Mobile Hydrocarbon Extraction System with Solvent Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon extraction systems for contaminated soil are not mobile, energy-efficient, or closed-loop, requiring substantial water and energy input, and do not utilize a polar and non-polar solvent blend capable of boiling at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A high-rate hydrocarbon solvent extraction system that includes mixing vessels, bicanting units, an air sparging unit, a centrifuge, and a distillation unit, utilizing a solvent mixture of polar and non-polar solvents for efficient extraction and recovery, with a focus on low energy input and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large stationary plants are used for hydrocarbon extraction, then extraction capacity is improved, but mobility and site flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into modular units that can be transported and reconfigured. The mobile platform separates the extraction functionality from fixed infrastructure, allowing the system to maintain high extraction capacity while being deployable at various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed plants to a dynamic mobile platform that can be relocated. The mobile extraction system incorporates transportation capabilities and flexible positioning to adapt to different site requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If conventional extraction systems are used, then hydrocarbon removal is achieved, but energy consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by using a blended solvent mixture with optimized boiling characteristics. The specific solvent blend (containing components with boiling points ranging from -50°C to 100°C) enables extraction at lower temperatures, significantly reducing thermal energy requirements while maintaining high removal rates.
Solution Approach 2:
A composite solvent mixture is used instead of single-component solvents. The blend combines multiple components with complementary properties, creating a solvent system that achieves effective hydrocarbon extraction at reduced energy input through synergistic effects of the mixture components.
3Device complexity
If open-loop solvent systems are used, then extraction process is simple, but solvent loss and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements solvent recovery through distillation and condensation units that capture and reuse solvent vapors. Instead of allowing solvent to be lost to the environment, the system recovers it through thermal separation and returns it to the extraction process, maintaining a closed-loop system that minimizes substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent recovery system creates a feedback loop where used solvent is captured, processed, and returned to the extraction zone. This closed-loop design ensures continuous solvent utilization and eliminates the need for constant solvent addition, reducing both loss and operational complexity.
4Reliability
If high solvent recovery is implemented, then environmental compliance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation, condensation, and solvent recovery functions are merged into an integrated unit that operates continuously. By combining these functions in a single mobile platform, the system achieves regulatory compliance through comprehensive solvent recovery while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate fixed facilities.
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 high removal rates of hydrocarbons with minimal energy input, recycles solvents for reuse, and is designed for mobile operation, meeting regulatory standards for remediated soil quality.
Implementation Method 1
mixing vessels configured to mix contaminated material and a solvent mixture to form a slurry
Implementation Method 2
bicanting units configured to separate a solvent stream and a material stream
Implementation Method 3
air sparging unit configured to receive the material stream and to remove residual solvent vapor from the material stream
Implementation Method 4
centrifuge configured to receive the solvent stream and remove water or micro-fines from the solvent stream
Implementation Method 5
distillation unit configured to receive the solvent stream from the centrifuge and to recover the solvent mixture and a hydrocarbon product from the solvent stream
Data Source
AI summary
A system, process and method for remediating contaminated soil and solvent recovery. A solvent mixture including a polar and a non-polar solvent is mixed with contaminated soil in mixing vessels, allowing the solvent mixture to extract contaminates from the soil. The solvent mixture is separated from the soil using bicanting units to form a solvent stream and a soil stream. The soil stream goes through air sparging in a dryer to remove residual solvent vapor. Water and/or micro-fines are extracted from the solvent stream using a centrifuge. The solvent stream undergoes distillation in a distillation unit to remove the containments from the solvent stream, while recovering separately the solvent mixture and a product. The recovered solvent mixture can be recycled back to the mixing vessels. The contaminates can be BTEX or F1-F4 hydrocarbons, and the product can be oil or other hydrocarbons. The system can be mobile.