Distillation Device for Methanol-Acetone Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The separation of methanol and acetone is challenging due to their azeotrope formation, requiring multiple distillation columns and increasing operating and equipment costs.
Innovation Solution
A distillation device with a methanol removal distillation column positioned to efficiently separate methanol, using a conventional phase separator and one additional column, reduces methanol content in acetone products, extending catalyst lifetime and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pressure swing distillation or extractive distillation is used to separate methanol and acetone, then separation purity is improved, but equipment cost and operating cost are greatly increased due to requiring at least two or more separation and purification columns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter of the distillation column to achieve effective separation. By operating at a specific pressure range (0.5-2.0 kgf/cm²G), the relative volatility between methanol and acetone is optimized, allowing high-purity separation in a single column without requiring multiple columns as in conventional pressure swing distillation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance that forms an azeotrope with methanol. This allows methanol to be preferentially removed from the acetone-methanol mixture through distillation, achieving effective separation. The water-methanol azeotrope acts as a mediator that facilitates the separation process
2Productivity
If multiple distillation columns are installed to separate methanol and acetone effectively, then separation efficiency is improved, but operating cost and equipment cost are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes operating pressure and temperature parameters to achieve efficient separation in a single column. By controlling the pressure at 0.5-2.0 kgf/cm²G and adjusting the reflux ratio and heating conditions, the system achieves high separation efficiency without requiring multiple columns, thereby reducing both equipment investment and operating costs
Solution Approach 2:
Water is introduced as an intermediary that forms an azeotrope with methanol, enabling preferential removal of methanol. This intermediary approach allows efficient separation in a single distillation column, avoiding the need for multiple columns and associated high costs
3Ease of operation
If methanol is not effectively removed from acetone product, then process simplicity is maintained, but catalyst lifetime is shortened due to methanol acting as catalyst poison
Solution Approach 1:
Water is used as an intermediary substance that forms an azeotrope with methanol, enabling effective removal of methanol from the acetone product. The water-methanol azeotrope is distilled off, leaving high-purity acetone that does not poison the catalyst, thereby extending catalyst lifetime while maintaining process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the distillation operating pressure and temperature parameters, the system achieves effective methanol removal in a single column. The controlled pressure range (0.5-2.0 kgf/cm²G) and temperature profile ensure that methanol is preferentially vaporized and removed, protecting the catalyst from poisoning
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 device achieves high-purity acetone and methanol separation with reduced operating and equipment costs by efficiently removing methanol, extending catalyst life and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a feedstock containing acetone and methanol is separated using a distillation device
Implementation Method 2
separating highly pure methanol at a pressure of about 1 kgf/cm2g through change of an operating pressure and separating highly pure acetone at a pressure of 10 kgf/cm2g
Implementation Method 3
using only the conventional phase separator and one methanol removal distillation column further installed
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a distillation device. When a feedstock containing acetone and methanol is separated using a distillation device according to the present application, a methanol removal distillation column may be located at a position for easily separating methanol to solve a problem due to accumulation of methanol in the process and to lower the methanol content in the acetone product, and thus the lifetime of catalysts can be extended, and moreover, methanol can be removed with good efficiency from a flow of the lower part of the distillation column obtaining the final acetone product by using only the conventional phase separator and one methanol removal distillation column further installed, so that the acetone product obtained from the upper part of the distillation column obtaining the acetone product can be obtained in high purity and the operating cost and the equipment cost of equipments can be greatly reduced.