Lean Solvent Split Regeneration for Extractive Distillation Heat Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent regeneration systems are limited in the amount of solvent they can regenerate due to insufficient heat transfer, restricting the feed rate to the regeneration unit.
Innovation Solution
A system that splits a high-temperature lean solvent stream into two portions, where one portion is directed to a heat exchanger for heat transfer and the other to a regeneration unit, allowing simultaneous operation of both units to enhance heat transfer and increase the solvent feed rate without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the feed rate of solvent to the regeneration unit is increased, then the solvent regeneration capacity is improved, but the heat transfer availability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lean solvent stream is divided into two separate streams: a first stream that passes through the heat exchanger to transfer heat to the rich solvent stream, and a second stream that bypasses the heat exchanger and goes directly to the regeneration unit. This segmentation allows the regeneration unit to receive high-temperature solvent with full enthalpy content, enabling increased regeneration capacity without compromising heat transfer availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a flow split dimension, where the solvent stream is divided into parallel paths with different destinations. The first path goes through the heat exchanger for heat transfer, while the second path bypasses the heat exchanger to provide high-temperature solvent to the regeneration unit. This dimensional change in flow configuration enables both heat transfer and high-temperature solvent delivery simultaneously.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a heat exchanger is added to improve heat transfer, then the heat transfer availability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing high-temperature lean solvent stream to provide both heat transfer and regeneration functions. By splitting the stream, the first portion serves the heat exchanger function using its own thermal energy, while the second portion serves the regeneration unit. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external heating systems or additional complex equipment.
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 configuration enhances heat transfer, increasing the solvent regeneration capacity and feed rate, improving operational stability and reducing fouling issues in butadiene processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
transferring heat from the first portion to a solvent feed stream to produce a cooled lean solvent stream and a heated solvent feed stream
Implementation Method 2
the second portion of the lean solvent stream retains its enthalpy for utilization within the regeneration unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided here are systems and methods that include facilitate regeneration of solvents for extractive distillation solvent with enhanced enthalpy. Examples include a method that includes receiving a high-temperature lean solvent stream including 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one (NMP) and at a temperature between 145° C. and 155° C. from a degasser column. The method includes splitting the high-temperature lean solvent stream into a first portion and a second portion, transferring heat from the first portion to a solvent feed stream to produce a cooled lean solvent stream and a heated solvent feed stream, and regenerating the second portion to produce a purified lean solvent stream. The method includes directing the cooled lean solvent stream and the purified lean solvent stream to an extractive distillation zone.