Methacrylic Acid Recovery via Segmented Extraction and Distillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering (meth)acrylic acid consume a large amount of energy and suffer from process instability due to polymerization, leading to inefficiencies and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an absorption process followed by an extraction process using a hydrophobic solvent in a specific ratio, with the raffinate solution recycled to the absorption tower, reduces energy consumption and minimizes polymerization by optimizing the solvent ratio and recycling the raffinate solution to the absorption tower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If azeotropic distillation method using hydrophobic solvent is used to separate water and acetic acid from (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the separation process into two distinct stages: first, extraction with hydrophobic solvent to separate acetic acid and water from (meth)acrylic acid; second, distillation to separate the extract phase into acetic acid-rich bottom product and (meth)acrylic acid-rich distillate. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall energy consumption compared to direct azeotropic distillation
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic solvent acts as an intermediary substance that selectively extracts acetic acid and water from the (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution. The solvent forms an extract phase rich in acetic acid and water, leaving a raffinate phase rich in (meth)acrylic acid. This intermediary extraction step simplifies the subsequent distillation process and reduces energy requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If distillation process is applied to (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution, then purification is achieved, but polymerization occurs reducing process stability
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is performed as a preliminary action before distillation. By removing a significant portion of water and acetic acid through extraction with hydrophobic solvent, the feed to the distillation column has lower water content, reducing the risk of polymerization during distillation and improving process stability
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic solvent serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact between (meth)acrylic acid and large amounts of water during the separation process. The extraction step creates a composition that is less prone to polymerization, and the solvent itself can act as a polymerization inhibitor during the subsequent distillation process
3Productivity
If conventional recovery methods are used, then (meth)acrylic acid is recovered, but treatment load in distillation process is high
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is segmented into extraction and distillation units. The extraction unit handles the bulk of water and acetic acid removal, reducing the treatment load on the distillation unit. This segmentation allows the distillation column to operate with a smaller, easier-to-control feed composition, simplifying overall process control and reducing treatment load
Solution Approach 2:
The process discards water and acetic acid from the (meth)acrylic acid stream through extraction, creating a concentrated raffinate phase that requires minimal further treatment. The extract phase containing water and acetic acid is discarded or sent to separate treatment, while the (meth)acrylic acid is recovered in high purity from the distillate, reducing the treatment load on subsequent processing units
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 significantly reduces energy consumption and stabilizes the recovery process, enhancing the efficiency and continuity of (meth)acrylic acid recovery by minimizing polymerization and solvent usage.
Implementation Method 1
an extraction process wherein the (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution obtained through the absorption process is contacted with an extraction solvent in an extraction column to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid extract solution and a raffinate solution
Implementation Method 2
a (meth)acrylic acid-containing mixed gas contacts an absorption solvent such as process water in a (meth)acrylic acid absorption tower, and is recovered as a (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution
Implementation Method 3
The (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution is distilled and purified to obtain (meth)acrylic acid
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method for continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid and an apparatus used for the recovery method. The method of continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid according to the present invention may remarkably reduce the amount of extraction solvent used and energy consumption of the total process, and minimize polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid in the recovery process, thus enabling stable recovery of (meth)acrylic acid and operation of a continuous process.