Residue Extraction from Sorbent via Trans-esterification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of spent bleaching earth (SBE) from the oil refining industry is challenging due to its high entrapped crude oil content, leading to environmental hazards and inefficiencies in waste management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving drying spent sorbents, followed by an in-situ (trans-)esterification reaction with an alcohol to convert entrapped residues into esters, which are then removed, thereby reducing the residue content and allowing for the regeneration of the sorbent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional solvent extraction and multi-step trans-esterification methods are used to remove residues from spent sorbent, then residue removal can be achieved, but the process becomes labor intensive and requires multiple processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solvent extraction and trans-esterification into a single integrated process step. The alcohol serves dual functions as both extraction solvent and trans-esterification reagent, eliminating the need for separate extraction and treatment steps. This merging of operations directly reduces the number of processing steps while maintaining effective residue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The alcohol reagent performs multiple functions simultaneously: it extracts residues from the spent sorbent through solvent action, and concurrently converts extracted residues into esters through trans-esterification reaction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate catalysts and processing steps, simplifying the overall process while improving efficiency.
2Productivity
If conventional methods using sulfuric acid and basic catalysts are employed for trans-esterification, then trans-esterification reaction can proceed, but the process becomes labor intensive and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex catalyst systems by taking out the need for sulfuric acid and basic catalysts entirely. Instead, it uses pure alcohol as a simple reagent that achieves trans-esterification through its dual action as solvent and reactant, significantly simplifying operational procedures while maintaining reaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The alcohol reagent serves itself by simultaneously performing extraction and trans-esterification functions without requiring external catalysts. The system uses the alcohol's inherent chemical properties to drive the reaction, eliminating the need for additional catalyst management and simplifying operations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If spent sorbent is disposed of through incineration, land filling, or concrete inclusion, then waste management can be achieved, but environmental hazards remain due to high entrapped crude oil content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful entrapped crude oil residue into a beneficial product. By using alcohol extraction and trans-esterification, the crude oil is transformed into esters (biodiesel) and glycerol, which are valuable products. This converts the environmental hazard into an economic benefit, simultaneously solving both the environmental and resource recovery problems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of simply discarding the spent sorbent through conventional disposal methods, the patent recovers valuable components. The process extracts and recovers crude oil residues as esters and glycerol, while the regenerated sorbent can be reused. This recovery approach eliminates environmental hazards while preventing loss of valuable substances.
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 higher extraction yields of residues from sorbents, reduces the number of processing steps, and eliminates the need for catalysts, making it more efficient and cost-effective for residue recovery and sorbent regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the residue entrapped in the dried spent sorbent obtained from step a) to a (trans-)esterification reaction by contacting the dried spent sorbent with at least one alcohol, thereby obtaining form the (trans-)esterification one or more esters from said residue entrapped in the dried spent sorbent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of one or more of a residue, such as a fat residue or oil residue, entrapped in a spent sorbent. The present invention further pertains to the sorbent obtained by the present method.