Hexanol Extractant Distillation for Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heteroazeotropic extractive distillation methods using furfural face safety classification issues and challenges in controlling chemical reactions, making the separation of chemicals in azeotropic processes complex and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A process system utilizing hexanol, esters of hexanol, and 2-methylpentanol as extractants in a distillation column arrangement, which allows for the formation of a heterogeneous azeotrope and simultaneous chemical reactions to separate water and organic acids without the need for controlling reaction products, replacing furfural and simplifying the process by using a non-toxic extractant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If furfural is used as extractant in heteroazeotropic extractive distillation, then separation of water from organic acids is achieved, but safety classification deteriorates and process complexity increases due to need to control chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts furfural from the process system and replaces it with hexanol, which does not form hazardous azeotropes and does not require严格控制 of chemical reactions. This removal of the problematic substance eliminates the safety classification issues and reduces process complexity associated with controlling furfural's chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hexanol as a disposable extractant that forms heterogeneous azeotropes effectively for water separation without the need for recovery and reuse. This approach simplifies the process by eliminating the need to control and manage chemical reactions that would occur with furfural, even though hexanol may require replacement more frequently.
2Productivity
If furfural is used as extractant, then separation efficiency is maintained, but control of mutual chemical reactions becomes extremely important and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes furfural from the system and replaces it with hexanol, which maintains the ability to form heterogeneous azeotropes for effective water separation while eliminating the problematic chemical reactions that required extreme control measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the extractant from furfural to hexanol, which alters the azeotrope formation characteristics. Hexanol forms heterogeneous azeotropes with water that can be effectively separated without triggering the complex chemical reactions associated with furfural, thus maintaining separation efficiency while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If hexanol is used as extractant instead of furfural, then safety classification improves and process simplification occurs, but new chemical reactions (ester formation) are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful ester formation reactions between hexanol and organic acids into a beneficial outcome. The esters formed act as additional extractants that enhance the heterogeneous azeotrope formation and water separation efficiency, transforming a chemical reaction that could be considered a harmful side effect into a useful process enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexanol extractant performs dual functions: it forms heterogeneous azeotropes for water separation and simultaneously reacts with organic acids to form esters that also act as extractants. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate extractant recovery and replacement systems, simplifying the overall process despite the chemical reactions occurring.
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 enables effective separation of water and organic acids, producing esters that act as extractants, reducing the complexity and safety concerns associated with toxic substances, while maintaining the efficiency of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a first distillation column (100) receiving a mixture comprising water and at least one organic acid, and at least one extractant... a heterogeneous azeotrope of water and extractant is formed by said first distillation column (100) at the top (104) of said first distillation column (100), based on extraction distillation
Implementation Method 2
the extractant has a double effect and generates two liquid phases, which enables the separation of water... Depending on the temperature, with water furfural forms either a homogeneous or heterogeneous azeotrope
Implementation Method 3
said extractant comprising hexanol, an ester of hexanol with said at least one organic acid, and/or 2-methylpentanol
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for separating chemicals comprises a first distillation column (100) and the first distillation column (100) receives a mixture that comprises water and at least two organic acids and extractant that comprises at least one of the following: hexanol, an ester of hexanol with said at least one organic acid and 2-methylpentanol. The first distillation column (100) forms a heterogeneous azeotrope of water and extractant at its top (104) on the basis of reactive heteroazeotropic extractive distillation not controlling chemical reactions between the extractant and said at least two organic acids, said first distillation column (100) removing the azeotrope through its top (104) for separating water from the organic acid.