Isopropyl Alcohol Stripper Segmentation and Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for separating high-purity isopropyl alcohol from reaction products in the isopropyl alcohol preparation process are inefficient, leading to high costs and energy consumption due to low separation efficiency, unnecessary device requirements, and accumulation of inert gases, which complicates the process and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that separates the reaction product into a gaseous first discharge stream and a liquid second discharge stream, which are then supplied to a stripper, allowing for improved separation efficiency and energy reduction by condensing the first discharge stream before supplying it to the stripper, thereby preventing propylene monomer outflow and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional absorption column is used to separate isopropyl alcohol from the reaction product, then the separation process can be implemented, but the separation efficiency is low and additional devices (flash drum, distillation column) are required to recover propylene monomer, increasing device complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction product stream is segmented into two separate streams: a gaseous stream containing propylene monomer and an isopropyl alcohol-water liquid stream. This segmentation allows each stream to be processed independently, with the gaseous stream going directly to the stripper column while the liquid stream is condensed and supplied to the rectifying section, thereby improving separation efficiency and reducing the need for additional recovery devices
Solution Approach 2:
The gaseous reaction product stream is condensed before being supplied to the stripper column. This preliminary condensation action separates the propylene monomer (which remains gaseous) from the isopropyl alcohol and water (which condense), enabling more effective separation in the stripper column and reducing the need for subsequent recovery operations
2Reliability
If water is used as solvent in the absorption column to separate isopropyl alcohol, then isopropyl alcohol can be dissolved and separated, but much energy is consumed to separate water and isopropyl alcohol in the latter stage
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reaction product into gaseous and liquid phases, eliminating the need for water as a solvent in the absorption column. The gaseous propylene monomer stream is separated from the liquid isopropyl alcohol-water stream, and the liquid stream is then condensed and supplied to the rectifying section, thereby reducing or eliminating the energy-consuming water-isopropyl alcohol separation step
Solution Approach 2:
The process changes the physical state parameter of the reaction product by condensing the gaseous stream before supply to the stripper. This parameter change enables the propylene monomer to remain in the gas phase while the isopropyl alcohol and water condense, facilitating more efficient separation and reducing energy consumption
3Device complexity
If inert gas is not removed from the propylene monomer stream, then the process can be simplified, but inert gas accumulates in the process and high-purity propylene monomer must be used
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction product stream is segmented into gaseous and liquid phases, allowing the gaseous propylene monomer stream (containing inert gas) to be separated from the liquid stream. The gaseous stream can then be supplied directly to the stripper column where inert gas is removed, maintaining process simplicity while ensuring reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The inert gas is extracted from the propylene monomer stream by separating the gaseous reaction product stream from the liquid stream, allowing the inert gas to be removed in the stripper column. This extraction maintains process simplicity while ensuring that high-purity propylene monomer is available for the reaction
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 enhances separation efficiency, reduces energy consumption, minimizes device requirements, and promotes forward reactions, resulting in increased isopropyl alcohol production while reducing equipment and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first discharge stream is condensed by a first heat exchanger and supplied as a liquid phase to the stripper
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing isopropyl alcohol including: supplying a feed stream including a propylene monomer and water to a reaction unit and reacting the propylene monomer and water to produce a reaction product including isopropyl alcohol, the propylene monomer, and the water; supplying a first discharge stream including a gaseous reaction product and a second discharge stream including a liquid reaction product from the reaction unit to a stripper; and in the stripper, circulating an upper discharge stream including the propylene monomer to the reaction unit and supplying a lower discharge stream including water and isopropyl alcohol to an isopropyl alcohol purification unit, where the first discharge stream is condensed by a first heat exchanger and supplied as a liquid phase to the stripper.