portion 2g that corresponds to a region locating below the heat exchanging section located at the lowermost part in the rectifying section. Rectifying section corresponding portion 2g is located on top 2c of the stripping section in low-pressure column 2 so that rectifying section corresponding portion 2g continues to the stripping section. The distillation apparatus further includes first pipe 26 that connects column bottom 1a of high-pressure column 1 with rectifying section corresponding portion 2g via means 6 that pressure-feeds liquid that remains in column bottom 1a of high-pressure column 1 to rectifying section corresponding portion 2g, heat exchanger 8 located at a stage in a lower part of low-pressure column 2, a second pipe (23, 4a) that connects rectifying section corresponding portion 2g with heat exchanger 8 in a lower part of low-pressure column 2, compressor 4 installed in the first pipe (23, 4a) and configured to compress vapor from rectifying section corresponding portion 2g and then feed the compressed vapor to heat exchanger 8 in the lower part of low-pressure column 2, and third pipe 30 that introduces fluids flowing out from heat exchanger 8 in the lower part of low-pressure column 2 to column bottom 1a of high-pressure column 1. According to the apparatus configuration, further energy saving can be achieved.