Heat Transfer Fluid TAN Reduction via Adsorbent Fixed Bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing the total acid number (TAN) of heat transfer fluids are inefficient, costly, and generate hazardous waste, especially when dealing with acidic contaminants that have similar boiling points to the fluid, and also struggle with removing traces of moisture.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a fixed bed of an adsorbent composition comprising layered double hydroxide, alumina, and optionally activated bauxite, which contacts the heat transfer fluid at specific temperature and pressure ranges to reduce TAN through chemisorption, achieving a treated fluid with a pH of 6 to 7.5 and minimal moisture loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation is used to remove acidic contaminants, then separation of contaminants is achieved, but contaminants with similar boiling points cannot be removed and substantial heat transfer fluid is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adsorbent materials with porous structures (activated carbon, silica gel, molecular sieves) that selectively adsorb acidic contaminants from the heat transfer fluid. The porous structure provides large surface area for adsorption while allowing the heat transfer fluid to pass through, achieving contaminant removal without significant fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite adsorbent materials combining multiple components (e.g., activated carbon with silica gel, or molecular sieves with alumina) to enhance adsorption capacity and selectivity for acidic contaminants while maintaining compatibility with the heat transfer fluid, thus improving removal efficiency and reducing fluid loss simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If alkali wash is used to remove acidic contaminants, then TAN reduction is achieved, but traces of moisture removal becomes tedious and substantial heat transfer fluid is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adsorbent materials with porous structures (activated carbon, silica gel, molecular sieves) that selectively adsorb acidic contaminants from the heat transfer fluid. The porous structure provides large surface area for adsorption while allowing the heat transfer fluid to pass through, achieving contaminant removal without significant fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite adsorbent materials combining multiple components (e.g., activated carbon with silica gel, or molecular sieves with alumina) to enhance adsorption capacity and selectivity for acidic contaminants while maintaining compatibility with the heat transfer fluid, thus improving removal efficiency and reducing fluid loss simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional adsorbents are used, then some contaminant removal is achieved, but removal efficiency is insufficient and adsorbents cannot be easily regenerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes methods to regenerate spent adsorbents by changing physical or chemical parameters such as heating to elevated temperatures to desorb contaminants, using chemical treatments to restore adsorption capacity, or adjusting pH levels. These parameter changes enable repeated use of adsorbents maintaining high removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a process where spent adsorbents are recovered from the system, regenerated through thermal or chemical treatment to restore their adsorption properties, and then returned to service. This cycle of discarding contaminated adsorbent and recovering its functionality reduces waste and operational costs.
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 process effectively removes over 90% of acidic contaminants, reducing TAN to 0.003 to 0.03, thereby preventing corrosion and improving heat transfer efficiency while being eco-friendly and economical, with the potential for adsorbent recycling.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure provides a process to reduce total acid number (TAN) of a heat transfer fluid by contacting the heat transfer fluid with an adsorbent composition... to remove acidic contaminants by chemisorption
Implementation Method 2
The adsorbent composition used for reducing the total acid number (TAN) comprises a layered double hydroxide... alumina... to remove acidic contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process to reduce total acid number (TAN) of a heat transfer fluid. The process comprises contacting the heat transfer fluid with an adsorbent composition at a temperature in the range of 50° C. to 350° C. and a pressure in the range of 1 bar to 10 bar to obtain a treated heat transfer fluid having total acid number (TAN) in the range of 0.003 to 0.03 and pH in the range of 6 to 7.5, wherein the adsorbent composition is provided in a fixed bed and the heat transfer fluid is passed through the fixed bed comprising the adsorbent composition at a liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) in the range of 0.5 per hour to 10 per hour.