Process and plant for the purification of raw gases by means of physical gas scrubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Rectisol process for separating acidic gas constituents like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from raw synthesis gas is energy-intensive due to suboptimal heat transfer between methanol and traditional one-component coolants like propylene.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component coolant composition comprising ethylene, n-butane, propane, and propylene is used to enhance heat transfer efficiency by varying the evaporation temperature, reducing energy consumption in the compression refrigeration machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional one-component coolants like propylene are used in the compression refrigeration machine, then the cooling system is simple in structure, but the heat transfer efficiency is suboptimal and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using a multi-component coolant composition instead of a single-component coolant. The coolant mixture comprises propylene (30-70 mol%), propane (10-40 mol%), and isobutane (10-30 mol%). This composite coolant system improves heat transfer efficiency and reduces energy consumption in the compression refrigeration machine while maintaining the required cooling performance for the Rectisol process
2Loss of energy
If the evaporation temperature of the coolant is constant, then the phase change occurs at a fixed temperature, but the heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to temperature mismatch with methanol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the different evaporation temperatures of the individual coolant components. The multi-component mixture exhibits a temperature glide during evaporation, where the evaporation temperature varies as different components evaporate at different rates. This temperature variation improves heat transfer efficiency by better matching the temperature profile with the methanol being cooled, thereby reducing energy expenditure in the compression refrigeration machine
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 achieves a defined temperature decrease with less energy expenditure, resulting in significant compressor capacity savings and reduced cooling water requirements, while maintaining safe and non-toxic properties.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-component coolant composition comprising ethylene, n-butane, propane, and propylene is used to enhance heat transfer efficiency by varying the evaporation temperature
Implementation Method 2
enhance heat transfer efficiency by varying the evaporation temperature, reducing energy consumption in the compression refrigeration machine
Implementation Method 3
reducing energy consumption in the compression refrigeration machine
Implementation Method 4
achieves a defined temperature decrease with less energy expenditure
Data Source
AI summary
A process for separating undesired, in particular acidic gas constituents from a raw gas, in particular raw synthesis gas, by absorption with cold methanol as physical detergent, wherein the methanol is cooled in a compression refrigeration machine by using a multi-component coolant. The use of the coolant according to the invention provides significant advantages with regard to the compressor capacity required in the compression refrigeration machine for the provision of a defined cooling capacity.