Ionic Liquid Separation in Coalescing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively separate ionic liquids from organic phases, particularly when the ionic liquid is dispersed in the form of fine droplets, due to lack of control over the dispersing direction and inflow rate in coalescing devices.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a stream with a dispersion of ionic liquid in an organic phase is introduced into a coalescing device at a controlled inflow rate of 0.05 to 150 kg/(cm2*h), allowing for efficient separation of at least 70% by weight of the ionic liquid from the organic phase using coalescing filters or knitted fabrics, regardless of the dispersing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If coalescing filters are used to separate ionic liquids from organic phases, then separation efficiency is improved, but the device becomes ineffective when ionic liquids are dispersed as ultrafine droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of inflow rate to optimize separation performance. By controlling the inflow rate to specific ranges (0.05-150 kg/(cm²·h)), the process achieves effective separation of ultrafine droplets that conventional filters cannot handle, transforming the operating conditions to match the dispersion characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the inflow rate rather than using static filtration alone. The separability is optimized by adjusting the inflow rate according to the specific dispersion conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying droplet sizes and flow conditions
2Productivity
If the inflow rate is increased to improve productivity, then separation capacity is improved, but separation effectiveness deteriorates when dealing with ultrafine droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific inflow rate ranges (0.05-150 kg/(cm²·h)) that balance productivity and separation effectiveness. Within these ranges, the system maintains both high throughput and effective separation of ultrafine droplets, avoiding the trade-off between speed and precision
3Manufacturing precision
If coalescing devices are designed for specific dispersing directions, then separation performance is improved, but the device cannot handle inverted dispersing directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coalescing device design that handles both normal and inverted dispersing directions effectively. By optimizing for inflow rate rather than droplet size alone, the same device configuration can separate dispersions regardless of which phase is dispersed, eliminating the need for direction-specific designs
4Device complexity
If conventional filtration is used without controlling inflow rate, then device simplicity is maintained, but separation of ultrafine droplets becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced separation without increasing device complexity by controlling the inflow rate parameter. The same coalescing filter structure works effectively for ultrafine droplets when the inflow rate is optimized, avoiding the need for complex additional components
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 process enables high separation rates of ionic liquids from organic phases, even when present in small amounts, reducing the size of phase separators needed and allowing for inversion of dispersing direction without issues, effectively addressing the ultrafine droplet problem.
Implementation Method 1
separation of the disperse phase (A) from the phase (B) in the coalescing device (KV)
Data Source
AI summary
A process for separating a phase (A) comprising at least one ionic liquid from a phase (B), where phase (A) has a higher viscosity than phase (B), comprising: a) providing a stream (S1) comprising a dispersion (D1) in which phase (A) is dispersed in phase (B), b) introducing stream (S1) into a coalescing device (KV), where the inflow rate of stream (S1) is from 0.05 to 150 kg/(cm2*h) based on the average cross-sectional area of coalescing device (KV), wherein the packing density of coalescing device (KV) is from 50 to 500 kg/m3, separating phase (A) from phase (B) in coalescing device (KV), discharging a stream (S2) comprising at least 70% by weight of phase (A) from coalescing device (KV) and discharging a stream (S3) comprising at least 70% by weight of phase (B) from coalescing device (KV).