Ionic Liquid Alkylation Reactor Vaporization Heat Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for systems and processes that effectively utilize ionic liquids for hydrocarbon conversion reactions, such as alkylation, while efficiently managing reaction heat and providing mixing within the reactor, particularly through vaporization and recycling of hydrocarbon vapors.

Innovation Solution

The system comprises an ionic liquid reactor with an integrated hydrocarbon vapor recovery unit, where hydrocarbon vapor is withdrawn, condensed, and recycled, and ionic liquid catalyst is injected to facilitate exothermic reactions, promoting mixing and turbulence without moving parts, using vaporization to manage heat and enhance reaction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If external cooling systems are used to manage reaction heat, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction heat managementVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reactor uses its own exothermic reaction to drive vaporization of hydrocarbon, which then provides cooling through condensation in the vapor recovery unit. The system is self-regulating and requires no external cooling utilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes phase transition of hydrocarbon from liquid to vapor in the reactor, and from vapor to liquid in the vapor recovery unit. This phase change mechanism enables internal heat management without external cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mixing methods are used in the reactor, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and reliability decrease due to moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidreactor reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mixing devices (impellers, agitators) with a vapor-driven pneumatic mixing system. Vapor bubbles rising through the liquid provide turbulence and mixing through their expansion and coalescence, eliminating moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses vapor phase to provide mixing action through pneumatic mechanisms. The vapor bubbles act as pneumatic agitators, creating turbulence and enhancing mass transfer without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If hydrocarbon vapor is vented instead of recycled, then reaction heat management is simplified, but loss of valuable hydrocarbons increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor handling complexityVSAvoidhydrocarbon loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of venting the hydrocarbon vapor, the system recovers it by condensing it back to liquid form in the vapor recovery unit, then returns it to the reactor. This recovers valuable hydrocarbon that would otherwise be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a feedback loop where vapor is condensed and returned to the reactor feed. This closed-loop approach ensures continuous utilization of hydrocarbon and maintains steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enables efficient hydrocarbon conversion reactions by effectively managing heat and promoting mixing, leading to high-quality products and increased reaction rates, with the ability to recycle valuable hydrocarbons and minimize the need for external cooling.

Implementation Method 1

via the heat of reaction of the exothermic alkylation reaction, vaporizing a portion of at least one hydrocarbon in the ionic liquid alkylation zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

contacting a hydrocarbon feed stream with an ionic liquid catalyst in an ionic liquid alkylation zone under ionic liquid alkylation conditions to perform an exothermic ionic liquid alkylation reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 3

condensing the withdrawn hydrocarbon vapor to provide a condensed hydrocarbon liquid stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS9545614B2Pneumatically agitated ionic liquid alkylation using vaporization to remove reaction heat

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 CHEVRON USA INC

AI summary

Systems and apparatus for ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion, such as alkylation, using vaporization to remove reaction heat from an ionic liquid reactor and to provide mixing therein, wherein hydrocarbon vapors are withdrawn from the ionic liquid reactor and the withdrawn hydrocarbon vapor is recovered by a hydrocarbon vapor recovery unit in fluid communication with the ionic liquid reactor for recycling condensed hydrocarbons to the ionic liquid reactor. Processes for ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation are also disclosed.