Olefin Azeotropic Entrainer for 1,3-Dichloro-2-Propanol Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The isolation and purification of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol from a waste stream containing 2,2′-oxybis(1-chloropropane) is challenging due to azeotrope formation, which complicates distillation and requires additional columns or costly, time-consuming methods.
Innovation Solution
Using an olefin, such as 1-decene, 1-dodecene, or 1-tetradecene, as an azeotropic entrainer in a two-column distillation process to separate 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol from 2,2′-oxybis(1-chloropropane), allowing for the formation of a minimum-boiling azeotrope that facilitates the separation of the target compound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional distillation is used to separate DCP from 2,2'-oxybis(1-chloropropane), then separation is attempted, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly due to azeotrope formation
Solution Approach 1:
An entrainer substance is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively interacts with one of the azeotropic components. The entrainer forms a new azeotrope with DCP that has different volatility characteristics, enabling separation from 2,2'-oxybis(1-chloropropane) through modified distillation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The distillation process parameters are modified by changing the composition of the mixture through entrainer addition. This alters the vapor-liquid equilibrium relationships, shifting the azeotropic point or creating a heteroazeotrope that can be separated using phase separation techniques rather than prolonged distillation.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional distillation columns are added to achieve separation, then purification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entrainer acts as a mediator that enables separation in a single or reduced number of columns by creating a compositional difference in the vapor phase that breaks the azeotropic constraint, eliminating the need for multiple sequential distillation columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The process exploits phase transition behavior by forming a heteroazeotrope that separates into two liquid phases upon condensation. This phase separation allows for simple decantation or phase separation to achieve purification, replacing the need for additional distillation columns.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional azeotropic distillation is used, then separation is achieved, but cost increases due to additional columns and operating expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The entrainer is selected to be inexpensive and easily recoverable, serving as a cost-effective intermediary that enables separation without requiring expensive equipment or multiple processing units. The entrainer can be recycled back into the system, minimizing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing heteroazeotropic behavior where the condensed mixture separates into two immiscible liquid phases, the process enables simple gravitational separation or decantation. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive additional distillation steps, significantly reducing operating costs while maintaining high purification levels.
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 method effectively recovers 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol with high purity and reduces the need for additional columns, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
An azeotrope is a mixture of two or more liquids in such a ratio that its composition cannot be changed by simple distillation, because when the solution is boiled, the vapor that results has the same ratio of constituents as the original liquid mixture.
Implementation Method 2
using an olefin as an azeotropic entrainer in a two-column distillation process to separate 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol from 2,2'-oxybis(1-chloropropane)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a process and an apparatus for using an olefin as an azeotropic entrainer to isolate a target organic compound from a waste stream. The olefin may be, for example, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, or 1-tetradecene. The target organic compound may be 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol in waste stream comprising a 2,2′-oxybis(1-chloropropane).