Polymerization Solvent Purification via Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying polymerization solvents used in polyolefin resin production are energy-inefficient and require high initial investments due to the need for multiple devices and steam supply, which complicates the removal of polyolefin wax and other impurities, affecting the purity and economic efficiency of the process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving primary and secondary gas-liquid separations in a reboiler and distillation column, followed by condensation, to effectively separate and recycle polyolefin wax and residual monomers, eliminating the need for additional devices and steam supply, thereby simplifying the process and improving energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If steam is injected to remove polyolefin wax from the polymerization solvent, then the wax removal effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by heating the polyolefin wax-containing solution to its boiling point, causing the solvent to vaporize and leave behind the non-volatile polyolefin wax. This simple volatilization process replaces complex steam injection methods, achieving effective wax removal without the need for additional steam supply and associated energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the solvent component from the polyolefin wax-containing solution through heating and vaporization, separating it from the polyolefin wax. The extracted solvent can then be condensed and reused, while the wax remains as residue. This extraction approach simplifies the process compared to steam injection while maintaining effective wax removal.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple devices are used for polyolefin wax removal, then the purification effectiveness is improved, but the initial investment and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple purification functions into a single heating/vaporization unit. By heating the polyolefin wax-containing solution, the system simultaneously achieves solvent vaporization, wax separation, and solvent recovery through condensation. This merged approach eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining high purification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit serves multiple functions: it vaporizes the solvent, separates the polyolefin wax through phase difference, and enables solvent recovery through condensation. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, reducing both initial investment and device complexity while maintaining purification effectiveness.
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 method achieves high-purity polymerization solvents with reduced energy consumption and initial investment, effectively removing polyolefin wax and other impurities, enhancing the overall purification efficiency and economic viability.
Implementation Method 1
separating the polymerization solvent from a reboiler by primary gas-liquid separation into a first vapor discharged from an upper part of the reboiler and a first solution containing polyolefin wax discharged from a lower part
Implementation Method 2
separating the first vapor from a distillation column by secondary gas-liquid separation into a second vapor discharged from an upper part of the distillation column, a purified polymerization solvent discharged from a lower side, and a second solution containing polyolefin wax discharged from a lower part
Implementation Method 3
condensing the second vapor in a condenser to separate it into a third vapor containing residual monomers discharged from an upper part of the condenser and a third solution discharged from a lower part
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a purification method of a polymerization solvent used in and recovered from the preparation of a polyolefin resin, which can effectively remove impurities, in particular polyolefin wax, from the polymerization solvent to obtain a purified polymerization solvent with high purity, and can improve energy efficiency.