Nitrile Removal Adsorbent Regeneration Using Hot Liquid Effluent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nitrile removal processes in refineries rely on a C4/C5 vaporized regenerant stream, which may not be readily available and can be costly, necessitating the development of efficient regeneration methods that utilize readily available streams.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing a hot liquid stream, such as a portion of the oligomerized or hydrotreated effluent, to regenerate adsorbents in the nitrile removal zone, eliminating the need for a C4/C5 vaporized regenerant stream and leveraging readily available resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C4/C5 vaporized regenerant stream is used to regenerate adsorbents in a nitrile removal zone, then effective nitrile removal is achieved, but the process becomes costly and complex due to the need for external regenerant production and vaporization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a portion of its own effluent stream (which is already hot and liquid) to regenerate the adsorbent, eliminating the need for external C4/C5 regenerant production and vaporization infrastructure. The effluent serves dual purposes: as product stream and as regenerant
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the regenerant from vapor (conventional C4/C5 vaporized stream) to liquid (effluent stream), and changes the temperature source from external generation to utilization of process effluent heat, thereby simplifying the infrastructure
2Reliability
If an externally produced C4/C5 regenerant stream is used, then nitrile removal effectiveness is maintained, but operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system regenerates its own adsorbent using its own effluent stream, eliminating the need to purchase or produce external C4/C5 regenerant, thereby reducing operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The effluent stream serves multiple functions: it is the product stream from the nitrile removal zone and simultaneously serves as the regenerant stream for adsorbent regeneration, maximizing resource utilization
3Reliability
If a C4/C5 vaporized regenerant stream is used, then adsorbent regeneration is effective, but the process requires infrastructure that may not be readily available in most refineries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the regenerant from vapor phase (requiring vaporization infrastructure) to liquid phase (using effluent directly), making the process adaptable to refineries without specialized C4/C5 vaporization units
Solution Approach 2:
The effluent stream, which is a common output from nitrile removal zones in refineries, is repurposed as the regenerant, making the system adaptable to existing refinery infrastructure without requiring additional specialized equipment
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 allows for efficient regeneration of nitrile removal zones using readily available hot liquid streams, reducing operational costs and eliminating the need for costly external regenerant streams, while maintaining effective nitrile removal and separation of contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
adsorbing nitriles from a feed stream in a nitrile removal zone having an adsorbent configured to selectively adsorb nitriles from the feed stream
Implementation Method 2
desorbing the nitriles from the nitrile removal zone with a regenerant stream comprising a hot liquid to provide a spent regenerant stream
Data Source
AI summary
Processes for regenerating adsorbent in a nitrile removal zone. The regenerant comprises a stream of hot liquid that may comprise a portion of the oligomerized effluent or a portion of a hydrotreated effluent. A spent regenerant comprising the desorbed nitriles may be processed along with the oligomerized effluent with existing separation equipment.