Single-Vessel Thiol Oxidation for Integrated Oil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sulfur removal processes require multiple vessels for oxidizing thiol compounds and separating oil by-products, leading to increased plot space requirements and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A process that oxidizes thiol compounds and separates oil by-products and excess air within a single vessel using a mixed stream, oxidation section, and separation section with dividing wall, packing elements, and scrubbing features, allowing for efficient separation and reduction of vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple vessels are used for oxidizing thiol compounds and separating oil by-products, then the separation and oxidation functions can be performed, but the plot space requirements increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxidation section and separation section into a single integrated vessel. The oxidation section oxidizes thiol compounds from the alkaline stream, while the separation section simultaneously separates oil by-products and excess air from the oxidized stream. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate vessels, reducing plot space requirements and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vessel is designed to perform multiple functions: oxidation of thiol compounds, separation of oil by-products, and removal of excess air. The dividing wall creates distinct zones within the vessel that enable these different functions to occur simultaneously in one apparatus, making the system more versatile and space-efficient.
2Reliability
If multiple vessels are used for oxidation and separation, then complete processing can be achieved, but plot space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation and separation functions are merged into a single vessel with distinct sections. The oxidation section performs complete oxidation of thiol compounds, while the separation section simultaneously separates oil by-products and excess air. This integration maintains processing completeness while reducing the total plot space required compared to using multiple separate vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating wall is nested within the vessel to create distinct oxidation and separation zones. This internal nesting allows both functions to occur within the same external footprint, reducing plot space requirements while ensuring complete processing through dedicated zones for each function.
3Ease of operation
If multiple vessels are used, then separation functions can be performed, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel combines oxidation and separation functions in one integrated system. The separating wall creates distinct zones that enable efficient separation of oil by-products and excess air from the oxidized alkaline stream. This merging reduces the number of vessels and components while maintaining separation efficiency through dedicated functional zones.
4Reliability
If additional filtration steps are used, then oil by-products can be removed, but the device complexity and plot space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation section of the vessel integrates oil by-product removal functionality. The separating wall and associated components enable efficient separation of oil by-products from the oxidized alkaline stream within the same vessel that performs oxidation. This eliminates the need for additional separate filtration steps and equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable oil removal.
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
Reduces the number of vessels needed and optimizes plot space by integrating oxidation and separation functions in a single apparatus, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for additional filtration steps.
Implementation Method 1
The mercaptides may then be oxidized to disulfides by adding air and catalyst, and running the stream through an oxidizer
Implementation Method 2
The oxidized stream then flows over the separating wall into the separation section, where the oil by-product separates from the stream
Implementation Method 3
The vent gas stream is then passed through the neck which contains a scrubbing feature that removes any sulfur compounds from this stream
Data Source
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AI summary
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for oxidizing one or more thiol compounds from an alkaline stream. The process may include passing a mixed stream having the alkaline stream to a vessel having an oxidation section, a separation section and a vent gas section. Often, the oxidation section includes a body containing one or more packing elements. The process can further include passing an oxidized alkaline stream to the separation section containing a first chamber and a second chamber. Usually, the first chamber contains a coated mesh and packing. The two sections further form a neck contains a packing, a distributor, and a mesh.