Reactor effluent wash to remove aromatics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing aromatics from hydrocarbon process streams are inadequate in reducing aromatics to very low levels, particularly trace amounts, which can be detrimental to downstream processes and product quality.
Innovation Solution
A process involving multiple cooling stages with specific coolants, including an aromatic solvent and a paraffinic or alkylate solvent, is used to reduce aromatics content in hydrocarbon streams, followed by cryogenic separation to produce high-purity olefin and paraffin products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional solvent contact or adsorption methods are used to remove aromatics, then some aromatics are removed from the hydrocarbon stream, but the aromatics content cannot be reduced to very low levels (below 100 ppmw)
Solution Approach 1:
The process is divided into multiple sequential washing zones (first washing zone with aromatic solvent, second washing zone with paraffinic/alkylate solvent) where each zone performs a specific function in removing different fractions of aromatics, enabling progressive reduction to very low levels
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of solvent type used in different washing zones - using aromatic solvent in the first zone and paraffinic or alkylate solvent in the second zone - to optimize aromatics removal at different stages and achieve very low final concentrations
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple washing zones with different solvents are used to achieve very low aromatics levels, then product quality improves, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The process uses a multi-functional approach where the first washing zone removes bulk aromatics and the second washing zone achieves trace removal, with each zone designed for a specific function in the overall aromatics reduction pathway
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 process effectively reduces aromatics content by one to two orders of magnitude to levels below 100 ppmw, improving product quality and reducing unwanted side reactions and waste.
Implementation Method 1
passing the process stream comprising paraffins, olefins and trace aromatics to a first contact cooler using an aromatic solvent as a coolant to generate a first stream
Implementation Method 2
passing the first stream to a compressor to generate a second stream
Implementation Method 3
passing the compressed stream to a second contact cooler using a second coolant to generate a third stream comprising olefins and paraffins
Data Source
AI summary
A process is presented for the removal or aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is generated by a dehydrogenation process that generates aromatics. The process includes a two contact cooler system with the first and second contact coolers using different coolants. The second coolant is a non-aromatic hydrocarbon coolant that will absorb aromatics.