Hexene Separation via Optimized Distillation Reflux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for isolating hexene from hydrocarbon mixtures result in significant impurities, requiring costly and inefficient purification procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a distillation column with a reflux ratio of 1.35 to 1.40, where a light fraction comprising 1-hexene and 1-butene is distributed to the top and a heavy fraction comprising 1-octene and toluene is distributed to the bottom, allowing for the withdrawal of a top product with less than 1 ppm toluene impurity, operated at 80 to 200°C and 0.3 to 1 MPa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods are used to isolate hexene from hydrocarbon mixtures, then hexene can be separated from the mixture, but significant impurities remain in the product requiring additional costly purification procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the reflux ratio to a specific range (1.35-1.40) and controlling distillation temperature (80-200°C) and pressure (0.3-1 MPa) to achieve high-purity hexene separation in a single distillation step, eliminating the need for additional purification equipment and procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods are used to isolate hexene, then hexene can be separated from the mixture, but additional costly and inefficient purification procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing distillation parameters including reflux ratio (1.35-1.40), temperature (80-200°C), and pressure (0.3-1 MPa), the process achieves high-purity hexene separation in a single step, significantly improving purification efficiency and eliminating the need for multiple processing stages
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation methods are used to isolate hexene, then hexene can be separated from the mixture, but costly additional processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optimized distillation process with reflux ratio of 1.35-1.40 and controlled temperature-pressure conditions achieves high-purity hexene separation in a single step, reducing energy consumption and processing costs by eliminating the need for additional purification equipment and operations
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 method produces hexene with minimal impurities, reducing the need for additional purification steps and saving resources, while maintaining high purity and commercial value in the petrochemical industry.
Implementation Method 1
passing a feed stream comprising 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-butene, water, and toluene through a distillation column
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of producing hexene includes: passing a feed stream comprising C1 to C24 hydrocarbons through a distillation column, wherein a reflux ratio of the distillation column is greater than or equal to 1.33; distributing a light fraction comprising C4-C6 hydrocarbons to a top portion of the distillation column; distributing a heavy fraction comprising C8-C12 hydrocarbons to a bottom portion of the distillation column; and withdrawing a top product comprising hexene from the distillation column.