Liquid-Liquid Extraction System for Deep Desulfurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing purification techniques are inadequate for efficiently removing impurities, such as sulfur, from liquids like fuels, which can lead to engine corrosion and emission control issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-liquid extraction system comprising multiple extraction stages, a pumping system, and a controller, which uses phase separation vessels to extract impurities from a source liquid using an extraction liquid, while a level sensor and controller manage liquid levels and interphases to optimize the extraction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional purification techniques are used to remove impurities from liquids, then some impurity removal is achieved, but the purification efficiency is insufficient and cannot achieve deep desulfurization
Solution Approach 1:
The purification process is divided into multiple extraction stages (first extraction stage, second extraction stage, etc.), where each stage performs partial purification. This segmentation allows the system to achieve deep desulfurization by progressively removing impurities across multiple stages rather than attempting single-stage complete purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs liquid-liquid extraction where an extraction liquid is introduced to selectively extract impurities (such as sulfur) from the source liquid. The extraction liquid forms a separate phase that carries away the impurities, achieving effective separation and deep purification that conventional techniques cannot accomplish.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple extraction stages are added to improve purification efficiency, then impurity removal capability increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple extraction stages are merged into a single integrated system with common control mechanisms. The controller coordinates all stages, and the pumping system manages fluid flow across all stages, reducing operational complexity despite multiple purification stages. This combining approach allows high purification efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions including monitoring liquid levels, controlling pumping operations, and coordinating extraction stages. The pumping system also serves multiple purposes by transporting both source liquid and extraction liquid through different stages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving deep purification.
3Productivity
If level sensors and controllers are implemented to manage liquid levels, then extraction process optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Level sensors are installed in each extraction stage to continuously monitor liquid levels and provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust pumping operations and maintain optimal liquid levels, ensuring efficient extraction processes. This feedback mechanism optimizes productivity while keeping control complexity manageable through automated regulation rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates autonomously by automatically adjusting liquid levels and pumping rates based on sensor inputs. The system self-regulates the extraction process without requiring constant human intervention, improving productivity while the standardized control logic keeps the complexity at acceptable levels. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining optimal operating conditions.
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 system achieves deep desulfurization and effectively removes impurities from liquids, resulting in a more suitable fuel for engines and compliance with emission standards, while also being compact, economically viable, and logistically manageable.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber enables phase separation of liquids therein, into a raffinate and an extract, where the extract comprises at least a portion of an impurity transferred from the input liquid
Implementation Method 2
A level sensor is coupled to the chamber to measure a characteristic of the liquids therein, e.g., to measure the level of interphase between the liquids therein
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-liquid extraction system includes extraction stages, a pumping system, and a controller. Each extraction stage has a chamber, a primary input, a raffinate output, and an extract output. An input liquid (e.g., either a source liquid or raffinate from a preceding extraction stage, mixed with an extraction liquid) is presented to the chamber via the primary input. The chamber enables phase separation of liquid therein, into a raffinate and a extract, where the raffinate exits the separation vessel at the raffinate output, and the extract exits the separation vessel at the extract output. A level sensor is coupled to the chamber and the controller is operatively programmed to read an output of the level sensor, compare the output of the level sensor to a target, and cause the associated chamber to receive additional liquid if the output is lower than the target.