MIBK Purification via Shared Overhead Condenser and Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) from acetone involve multiple steps and result in impurities, requiring complex distillation processes to achieve purification, which are inefficient and leave residual impurities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a shared overhead system between two distillation columns to separate and purify MIBK, involving a first distillation to recover acetone, followed by a second and third distillation to separate organic and aqueous phases, achieving high purity MIBK through reflux and recycling of phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to purify MIBK, then the purity of MIBK is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the overhead systems of two distillation columns into a shared common overhead system. The first distillation column separates acetone from MIBK, and the second distillation column separates high boiling impurities from MIBK. Both columns share a common overhead condenser and liquid-liquid separator, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the purification function of removing multiple impurity types.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared overhead system serves multiple functions: it acts as a condenser for both distillation columns, a liquid-liquid separator for phase separation, and a reflux distribution system. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while achieving high MIBK purity through systematic separation of different impurity types.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex distillation process is used to remove impurities, then the purity of MIBK is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The purification process is segmented into two distinct distillation columns with specific functions: the first column removes low boiling impurities (acetone) and the second column removes high boiling impurities. Each column is optimized for its specific separation task, allowing continuous operation and reducing the time required compared to a single complex column attempting to handle all impurities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared overhead system enables continuous operation by providing continuous reflux to both distillation columns. The liquid-liquid separator continuously separates aqueous and organic phases, and the common condenser continuously condenses vapors from both columns, maintaining steady-state operation that maximizes productivity while achieving high purity.
3Ease of operation
If separate overhead systems are used for each distillation column, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overhead systems of two distillation columns into a shared common overhead system. Both columns share a common condenser, liquid-liquid separator, and reflux distribution network. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining operational control through proper design of the shared infrastructure.
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 increases the purity of MIBK to at least 99.5 wt% by effectively removing impurities, simplifying the process and improving efficiency by using a shared overhead system for condensation and separation.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities... to a first distillation procedure from which at least acetone is recovered
Implementation Method 2
condensing the said overhead product in a condensor
Implementation Method 3
feeding the resulting condensed overhead product to an overhead liquid-liquid separator wherein an organic phase and an aqueous phase separate
Implementation Method 4
feeding the bottom product of the first distillation procedure to a second distillation column... withdrawing a vapour overhead product from the second distillation column
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method of producing purified methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) comprising subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities to a first distillation procedure from which acetone is recovered and a bottom product containing MIBK and impurities is withdrawn. This bottom product is fed to a second distillation column, where a vapour overhead product is withdrawn, condensed and fed to an overhead liquid-liquid separator. Part of an organic phase from the overhead liquid-liquid separator is fed to the second distillation column and part is fed to a third distillation column. A vapour overhead product is withdrawn from the third column which is condensed in the same said condensor. The condensed product is fed to the same said overhead liquid-liquid separator, and purified MIBK is withdrawn from the third distillation column. This invention also relates to an apparatus used in such a method.