Integrated Coalescing System for Ionic Liquid Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are inefficient in separating dispersed ionic liquids from liquid hydrocarbons, particularly due to the wide range of droplet sizes and the challenge of removing residual ionic liquid droplets from the hydrocarbon phase, leading to incomplete separation and potential fouling of downstream equipment.
Innovation Solution
An integrated coalescing system comprising a bulk settler, a pre-coalescer, and a coalescer with multiple layers of media having fine pore sizes, which separates the emulsion into clean ionic and hydrocarbon phases, with the pre-coalescer removing solid particles and the coalescer producing a clean hydrocarbon stream essentially free of ionic liquid droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-stage separation system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the separation efficiency is insufficient and residual ionic liquid droplets remain in the hydrocarbon phase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is divided into three distinct stages: bulk settler for large droplet removal, pre-coalescer for intermediate droplet coalescence, and coalescer for fine droplet removal. Each stage targets a specific droplet size range, achieving comprehensive separation that a single-stage system cannot accomplish.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from considering only droplet size to also considering the spatial dimension of separation by implementing multiple components arranged in series, each handling a different stage of the separation process. This multi-dimensional approach enables complete removal of ionic liquid droplets across all size ranges.
2Reliability
If conventional separation methods are used, then the process is simple, but the downstream equipment suffers from fouling and reduced operational life
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk settler and pre-coalescer perform preliminary removal and coalescence of larger droplets before the effluent reaches downstream equipment. This preliminary action prevents the accumulation of ionic liquid residues that would otherwise cause fouling and extend maintenance intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the challenge of dispersed droplets into a benefit by using the coalescing media to promote droplet aggregation. The dispersed ionic liquid droplets, which would normally be difficult to remove, are transformed into larger coalesced droplets that settle more easily and are efficiently removed, improving downstream equipment reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple coalescing components are used in series, then the separation completeness is high, but the pressure drop and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage separation distributes the total pressure drop across three components, with each handling a specific droplet size range. This segmentation allows optimization of each component's media and operating conditions, achieving high separation completeness while managing overall energy consumption more effectively than a single high-pressure-drop component would provide.
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
The system effectively separates ionic liquid droplets from hydrocarbons, achieving a clean hydrocarbon stream with low turbidity and minimal residual ionic liquid, significantly extending the life of downstream equipment and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a bulk settler that receives an emulsion comprising the dispersed ionic liquid and separates the emulsion into a clean ionic liquid phase and into a separated liquid hydrocarbon phase
Implementation Method 2
at least one pre-coalescer connected to the at least one bulk settler that receives the separated liquid hydrocarbon phase, separates out solid particles from the separated liquid hydrocarbon phase
Implementation Method 3
at least one coalescer that is fluidly connected to the at least one pre-coalescer and receives an effluent from the at least one pre-coalescer, wherein the at least one coalescer comprises multiple layers of media having a fine pore size of 20 microns or less
Data Source
AI summary
A process is provided for separating an ionic liquid from a liquid hydrocarbon, using an integrated coalescing system. The integrated coalescing system for separating ionic liquid from a liquid hydrocarbon may comprise:a. a bulk settler,that separates an emulsion comprising the dispersed ionic liquid with a wide range of droplet sizes into a clean ionic liquid phase and a separated liquid hydrocarbon phase comprising retained droplets;b. a pre-coalescer that receives the separated liquid hydrocarbon phase, separates out solid particles from the separated liquid hydrocarbon phase, and begins to form coalesced droplets of the retained droplets; andc. a coalescer that receives an effluent from the pre-coalescer, wherein the at least one coalescer comprises multiple layers of media having a fine pore size, and produces a clean hydrocarbon stream that is essentially free of the dispersed ionic liquid and additional amounts of the clean ionic liquid phase.