Ionic Liquid Hydrocarbon Startup Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a systematic startup procedure for ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes to optimize performance, increase plant reliability, and prolong equipment life, while avoiding the introduction of water that can cause corrosion in downstream product separation sections.
Innovation Solution
The method involves purging air and free water from the system, introducing reactants through a feed dryer unit to achieve a water content threshold, followed by the introduction of a catalyst promoter and ionic liquid catalyst into the reactor, with subsequent steps including steady state distillation and catalyst regeneration to maintain process efficiency and equipment longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is introduced during ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes, then the process can proceed with easier operation, but corrosion occurs in downstream product separation sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a systematic startup procedure that establishes strict water exclusion conditions before introducing reactants. The system is purged with dry nitrogen and dried using molecular sieves or calcium chloride before catalyst addition, preventing water-related corrosion issues before they can occur during operation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a systematic startup procedure is implemented to optimize performance and prevent corrosion, then equipment life is extended, but the startup process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The startup procedure is segmented into distinct sequential steps: system purging with dry nitrogen, drying with molecular sieves or calcium chloride, reactant introduction, and catalyst addition. This segmentation makes the complex procedure more manageable and systematic, reducing the risk of errors while extending equipment life.
3Ease of manufacture
If water content in reactants is not controlled during startup, then the startup procedure is simpler, but downstream equipment suffers from corrosion and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere approach by purging the system with dry nitrogen and maintaining water-free conditions throughout the startup process. This creates a protective environment that prevents corrosion in downstream equipment while keeping the procedure straightforward and reliable.
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 procedure improves the performance of ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes, reduces equipment maintenance, and extends the life of the equipment used in these systems by ensuring optimal operating conditions and minimizing corrosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
via at least one feed dryer unit, re-circulating the at least one reactant through the at least a portion of the system until the at least one reactant exiting the at least a portion of the system has a water content at or below a threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for starting and operating ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes and systems to provide maximum process efficiency, system reliability and equipment longevity may include: purging air and free water from at least a portion of the system; introducing at least one reactant into the at least a portion of the system; and re-circulating the at least one reactant through the at least a portion of the system, via at least one feed dryer unit, until the at least one reactant exiting the at least a portion of the system has a water content at or below a threshold value, prior to the introduction of an ionic liquid catalyst and/or additional reactant(s) and feeds into the system.