Hydrocarbon Solvent CO2 Separation in Alkane Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for separating CO2 from light alkanes in the production of alkanes are inefficient, costly, and often require undesirable chemicals, with challenges in separating CO2 from the product stream due to the formation of azeotropes between ethane and CO2, leading to high energy consumption and inefficient recycling processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a hydrocarbon solvent in a two-stage separation process, where a first separation zone separates a stream of C2 to C5 alkanes and CO2 into a recycle stream and a light alkane stream, and a second separation zone further separates the light alkanes into C2 and C3 to C5 streams, reducing energy requirements and eliminating the need for costly compression of the CO2 recycle stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional systems are used to separate CO2 from light alkanes, then CO2 separation can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and energy-intensive due to high compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrocarbon solvent as an intermediary substance in the separation zone to facilitate CO2 separation from light alkanes. The solvent selectively absorbs CO2 from the product stream, enabling separation without requiring high compression of the CO2 recycle stream. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing an energy-efficient separation mechanism while maintaining reliable CO2 removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the separation process by using a hydrocarbon solvent that operates at lower pressures and temperatures compared to conventional methods. By altering the separation mechanism from compression-based to solvent-absorption-based, the system achieves energy reduction while maintaining separation efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional separation methods are employed, then CO2 can be removed from the product stream, but costly chemicals and high compression equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocarbon solvent acts as a cost-effective intermediary that replaces expensive conventional chemicals and high-compression equipment. The solvent is introduced into the separation zone where it selectively binds CO2, achieving effective CO2 removal without the need for costly capital investment in compression infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydrocarbon solvent that can be easily regenerated and reused, replacing the need for expensive, complex conventional separation systems. The solvent provides a simpler, more economical approach to CO2 removal while maintaining effective separation of CO2 from light alkane products.
3Productivity
If CO2 is recycled back to the reactor without efficient separation, then material utilization improves, but the presence of CO2 in the product stream reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocarbon solvent serves as a mediator that enables efficient CO2 separation, allowing CO2 to be selectively removed from the product stream while facilitating its recycling back to the reactor. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both high productivity through pure alkane products and minimal material waste through effective CO2 recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the product stream into separate CO2-containing and alkane-containing streams using the hydrocarbon solvent in the separation zone. This segmentation allows CO2 to be directed back to the reactor for reuse while the purified alkane stream proceeds to storage or further processing, thereby improving both productivity and material utilization.
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 reduces energy consumption and enhances the efficiency of CO2 separation, allowing for effective recycling of CO2 back into the reaction zone with minimal compression requirements, thereby improving the overall productivity and reducing capital investment.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a first stream comprising C2 to C5 alkanes and CO2 into a first separation zone, the first separation zone comprising a hydrocarbon solvent; separating the first stream into a recycle stream and a second stream in the first separation zone
Implementation Method 2
introducing the second stream into a second separation zone; and separating the second stream into a third stream and a fourth stream, wherein the third stream comprises C2 alkanes and the fourth stream comprises C3 to C5 alkanes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating CO2 from C2 to C5 alkanes includes introducing a first stream including C2 to C5 alkanes and CO2 into a first separation zone, the first separation zone including a hydrocarbon solvent, and separating the first stream into a recycle stream and a second stream in the first separation zone. The recycle stream including CO2 and one or more of CO, H2, and CH4, and the second stream including C2 to C5 alkanes. The method further includes introducing the second stream into a second separation zone, and separating the second stream into a third stream and a fourth stream, wherein the third stream includes C2 alkanes and the fourth stream includes C3 to C5 alkanes.