Packed Column Pre-Wetting for Faster Distillation Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distillation devices require a larger load than steady operation to spread liquid films on metal surfaces, leading to increased startup time and equipment requirements, particularly for liquids with high surface tension.
Innovation Solution
A distillation device with a configuration that includes packed columns, evaporators, condensers, liquid and gas supply paths, and a pressure supply device, allowing for a high-load startup state and monitoring of distillation load through differential pressure measurement to facilitate rapid liquid film formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packed column with regular metal packing is used for distilling liquids with high surface tension, then the equipment structure is simple and durable, but the liquid does not spread over the packing surface due to poor wettability, resulting in poor distillation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by overloading the packed column during startup to force liquid distribution across the entire packing surface before normal operation. This preliminary high-load operation ensures proper wetting of the metal packing, establishing good liquid-gas contact conditions before transitioning to steady-state operation.
2Reliability
If the packed column is overloaded during startup to achieve wetting, then good distillation performance is obtained, but the startup time is extended and larger equipment capacity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-distributing liquid to the upper part of the packed column before startup. This preliminary liquid distribution ensures that when the column is overloaded during startup, the liquid is already positioned to effectively wet the packing surface, reducing the time required to achieve good distillation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary liquid supply path that delivers liquid directly to the upper part of the packed column. This intermediary system facilitates efficient liquid distribution during startup, enabling faster wetting of the packing surface and reducing startup time without requiring excessive equipment capacity.
3Reliability
If a larger liquid holdup is created in the packed column during startup, then the packing is effectively wetted, but the reboiler and condenser must be designed for higher capacity and startup equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the liquid supply function into two distinct paths: a main liquid supply path for normal operation and an additional liquid supply path for startup. This segmentation allows the startup path to deliver liquid directly to the upper part of the packed column, achieving effective wetting without requiring the reboiler and condenser to be designed for excessive capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary liquid supply path as a mediator between the reboiler and the upper part of the packed column. This intermediary system enables efficient liquid distribution during startup, achieving good wetting effectiveness without requiring the main reboiler and condenser equipment to be oversized.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional startup operation is used, then the equipment can be简单 in design, but transitioning to steady operation requires recovering cold fluid which necessitates enlarging the reboiler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing liquid and establishing proper wetting conditions before full startup operation. This preliminary preparation reduces the amount of cold fluid that needs to be recovered during transition to steady operation, allowing the reboiler to maintain a simpler, smaller design without requiring enlargement for fluid recovery.
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 configuration significantly reduces the startup time and equipment needs by ensuring efficient liquid distribution and load management, allowing for a substantial reduction in liquid holdup and heat load.
Implementation Method 1
one or more evaporators that vaporize at least a part of a descending liquid in the packed column and introduce it into the packed column as an ascending gas
Implementation Method 2
one or more condensers that liquefy at least a part of the ascending gas in the packed column and introduce it into the packed column as a reflux liquid
Implementation Method 3
packed columns that have a regular packing and concentrate a high-boiling point component in a liquid side and a low-boiling point component in a gas side by contact between gas and liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a distillation device which can shorten the startup time. The present invention provides a distillation device (1) including: one or more packed columns (D) that have a regular packing and concentrate a high-boiling point component in a liquid side and a low-boiling point component in a gas side by contact between gas and liquid; one or more evaporators (R) that vaporize at least a part of a descending liquid in the packed column (D) and introduce it into the packed column (D) as an ascending gas; one or more condensers (C) that liquefy at least a part of the ascending gas in the packed column (D) and introduce it into the packed column (D) as a reflux liquid; a liquid supply path (L5) that is located between at least one of the evaporators (R) and an upper part of at least one of the packed columns (D); one or more liquid storage containers (H) that are located in the liquid supply path (L5); and one or more gas supply paths (L7) that are located in a lower part of the packed column (D) to which the liquid supply path (L5) is connected.