HF Ternary Azeotrope Purification via Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of 1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene results in complex and costly purification steps due to the formation of azeotropic compositions with by-products, leading to significant losses of the desired product and making separation by distillation difficult or impossible.
Innovation Solution
Development of azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic compositions comprising hydrogen fluoride, 1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and (hydro)halocarbon compounds, which form immiscible liquid solutions that can be readily separated by decantation, facilitating the recovery of HF and simplifying the purification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation is used to separate by-products from 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, then separation is attempted, but the process becomes extremely difficult or impossible due to azeotropic composition formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the mixture by adding hydrogen fluoride to form a ternary azeotropic composition. This parameter change transforms the separation problem from binary (by-product vs. HFO-1234ze) to ternary, creating a new azeotropic system with different boiling point characteristics that enables separation through controlled condensation and decantation rather than traditional distillation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition by forming a heteroazeotropic composition that separates into two immiscible liquid phases upon condensation. The by-products form a distinct organic phase that can be separated from the aqueous phase containing hydrogen fluoride and HFO-1234ze, enabling separation without complex distillation equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If complex purification steps are implemented to remove by-products, then separation is achieved, but product loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of azeotropic composition formation (which prevents separation) into a beneficial feature. By intentionally forming a controlled azeotropic composition with hydrogen fluoride, the system creates predictable phase separation behavior that facilitates easy separation of by-products while recovering the desired product with minimal loss
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen fluoride acts as an intermediary substance that mediates the separation process. It forms a specific azeotropic composition with the by-products and HFO-1234ze, enabling the by-products to be selectively separated into an organic phase while the intermediary HF remains in the aqueous phase for recovery and reuse
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional distillation methods are used for purification, then separation is attempted, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical distillation system with a simpler phase separation system. Instead of using complex distillation columns and heat exchange systems, the method uses controlled condensation followed by gravitational phase separation (decantation), which is mechanically simpler and more efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the purification process into two simple sequential steps: (1) condensation of the vapor mixture, and (2) phase separation by decantation. This segmentation breaks down the complex distillation process into elementary operations that are faster, simpler, and more efficient
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
The proposed compositions enable efficient separation and recovery of HF, reducing product loss and simplifying the purification process, while maintaining the environmental benefits of using 1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene in various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic compositions comprising hydrogen fluoride, 1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and one or more (hydro)halocarbon compounds... which form immiscible liquid solutions that can be readily separated by decantation
Data Source
AI summary
An azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic composition including hydrogen fluoride, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and one or more (hydro)halogen-carbon compounds including between 1 and 3 carbon atoms. Also, a preferred azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic composition comprising hydrogen fluoride, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and one or more compounds selected from among 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 3,3,3-trifluoropropene, 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-chloropropene, E-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-chloropropene, trifluoropropyne, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropene, 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene and 2-chloro, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane.