Light Ends Column Side Condenser for Acetic Acid Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The light ends column in acetic acid methanol carbonylation processes faces hydraulic overload, limiting productivity due to high vapor throughput, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a side condenser in the light ends column to partially condense vapors from the central portion of the distillation zone, reducing hydraulic load and allowing for increased productivity without significant changes in liquid sidedraw composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the light ends column operates with high vapor throughput to maintain productivity, then system output is improved, but hydraulic overload occurs limiting further productivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem outputVSAvoidcolumn hydraulic capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distillation column is segmented into multiple zones with different pressure levels. A first distillation zone operates at a higher pressure and a second distillation zone operates at a lower pressure, allowing vapor to be progressively condensed as it moves through the column. This segmentation enables the column to handle higher overall vapor throughput by distributing the condensation load across multiple zones rather than requiring all condensation to occur in a single zone, thereby resolving the hydraulic overload limitation while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a conventional single-zone distillation column is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is limited by hydraulic overload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor throughput capacityVSAvoidcolumn structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a pressure dimension to the distillation column design by creating zones with different pressure levels. Instead of a single-pressure column, the system utilizes a pressure gradient from the first distillation zone to the second distillation zone. This dimensional change enables the column to process higher vapor loads by utilizing pressure-driven vapor flow and condensation, effectively increasing productivity without requiring a proportionally larger single-zone column structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces vapor throughput by up to 15% in the light ends column, effectively debottlenecking the system while maintaining product quality, as demonstrated by simulation models.

Implementation Method 1

Implementing a side condenser in the light ends column to partially condense vapors from the central portion of the distillation zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

a partial flow of vapor from the tower just above the liquid sidedraw removal is fed to a heat exchanger and cooled to a temperature of, for example 200° F

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP2366439B1Apparatus for making acetic acid with improved capacity of the column

Publication Date: 2017.03.15 CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

An improved apparatus for a method of producing acetic acid which method includes condensing overhead vapor to provide reflux to the light ends column as well as condensing vapor from a central portion of the light ends column to increase capacity. Throughput or load on the light ends column is substantially reduced without compromising product quality.