Heat Pipe Stripping Absorption Column for Low-Energy Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid separation processes using brine for absorption and heat transfer are inefficient in terms of energy usage and equipment costs, particularly in processes like ethanol production, where heat transfer and vaporization require significant energy inputs.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus utilizing a vaporization step followed by absorption with brine, where heat transfer occurs through heat pipes, allowing phase change of the working fluid from gaseous to liquid and vice versa, facilitating efficient heat transfer and separation, with the apparatus comprising stacked heat pipes operating as a packed vaporization and absorption column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat transfer equipment is used for vaporization and absorption processes, then the equipment can perform the separation function, but energy consumption is high and equipment costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vaporization column and absorption column into a single integrated apparatus where heat pipes serve dual functions. The heat pipes simultaneously act as heating elements for vaporization and cooling elements for absorption, merging previously separate heat transfer equipment into one unified system that reduces both energy consumption and equipment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase change of the working fluid within heat pipes to enable efficient heat transfer. The working fluid evaporates in the vaporization column, absorbs latent heat, condenses in the absorption column, and releases latent heat, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that reduces external energy input requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat pipes are used for heat transfer, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipes in the apparatus perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as heating elements in the vaporization column, cooling elements in the absorption column, and heat transfer conduits between the two columns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating and cooling equipment, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipes operate autonomously using passive heat transfer mechanisms. The phase change of the working fluid within the heat pipes automatically regulates heat flow from the vaporization column to the absorption column without requiring external control systems, pumps, or additional energy input, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If brine is used for absorption, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipes act as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the brine absorption process and the vaporization process. Instead of directly heating the brine, the heat pipes transfer thermal energy efficiently to the working fluid, which then facilitates heat exchange with the brine, maintaining both mass transfer efficiency of the brine and heat transfer efficiency through the heat pipe medium.
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 approach reduces energy input requirements, enhances separation efficiency, and lowers construction and operational costs by optimizing heat transfer and vaporization processes, as demonstrated in ethanol production facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer of heat to drive the vaporization is associated with the phase change of a working fluid from a gaseous state into a liquid state
Implementation Method 2
The withdrawal of heat in the absorption step involves the phase change of the working fluid from the liquid state into the gaseous state
Implementation Method 3
includes heat movement apparatus for transferring the flow of heat to the first volume to provide for said separation
Implementation Method 4
the flow of vapor is introduced to a flow of brine which is adapted to exothermically absorb one or more components from the vapor
Data Source
AI summary
In a process, a portion of a liquid mixture flow is vaporized to produce a vapor and a depleted flow of liquid. The vapor is introduced to a brine which is adapted to exothermically absorb one or more components from the vapor, and heat is withdrawn, to produce at least a flow of heat and a flow of brine which is enriched in the one or more components. The heat previously withdrawn is transferred, to drive the vaporization. This heat transfer is associated with the change of a working fluid from a gaseous into a liquid state. The heat withdrawal involves the change of the working fluid from the liquid to the gaseous state. In the liquid state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of gravity, convection and wicking. In the gaseous state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of diffusion and convection.