Method and system for preventing accumulation of solids in a distillation tower
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of solids in controlled freeze zones during the cryogenic distillation of natural gas hydrocarbons and contaminants interferes with the separation process, leading to operational inefficiencies and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that discontinuously injects a freeze-inhibitor solution into the controlled freeze zone to destabilize and prevent the accumulation of solids, using a first freeze-inhibitor solution in the middle section and optionally a second in the upper section, ensuring effective separation of methane from contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic distillation is used to separate contaminants from hydrocarbons, then separation efficiency is improved, but solid accumulation occurs in the controlled freeze zone
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance into the controlled freeze zone to prevent solid accumulation. The fluid circulates through heat exchange equipment, absorbing heat from accumulated solids and preventing their formation, thereby maintaining separation efficiency without direct contact with the hydrocarbon feedstream
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameters within the controlled freeze zone are dynamically adjusted by controlling the heat transfer fluid temperature and flow rate. This prevents the zone temperature from dropping low enough to cause solid accumulation, while still maintaining conditions sufficient for effective contaminant separation
2Productivity
If solids accumulate in the controlled freeze zone, then separation process is interfered with, but adding heating equipment increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer fluid circulation system serves multiple functions: it prevents solid accumulation in the controlled freeze zone, provides temperature control for the separation process, and can be integrated with existing refrigeration systems. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate heating equipment
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic system using heat transfer fluid circulation is employed instead of electrical or mechanical heating equipment. The fluid-based heat transfer approach is more suitable for cryogenic conditions and integrates seamlessly with the distillation tower's existing fluid handling infrastructure
3Reliability
If freeze-inhibitor solution is injected discontinuously, then solid accumulation is prevented, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer fluid circulation system operates with temperature sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor conditions in the controlled freeze zone. When solid accumulation is detected or temperature thresholds are approached, the system automatically increases heat transfer fluid flow or temperature, providing feedback-based control without complex injection timing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discontinuous injection of freeze-inhibitor solution, the heat transfer fluid circulates continuously through the heat exchange equipment, providing ongoing prevention of solid accumulation. This continuous action eliminates the need for periodic injection cycles and associated control complexity
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
Prevents solid accumulation, maintains process efficiency, and ensures the production of high-quality hydrocarbons by effectively separating contaminants from methane, adhering to pipeline quality standards.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a heat transfer fluid into the controlled freeze zone... absorbing heat from accumulated solids
Implementation Method 2
discontinuously injecting a first freeze-inhibitor solution into the controlled freeze zone... destabilizing accumulation of the solids
Implementation Method 3
cryogenic distillation of natural gas hydrocarbons and contaminants... separation process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for preventing accumulation of solids in a distillation tower. The method includes introducing a feed stream into a controlled freeze zone section of a distillation tower; forming solids in the controlled freeze zone section from the feed stream; discontinuously injecting a first freeze-inhibitor solution into the controlled freeze zone section toward a location in the controlled freeze zone section that accumulates the solids; and destabilizing accumulation of the solids from the location with the first freeze-inhibitor solution.