HIDiC Column Bottom Liquid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-energy consumption in distillation processes and the lack of established methods for stabilizing product purity in Heat Integrated Distillation Columns (HIDiC) against operational disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling HIDiC by regulating the flow rate of the column bottom liquid from the high-pressure rectifying section to the low-pressure stripping section, using a heat exchange structure to transfer heat between the sections, and incorporating a flow rate control mechanism in the intermediate reflux line to maintain product purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchange is implemented between rectifying section and stripping section in HIDiC, then energy consumption is reduced, but product purity stability against disturbances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors product purity and adjusts operating parameters in real-time. Sensors detect purity variations and feed this information back to the control unit, which then modifies heat exchange rates, reflux ratios, or feed distribution to maintain stable product purity despite disturbances in the heat-integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control strategies that adapt operating parameters based on changing conditions. The system can dynamically adjust heat transfer coefficients, flow rates, and temperature profiles in the heat exchange between sections to maintain optimal separation performance while responding to disturbances, thereby stabilizing product purity in the energy-efficient HIDiC configuration.
2Loss of energy
If heat exchange structure is added to transfer heat between sections, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat exchange functionality directly into the distillation column structure by combining the rectifying and stripping sections in a single vessel with internal heat transfer surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate external heat exchangers and reduces auxiliary equipment, thereby achieving energy efficiency through heat integration while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the heat exchange structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: heat transfer between sections, structural support for internal components, and potential integration with control instrumentation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, offsetting the complexity added by the heat exchange capability and improving overall energy efficiency.
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 stabilizes product purity and reduces energy consumption by effectively managing heat transfer and flow rates within the distillation column, enhancing its robustness against disturbances and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange is effected between the rectifying section and the stripping section... heat is transferred from the rectifying section to the stripping section
Data Source
AI summary
In a heat integrated distillation column (HIDiC), the product purity can be stably maintained against various disturbances. Provided is a method for controlling a distillation apparatus, which includes a high-pressure part including the whole or a part of a rectifying section and performing gas-liquid contact at a relatively high pressure; a low-pressure part including the whole or a part of a stripping section and performing gas-liquid contact at a relatively low pressure; a line for directing overhead vapor of the low-pressure part to a column bottom of the high-pressure part; a line for directing a column bottom liquid of the high-pressure part to a column top of the low-pressure part; and a heat exchange structure for transferring heat from the rectifying section to the stripping section, wherein the method includes controlling a flow rate of the column bottom liquid to be directed from the high-pressure part to the low-pressure part. Also provided is the distillation apparatus including a flow rate control means in the line for directing the bottom liquid of the high-pressure part to the low-pressure part.