HFC-143 and Chloroethane Azeotrope Separation for Higher Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods in producing 1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132), particularly HFO-1132E, and understanding azeotrope and azeotrope-like compositions to enhance the efficiency of manufacturing processes for fluorocarbon fluids.
Innovation Solution
The development of minimum-boiling, homogeneous azeotrope or azeotrope-like compositions consisting of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) and chloroethane (HCC-160), produced through hydrogenation and separation using extractive or pressure swing distillation, to create a product mixture with enhanced recovery and purity of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogenation of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane is performed to produce 1,1,2-trifluoroethane, then the production of HFO-1132E is enabled, but chloroethane is formed as an undesirable byproduct that reduces product purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by removing chloroethane from the product mixture through selective separation processes. The azeotrope formation allows chloroethane to be extracted from the 1,1,2-trifluoroethane stream, enabling purification of the desired product while discarding the unwanted byproduct.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (azeotropic mixture with chloroethane) to facilitate the separation process. By forming an azeotrope, the system creates an intermediate phase that enables selective removal of chloroethane through distillation or extraction, thereby purifying the 1,1,2-trifluoroethane product.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation is used to separate 1,1,2-trifluoroethane and chloroethane, then separation is achieved, but the azeotropic nature of the mixture prevents complete separation and requires complex multi-stage processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering operational conditions (temperature, pressure) to change the azeotropic characteristics of the mixture. By adjusting these parameters, the system can break the azeotropic barrier and achieve complete separation through modified distillation or extraction processes, reducing the need for complex multi-stage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful azeotropic property into a beneficial separation mechanism. The azeotrope formation, which normally prevents separation, is exploited to create a selective extraction pathway that enables complete separation of chloroethane from 1,1,2-trifluoroethane under controlled conditions.
3Productivity
If chloroethane is present in the product mixture, then the hydrogenation process is complete, but it reduces the recovery and purity of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes chloroethane from the product stream through selective extraction processes. By extracting chloroethane from the azeotropic mixture, the system maximizes the recovery of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane while minimizing losses to the byproduct.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system to discard chloroethane (the unwanted byproduct) while recovering 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (the desired product). Through selective separation and purification processes, the system discards chloroethane to waste or for alternative use, while recovering and purifying the HFC-143 product stream.
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 allows for efficient separation and recovery of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) by eliminating chloroethane (HCC-160) as an undesirable byproduct, thereby improving the production process and enhancing the purity of E-1,2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132E).
Implementation Method 1
separating the 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) and chloroethane (HCC-160) to provide a product composition comprising the 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143). The separating may be performed by extractive or pressure swing distillation.
Implementation Method 2
The separating may be performed by extractive or pressure swing distillation.
Implementation Method 3
hydrogenating chloroethane (HCC-160) with hydrogen (H2) to form a product mixture comprising an azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of effective amounts of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) and chloroethane (HCC-160)
Data Source
AI summary
An azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of effective amounts of chloroethane (HCC-160) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143). Methods for separating the azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition and/or exploiting the composition in extractive and pressure swing distillation are also disclosed in connection with methods of manufacturing 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143).