Separation Vessel Stack for Sulfur Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separation systems for hydrocarbon and gas streams fail to efficiently remove sulfur-containing compounds, such as disulfide oils, from vent gas streams, posing regulatory concerns and requiring costly upgrades to existing apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A separation vessel with a stack and base design incorporating a packed bed and distributor system, which allows for the efficient removal of sulfur-containing compounds from gas streams by utilizing a packed bed and distributor system to separate and strip disulfide oils from the vent gas, facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional separation vessel is used for vent gas stream, then the structure is simple and existing apparatus can be used, but sulfur-containing compounds such as disulfide oils cannot be efficiently removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiency of sulfur-containing compoundsVSAvoidcomplexity of separation vessel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation vessel is divided into distinct functional sections: a base section for liquid-liquid separation and a stack section for gas-liquid separation. The stack is further segmented into a packed bed region for mass transfer and a void region for gas separation. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A packed bed material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the gas stream and liquid phases. This packing material provides a large surface area for mass transfer, enabling efficient stripping of disulfide oils from the vent gas stream while the gas flows through the packed bed region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing apparatus is used without modification, then upgrade costs are low, but regulatory requirements for sulfur compound removal cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with regulatory standardsVSAvoidcost of upgrading existing apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stack component with packed bed and distributor is designed to be inserted into the existing separation vessel, creating a nested configuration. This allows the new functionality to be added within the constraints of existing apparatus without requiring complete replacement, thereby controlling upgrade costs while achieving regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a vertical stack dimension to the conventional horizontal separation vessel. The stack extends upward from the base with height greater than width, creating a new dimensional space for gas-liquid separation that complements the existing horizontal liquid-liquid separation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a packed bed and distributor system is added to the separation vessel, then removal of disulfide oils is facilitated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of sulfur compound removalVSAvoidcomplexity of internal vessel components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A packed bed of porous or highly surface-area material is placed within the stack to provide extensive contact surface between the vent gas stream and liquid phases. This porous structure enables efficient mass transfer for disulfide oil removal while maintaining reasonable pressure drop across the bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor system automatically distributes the incoming vent gas stream uniformly across the packed bed surface, and the packed bed itself provides the mass transfer function without requiring additional moving parts or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself through proper fluid distribution and phase contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively minimizes upgrade costs by enabling efficient removal of sulfur-containing compounds, ensuring regulatory compliance and improving the economic viability of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a packed bed positioned within the void... adapted to receive a fluid including one or more phases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass transfer: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a distributor including one or more risers and one or more compartments coupled to a substantially horizontal member forming a plurality of apertures there-through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The base can include a coalescer positioned in the interior space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoalescence: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentUS8277641B2Separation vessel or part thereof, and process relating thereto

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 UOP LLC

AI summary

One exemplary embodiment can be a stack for a separation vessel adapted to receive a fluid having one or more phases. The stack may include one or more walls surrounding a void, a packed bed positioned within the void, and a distributor positioned above the packed bed. Generally, the stack has a height greater than its width. Usually, the separation vessel further includes a base having a length greater than its height, and the height of the stack is orientated substantially perpendicular to the length of the base.