Stripped Solvent Regeneration Feed Location Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solvent regeneration technologies for removing acid gases from fluid streams are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and purification, with existing systems often requiring significant heat input and larger equipment sizes.
Innovation Solution
The process involves a solvent regeneration system with a stripper column, reboiler, condenser, and reflux receiver, where the condensed stripper gas is returned below the rich solvent feed location but above the condensable stripping gas return from the reboiler, optimizing vapor-liquid contacting sections for enhanced energy efficiency and reduced heat requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solvent regeneration technology is used with traditional feed configuration, then the system can achieve solvent regeneration, but energy consumption is high and equipment size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The stripper column is divided into multiple vapor-liquid contacting sections with distinct feed and reflux return locations. The rich solvent feed is introduced at a specific location, and the condensed stripper gas is returned at a different location below the feed point, creating segmented zones for optimized mass and heat transfer. This segmentation allows the system to reduce energy consumption while maintaining regeneration effectiveness.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional solvent regeneration technology is used with traditional feed configuration, then the system can achieve solvent regeneration, but equipment size is large
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the stripper column are designed with specific functions based on local quality principles. The upper section receives rich solvent feed and performs initial stripping, while the lower section receives condensed stripper gas return and completes the regeneration process. This localized functional differentiation allows for compact equipment design while ensuring reliable purification effectiveness in each zone.
3Use of energy by moving object
If condensed stripper gas is returned at traditional location (at or above rich solvent feed), then vapor-liquid contacting is simplified, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a vertical dimension to the vapor-liquid contacting configuration by positioning the condensed stripper gas return location below the rich solvent feed location. This dimensional arrangement creates a counter-current flow pattern that enhances mass transfer efficiency and reduces condenser energy removal requirements, transforming a simple single-point feed configuration into a multi-level contact system.
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 results in a 32% reduction in reboiler energy usage and a 41% reduction in condenser energy removal, making the process more energy-efficient and cost-effective while allowing for smaller equipment sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a reboiler operationally coupled to the bottom of the stripper column to receive and heat the lean solvent to produce condensable stripping gas
Implementation Method 2
a condenser for condensing condensable stripping gas to condensed stripping gas operationally coupled to the top of the stripper column
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved process for regenerating solvent used to remove contaminants from a fluid stream. Said process comprises a solvent regeneration system (10) comprising a rich/lean solvent stripper column (29), reboiler (50), condenser (36), and reflux receiver (38) wherein the improvement is the location 46 of the condensed stripper gas return from the reflux receiver.