Olefin Evaporator Separation for Polymer Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating olefin oligomerization reaction products are inefficient, leading to contamination of equipment with by-product polymer, increased energy consumption, and side reactions due to incomplete catalyst deactivation and premature deposition of reaction by-products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an evaporator to separate olefin oligomerization products, where the reaction mass is first deactivated with a catalyst system deactivating agent and then processed to isolate a target α-olefin fraction, thereby minimizing equipment contamination and optimizing the extraction of the target product and solvent, while preventing the ingress of the deactivating agent into the solvent stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the whole stream including by-product polymer and deactivated catalyst system is fed into the separation column, then the separation of target product can be performed, but the by-product polymer deposits on equipment walls and increases power input
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the by-product polymer from the reaction mass before feeding the stream into the separation column. This is achieved by feeding the reaction mass into a polymer removal unit where the polymer is separated and removed, leaving a clarified stream that can be processed in the separation column without causing deposits or excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary removal of by-product polymer from the reaction mass before the separation process. By提前 removing the polymer in a dedicated polymer removal unit, the subsequent separation column operates with a cleaner stream, preventing equipment contamination and reducing energy requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the reaction mass is separated into multiple streams using traditional methods, then the target product can be isolated, but the deactivated catalyst system and by-product polymer contaminate the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful components (by-product polymer and deactivated catalyst system) from the reaction mass in a dedicated polymer removal unit before the separation process. This prevents contamination of the separation column and other equipment while still allowing efficient isolation of the target product in subsequent separation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the separation process into distinct units: a polymer removal unit for eliminating harmful substances, followed by a separation column for product isolation. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently, with the polymer removal unit protecting downstream equipment from contamination.
3Reliability
If the deactivating agent is administered early in the process, then the catalyst system is deactivated, but the deactivating agent may ingress into the solvent stream
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the by-product polymer containing the deactivating agent from the reaction mass in a dedicated polymer removal unit before the separation process. This extraction step prevents the deactivating agent from ingressing into the solvent stream during subsequent separation operations, while still ensuring complete catalyst deactivation.
4Device complexity
If traditional separation methods are used without polymer removal, then the process is simpler, but the by-product polymer forms sediments and requires periodic equipment cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a polymer removal unit that extracts and removes by-product polymer from the reaction mass before separation. Although this adds a unit operation, it eliminates the need for periodic equipment cleaning and shutdowns, improving overall ease of manufacture and reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary removal of by-product polymer before the separation process. This preliminary action prevents polymer deposition in downstream equipment, eliminating the need for periodic cleaning operations and improving continuous operation capability.
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 minimizes equipment contamination, maximizes the extraction of the target product and solvent, and allows for the purification of a C8+ fraction for reactor washing, reducing energy consumption and preventing side reactions.
Implementation Method 1
separating, in an evaporator, of the oligomerization reaction product stream into a fraction predominantly comprising a target α-olefin and a fraction comprising a by-product polymer and residues of the catalyst system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of olefin oligomerization to obtain liner α-olefins, particularly to a method of separating olefin oligomerization products using an evaporator. The invention includes two embodiments of the method of separating the oligomerization reaction product streams. In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the oligomerization reaction product stream after the step of isolating an initial olefin is fed into an evaporator to the step of separating the oligomerization reaction product steam. In accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, the oligomerization reaction product stream after the step of isolating the initial olefin is separated into two streams, the first part of which is fed into the separation column, and the second part is fed into the evaporator. The invention allows to minimize a quantity of technological equipment contaminated by the by-product polymer.