Segmented Polymerization Inhibitors for Distillation Column Fouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymerization inhibitors for acrylic acid-type monomers are either insufficiently volatile and fail to inhibit polymerization on distillation column structures or overly volatile and do not condense effectively, leading to premature polymerization and column fouling during distillation processes.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a captive polymerization inhibitor and a fugitive polymerization inhibitor, where the fugitive inhibitor evaporates and condenses with the monomer at different locations, effectively inhibiting polymerization on distal structures within distillation columns and vessels, while the captive inhibitor remains in the distillation vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymerization inhibitor is used to inhibit polymerization of acrylic acid-type monomers during distillation, then polymerization inhibition is improved, but the inhibitor either fails to reach distal structures in the column or does not condense effectively with the monomer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the polymerization inhibition function into two separate inhibitor components: a volatile inhibitor that evaporates and condenses on distal structures in the column headspace, and a non-volatile inhibitor that remains in the liquid monomer phase. This segmentation allows each inhibitor to perform its specific function effectively without the limitations of a single inhibitor compound.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different properties of inhibitors to different locations within the distillation system. The volatile inhibitor is specifically designed to be present in the vapor phase and condense on cold surfaces and distal structures, while the non-volatile inhibitor remains in the liquid phase to protect the bulk monomer. This local quality approach ensures appropriate inhibition at each location.
2Length of moving object
If a volatile polymerization inhibitor is used, then the inhibitor can reach distal structures through evaporation, but it does not condense effectively with the monomer on column structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the inhibitor system into a volatile component for travel and a non-volatile component for effective action. The volatile inhibitor travels through the vapor phase to distal structures, while the non-volatile inhibitor ensures effective polymerization inhibition in the liquid phase where monomer condensation occurs.
3Reliability
If a non-volatile polymerization inhibitor is used, then the inhibitor remains in the distillation vessel, but it fails to inhibit polymerization on distal structures within the column
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a segmented inhibitor system where the volatile component specifically addresses the need to reach distal structures through evaporation and condensation, while the non-volatile component maintains effective polymerization inhibition in the liquid phase. This division of labor resolves the limitation of non-volatile inhibitors unable to reach distal locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by having the volatile inhibitor specifically target the vapor phase and distal structures, while the non-volatile inhibitor targets the liquid monomer phase. This ensures appropriate inhibition properties are present at each location within the distillation system.
4Reliability
If polymerization occurs during distillation, then column structures become fouled requiring shutdown and cleaning, but adding inhibitors physically during operations is less desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by adding both volatile and non-volatile polymerization inhibitors to the monomer batch before distillation operations begin. This pre-addition ensures that polymerization inhibition is already in place throughout the distillation process, preventing fouling of column structures and eliminating the need for costly shutdowns and cleanings.
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 composition prevents premature polymerization of acrylic acid-type monomers during distillation, storage, and handling by ensuring adequate inhibition at both the distillation site and distal structures within the column, reducing maintenance costs and extending operational intervals.
Implementation Method 1
the fugitive polymerization inhibitor is characterizable as being capable of evaporating with the distillable monomer from a first location and condensing with the distillable monomer at a second location that is different than the first location during distillation of the distillable monomer
Implementation Method 2
the fugitive polymerization inhibitor is characterizable as being capable of evaporating with the distillable monomer from a first location and condensing with the distillable monomer at a second location
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a polymerization inhibitor composition and a method of inhibiting polymerization of distillable monomers in liquid and evaporated/condensed phases with the polymerization inhibitor composition. The polymerization inhibitor composition is useful for inhibiting polymerization of the distillable monomers during manufacture, purification (e.g., distillation), handling, and storage thereof.