Integrated Olefin Recovery Using Direct Fractionation-Refrigeration Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing olefin recovery processes require multiple pieces of equipment, increasing construction costs and operational complexity, particularly in separating and refining ethylene, ethane, propylene, and propane from hydrocarbon streams.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an olefin fractionation column with an olefin refrigeration system, where the overhead olefin effluent from the fractionation column is directly supplied to the refrigeration system, eliminating the need for condensers, reflux drums, and associated pumps, thereby simplifying the process and reducing equipment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional separate equipment (condensers, reflux drums, pumps) are used in olefin recovery processes, then process reliability and product purity are maintained, but device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fractionation column and refrigeration system into an integrated unit where the fractionation column's overhead effluent is directly fed to the refrigeration system. This merging eliminates the need for separate condensers, reflux drums, and pumps, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining process functionality through direct coupling of the two systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fractionation column serves dual functions: it performs both fractionation separation and provides feed to the refrigeration system. The refrigeration system simultaneously cools the overhead effluent and provides refrigeration for the overall process, reducing the need for dedicated equipment and lowering overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate equipment pieces are used for olefin separation and refrigeration, then product purity is maintained, but construction costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fractionation and refrigeration systems into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of equipment pieces that need to be manufactured, installed, and maintained. This directly lowers construction costs and simplifies the manufacturing process while the integrated design ensures product purity through coordinated operation of the combined systems.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional equipment arrangements are used, then process reliability is maintained, but hydrocarbon inventory and associated costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate equipment (condensers, reflux drums, pumps) from the conventional process arrangement. By removing these redundant components, the hydrocarbon inventory held in these vessels is eliminated, reducing overall inventory levels and associated costs while maintaining process reliability through the streamlined direct-feed configuration.
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 integration reduces hydrocarbon inventory and associated costs, enhances process efficiency by eliminating unnecessary equipment, and improves the recovery of olefins such as ethylene and propylene, while maintaining product purity.
Implementation Method 1
cooling and condensing olefin refrigerant from the olefin refrigeration compressor train to obtain liquid olefin refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
supplying a light hydrocarbon stream to a fractionation column to obtain an overhead olefin vapor stream
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for the integration of a fractionation process and an olefin refrigeration system, wherein the fractionation process olefin effluent is supplied to the refrigeration system, can eliminate a fractionation process condenser and reflux drum typically present. A plurality of bottoms streams can be collected from the fractionation process. The olefin refrigerant can be supplied to alternate olefin refrigerant consumers, as desired. A column in the fractionation process can be refluxed with an olefin stream from refrigeration system, and olefin product can be collected or exported via line.