IPDA Distillation Separation for Higher Cis-Trans Isomer Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing isophorone diamine (IPDA) face challenges in achieving a high cis-trans-isomer ratio (CTR) while minimizing the presence of isophorone nitrile amine (IPNA), leading to inefficient separation and increased energy consumption, material loss, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step separation process involving the separation of a feed stream into fractions enriched in cis-IPDA, IPNA, and other components, allowing for the recovery of IPDA and isophorone amino alcohol (IPAA) with reduced IPNA content, optimizing the cis-trans-isomer ratio and reducing energy demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high reflux ratio is used in the distillation column to achieve low IPNA content in IPDA fraction, then the IPNA content is reduced, but the concentration of cis- and trans-IPDA in the sump increases leading to substantial losses of IPDA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distillation process into multiple columns with different functions: a first distillation column for separating low-boiling components and a second distillation column for separating IPDA from IPNA and high-boiling components. This segmentation allows each column to operate at optimized reflux ratios for its specific separation task, preventing the need for excessively high reflux ratios in a single column that would cause IPDA losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes IPNA and high-boiling components in a separate second distillation column after the main IPDA separation. By taking out the problematic IPNA component in a dedicated extraction step rather than attempting to achieve complete separation in the main column, the process avoids the need for high reflux ratios that would cause IPDA losses in the sump.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation processes are used to separate IPDA fractions, then separation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and material loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is segmented into multiple columns, each handling a specific separation task. The first column removes low-boiling components at lower energy cost, while the second column separates IPDA from IPNA and high-boiling components. This segmentation reduces the overall energy consumption compared to using a single high-reflux column for complete separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameters by operating different columns at different reflux ratios and feed positions optimized for their specific separation tasks. The first column operates with parameters optimized for removing low-boiling components, while the second column uses parameters optimized for separating IPDA from IPNA, reducing overall energy consumption while achieving the required separation precision.
3Productivity
If the catalyst ages and loses selectivity towards cis-IPDA, then the CTR decreases, but the process continues operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements monitoring of the CTR in the produced IPDA and adjusts the distillation process parameters accordingly. When the CTR decreases due to catalyst aging, the feedback control system adjusts the reflux ratios and feed positions in the distillation columns to compensate and maintain the required CTR specification in the final IPDA product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the distillation parameters (reflux ratios, feed positions, temperature profiles) in response to catalyst aging and declining CTR. By adjusting these parameters, the process compensates for the reduced catalyst selectivity and maintains the required CTR in the final product without interrupting production.
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 process enhances the cis-trans-isomer ratio in IPDA, minimizes material loss, and reduces energy consumption, while producing valuable intermediates like IPAA for various applications, including pharmacological products and polymers.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a method for the separation of a feed stream comprising trans-IPDA, cis-IPDA, isophorone nitrile amine (IPNA), components having a lower boiling point than trans-IPDA and components having a higher boiling point than IPNA, including isophorone amino alcohol (IPAA) and components having a higher boiling point than IPAA
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the manufacture of isophorone diamine (IPDA), comprising the steps of:a) providing a feed stream comprising trans-IPDA, cis-IPDA, isophorone nitrile amine (IPNA), components having a lower boiling point than trans-IPDA and components having a higher boiling point than IPNA, including isophorone amino alcohol (IPAA) and components having a higher boiling point than IPAA;b) separating the feed stream into(i) a fraction (ii) comprising a higher mass fraction of cis-IPDA content, compared to the feed stream;(ii) a fraction (iii) comprising a higher mass fraction of IPNA compared to the feed stream and a higher mass fraction of components having a boiling point higher than the boiling point of IPNA, including IPAA and components having a higher boiling point than IPAA, compared to the feed stream and optionally IPDA;c) further separating fraction (iii) into(iii) a fraction (iii-1) comprising a higher mass fraction of IPDA, compared to fraction (iii); and/or(iv) a fraction (iii-3) comprising a higher mass fraction of IPAA, compared to fraction (iii).