Segmented Cold Box Design for Low-Temperature Distillation Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-temperature distillation installations face challenges in compact design and flexible positioning due to bulky phase separators, which complicate the construction of cold boxes and require oversized or modified enclosures.
Innovation Solution
The use of dedicated envelopes for phase separators and distillation columns, where phase separators occupy a significant portion of the internal volume, allowing for separate assembly and transportation, and the inclusion of perlite insulation for efficient thermal management, enables a more compact and flexible low-temperature separation apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If phase separators are integrated into the same insulated enclosure as distillation columns, then thermal insulation is maintained, but the cold box size increases and construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cold box into multiple separate insulated enclosures: a first enclosure containing phase separators and a second enclosure containing distillation columns. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally sized and positioned independently, reducing the overall volume while maintaining thermal insulation integrity through controlled connections between enclosures.
2Reliability
If phase separators are made bulky to accommodate separation requirements, then separation efficiency is maintained, but construction complexity increases and positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating phase separators into their own enclosed space, the patent allows for optimized separation chamber design without constraining the overall plant layout. The segmentation enables independent optimization of separation efficiency while simplifying construction through modular assembly and flexible positioning of the first enclosure relative to the second enclosure containing columns.
3Quantity of substance
If phase separators occupy large volume, then separation capacity is sufficient, but prefabrication becomes difficult and site assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables prefabrication by dividing the system into modular enclosed units - a first enclosure for phase separators and a second enclosure for distillation columns. Each module can be manufactured, tested, and transported separately, then assembled at the site through controlled connections, thereby maintaining separation capacity while significantly improving ease of manufacture and reducing site assembly complexity.
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 reduces the size of the cold box, enhances flexibility in positioning, and allows for prefabrication and easier site assembly, accommodating larger unit sizes while minimizing site risks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one envelope is insulated with perlite
Implementation Method 2
where the liquid separates from the gas, the gas then being drawn off from above the phase separator and the liquid from below this separator
Implementation Method 3
Distillation takes place in at least one column containing trays or packings
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A low-temperature distillation separating apparatus comprises a first thermally insulating casing (1) containing at least one empty chamber (S1, S2), but containing no distillation column and also containing means (M1) for introducing a fluid into the chamber, means (M3) for drawing off a bottoms liquid from the chamber and means (M2) for drawing off a gas from the top of the chamber, the empty chamber being designed to separate the phases of a diphase fluid, and a second thermally insulating casing (2) containing at least one column (C).