Movable Dividing Wall Mass Transfer Column Vapor Split Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass transfer columns with dividing walls face challenges in controlling and adjusting the vapor split between the feed and draw-off sides, limiting operational flexibility and control over distillation processes.
Innovation Solution
A mass transfer assembly with a movable vapor flow restrictor that adjusts vapor flow resistance between sub-regions on either side of the dividing wall, allowing for precise control of the volumetric split of vapor, comprising cross-flow trays with a moveable outlet weir and actuator to vary vapor flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed dividing wall is used in a mass transfer column, then the column can separate three or more component feedstreams into high-purity fractions, but the operational flexibility and control over vapor split between feed and draw-off sides is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the dividing wall movable rather than fixed. The dividing wall can be adjusted vertically along guides to change its position between the feed side and draw-off side, enabling dynamic control of vapor split ratios. This allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining high separation purity through precise positioning control.
2Productivity
If additional mass transfer columns are used to achieve the same processing, then separation capacity increases, but investment and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple mass transfer columns into a single column by incorporating a movable dividing wall that creates multiple separation zones within one vessel. This allows the single column to perform the separation tasks that would traditionally require multiple columns, reducing capital investment and operating costs while maintaining high productivity through efficient space utilization.
3Device complexity
If the dividing wall is positioned centrally, then the column structure is simplified, but control over vapor distribution to feed and draw-off sides is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable dividing wall that can be dynamically repositioned along vertical guides to optimize vapor split control. The wall maintains a simplified structural design when centrally positioned but can be adjusted to asymmetric positions to control vapor distribution between feed and draw-off sides, combining structural simplicity with operational control flexibility.
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
Enhances operational flexibility and control over distillation processes by allowing adjustable vapor split, improving the separation efficiency of multi-component feedstreams into high-purity fractions.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor flow restrictor positioned in the first sub-region and moveable between a first orientation that causes a first vapor flow resistance through the first sub-region and a second orientation that causes a second vapor flow resistance through the sub-region that is greater than the first vapor flow resistance
Implementation Method 2
The rate and/or degree of mass and heat transferred between the two phases is enhanced by these mass transfer structures
Implementation Method 3
The rate and/or degree of mass and heat transferred between the two phases is enhanced by these mass transfer structures
Implementation Method 4
The dividing wall thus allows for the distillation separation of the three component feedstream into three high-purity fractions
Data Source
AI summary
A mass transfer assembly has at least one dividing wall, zones of mass transfer structures on opposite sides of the dividing wall, and a vapor flow restrictor that is operable to vary the split of vapor ascending through the zones of mass transfer structures on the opposite sides of the dividing wall.