Partitioned Distillation Column with Phase Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-component mixture separation systems require multiple distillation columns and additional devices, leading to complex processes and increased energy consumption due to unnecessary cooling and heating.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component mixture separation system utilizing a single distillation column with a partition wall and a phase separator to separate a mixture containing three or more components, controlling the reflux stream to prevent liquefied components from moving between sections, thereby simplifying the process and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to separate multi-component mixtures, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation column is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) separated by partition walls, with each section performing specific separation functions. This segmentation allows complex multi-component separation to be achieved within a single integrated column structure, reducing the need for multiple separate columns while maintaining high separation effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple distillation columns are used to separate multi-component mixtures, then separation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary cooling and heating
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distillation functions that would traditionally require separate columns are merged into a single distillation column with multiple sections. The sections are interconnected through internal structures (partition walls, connecting pipes, reflux systems) that allow material and energy integration, eliminating redundant cooling and heating operations between separate columns while maintaining effective multi-component separation.
3Device complexity
If a single distillation column with partition wall is used, then device complexity is reduced, but separation precision for multi-component mixtures may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each section within the distillation column is designed with specific local characteristics - different partition wall configurations, tailored reflux ratios, and section-specific tray arrangements - to optimize separation for particular component groups. This local quality differentiation ensures that each section performs its specific separation function effectively, maintaining high overall separation precision despite the integrated single-column structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If stream is refluxed between multiple distillation columns, then separation is achieved, but unnecessary cooling and heating occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reflux system within the single distillation column maintains continuous useful action by internally circulating liquid between sections through connecting pipes and reflux devices. This internal reflux eliminates the need to discharge streams from one column and re-introduce them to another, preventing the energy losses associated with external cooling and heating cycles while maintaining continuous effective separation action throughout the column.
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
The system effectively separates multi-component mixtures by reducing the number of devices and energy consumption, while maintaining high recovery rates of desired components, as demonstrated in simulations using Aspen Plus.
Implementation Method 1
a process of separating a desired component from other components in a mixture containing three or more components generated through a reaction and recovering unreacted substances may be achieved by a distillation operation sequence
Implementation Method 2
the low-boiling point components and the medium-boiling point components may be fed to a distillation column of a rear stage
Implementation Method 3
the medium-boiling point components may be separated to a lower portion
Implementation Method 4
a phase separator receiving a lower discharge stream of the second section and separating the lower discharge stream into an aqueous phase and an oil phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multi-component mixture separation system including a distillation column including a first section and a second section separated by a partition wall, and a phase separator receiving a lower discharge stream of the second section and separating the stream into an aqueous phase and an oil phase, and refluxing a portion of the separated aqueous phase or oil phase to the first section, in which the first section includes a chimney tray provided on an upper portion, and the first section is fed with a feed stream containing three or more components to separate high-boiling point component to a lower portion, and a gaseous component moves to the second section.