Paraffin Purification via Silver Ion Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying propane from source gases containing propylene, such as distillation, membrane separation, and adsorptive separation, face challenges in achieving high purity while maintaining a high recovery rate, due to close boiling points and inadequate selective adsorption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous contact of the source material with an absorption liquid containing silver ions, where olefins are preferentially absorbed and then desorbed at different temperatures and pressures, utilizing the difference in solubility between paraffins and olefins in the absorption liquid to achieve high purity and recovery rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation is used to separate propane and propylene, then separation can be achieved, but large scale equipment and precise distillation conditions are required due to close boiling points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the separation parameter from boiling point difference (distillation) to solubility difference in silver ion-containing absorption liquid. This parameter change enables separation of propane and propylene without requiring large scale equipment or precise temperature control, as the silver ions selectively complex with propylene at ambient or controlled conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal separation system (distillation columns, heat exchangers) with a chemical absorption system using silver ion-containing liquids. This substitution eliminates the need for large scale equipment and precise thermal condition control while achieving the same separation objective.
2Manufacturing precision
If membrane separation is used to obtain highly pure propane, then purity can be increased, but the recovery rate is reduced to a very low level
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the separation mechanism from physical membrane permeation to chemical complexation with silver ions. This parameter change enables highly selective propylene absorption while allowing propane to pass through or remain in the gas phase, achieving both high purity and high recovery rate simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces silver ions as an intermediary substance that selectively interacts with propylene through complexation. This intermediary enables selective separation without the trade-off between purity and recovery rate, as the silver ions act as a catalyst-like mediator that can be regenerated and reused.
3Manufacturing precision
If adsorbents like silver nitrate-coated silica gel are used for adsorptive separation, then propylene can be adsorbed, but propane is also adsorbed on uncoated portions reducing selective adsorption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the adsorption mechanism from surface adsorption on solid particles to bulk absorption in a liquid medium containing silver ions. This parameter change ensures complete and uniform distribution of silver ions throughout the absorption liquid, eliminating the problem of uncoated portions and achieving consistent selective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a liquid absorption system instead of solid adsorbent beds, applying hydraulic principles for continuous flow and contact between the gas mixture and absorption liquid. This approach ensures uniform interaction throughout the liquid volume, preventing the selective adsorption problems encountered with solid coated materials.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple passes through separation membrane are used to achieve highly pure propane, then purity increases, but equipment complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the separation parameter to achieve single-pass high efficiency purification using silver ion complexation, eliminating the need for multiple passes. This parameter change dramatically improves productivity while maintaining or enhancing purity levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for purifying a paraffin from a source material containing a paraffin having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and an olefin having 2 to 6 carbon atoms includes a first step of bringing the source material into contact with a silver ion-containing solution (absorption liquid) at a predetermined temperature and pressure in an absorption column 1 and recovering a non-absorbed gas not absorbed by the absorption liquid while the olefin in the source material is preferentially absorbed by the absorption liquid, and a second step of desorbing and discharging a gas component from the absorption liquid having undergone the first step at a predetermined temperature and pressure in a desorption column 2. The first step and the second step are performed continuously in parallel while the absorption liquid is circulated between the first step and the second step.