Sidewall Riser Entry for Olefin Reactor Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reactor systems for producing olefins face issues with flow of particulate solids due to annular space creation and longer riser lengths, leading to undesirable secondary reactions and increased costs, as the riser enters the particulate solid separation section through the bottom, resulting in reduced yield and more expensive equipment.

Innovation Solution

The riser is positioned to enter the particulate solid separation section through a sidewall rather than the bottom, with a shorter length and a larger reaction vessel cross-sectional area compared to the riser, allowing for improved flow characteristics and reduced residence time for secondary reactions, and the system includes a gas/solids separation device and solid particulate collection area within the separation section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the riser enters the particulate solid separation section through the bottom, then the system structure is simplified, but annular space is created that disrupts particulate solid flow and requires larger diameter equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidparticulate solid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of entering the separation section through the bottom as in conventional designs, the riser enters through the sidewall. This inverted approach eliminates the annular space problem at the bottom while maintaining structural simplicity, allowing particulate solids to flow smoothly without disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If the riser enters through the bottom of the separation section, then installation is easier, but the riser length increases causing longer residence time and secondary reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinstallationVSAvoidlight olefin yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The riser connection point is inverted from the bottom to the sidewall of the separation section. This reduces the riser length and consequently the residence time of hydrocarbon feed in the riser, minimizing secondary reactions that consume light olefins and improve productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If the riser enters through the bottom, then the connection is simpler, but the separation section requires larger diameter and high grade materials increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection configuration is inverted from bottom-entry to sidewall-entry. This eliminates the need for larger diameter separation sections and reduces material requirements, lowering equipment costs while maintaining connection simplicity through the sidewall port design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If the riser is longer to enter through the bottom, then the system is more stable, but undesirable secondary reactions occur reducing olefin yield

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidolefin yield

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The riser entry point is inverted from the bottom to the sidewall of the separation section. This shortens the riser length and reduces residence time, minimizing secondary reactions that reduce olefin yield while maintaining system stability through proper hydraulic design and flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enhances the yield of light olefins by minimizing secondary reactions and optimizing the flow of particulate solids, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective production process.

Implementation Method 1

The outer shell may house a gas/solids separation device and a solid particulate collection area in the interior region of the particulate solid separation section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS20240034700A1Systems and methods for producing olefins

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

According to one or more embodiments, olefins may be produced by contacting a hydrocarbon feed stream with a particulate solid in a reaction vessel. The reaction vessel may be connected to a riser. The riser may extend through a riser port of an outer shell of a particulate solid separation section such that the riser may comprise an interior riser segment and an exterior riser segment. The particulate solid separation section may include a gas outlet port, a riser port, and a particulate solid outlet port. The particulate solid separation section may house a gas/solids separation device and a solid particulate collection area. The riser port may be positioned on a sidewall of the outer shell such that it is not located on a central vertical axis of the particulate solid separation section. The particulate solid may be separated from an olefin-containing product stream in the gas/solids separation device.