Sulfolane Recovery Column Vacuum via Liquid-Jet Ejector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering aromatic hydrocarbons from mixtures with non-aromatic hydrocarbons are inefficient in terms of cost and capital investment, and result in fugitive emissions, while existing solvent recovery processes struggle to maintain extraction efficiency and achieve a hydrocarbon-free solvent.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a solvent-recovery column with a heat source and a liquid-jet ejector to maintain sub-atmospheric pressure, allowing for the separation of polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons, using a solvent like sulfolane, which is recycled and reused, and includes a system for condensing and recycling the solvent to minimize hydrocarbon emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvent recovery processes are used, then aromatic hydrocarbons can be recovered, but utility costs and capital investment are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates the solvent recovery column at sub-atmospheric pressure (reduced pressure) instead of conventional atmospheric or elevated pressure. This parameter change lowers the boiling point of components, enabling separation at lower temperatures and reducing energy consumption for heating and compression while maintaining effective aromatic hydrocarbon recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid-jet ejector as an intermediary device to create and maintain sub-atmospheric pressure in the condenser and receiver system. The ejector uses a motive fluid (steam or process fluid) to generate vacuum, eliminating the need for conventional high-energy vacuum pumps and reducing utility costs
2Productivity
If conventional solvent recovery processes are used, then aromatic hydrocarbons can be recovered, but capital investment is high
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-jet ejector serves as a simpler, more cost-effective intermediary device compared to conventional vacuum pump systems. It uses readily available motive fluid to create vacuum, reducing capital investment in vacuum generation equipment while enabling effective solvent recovery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vacuum generation function from complex, expensive vacuum pump systems and replaces it with the simpler liquid-jet ejector mechanism. This extraction of the essential function (creating sub-atmospheric pressure) through a simpler means reduces capital investment while maintaining productivity
3Productivity
If conventional pressure operation is used, then solvent recovery can proceed, but hydrocarbon emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a sub-atmospheric pressure (vacuum) environment in the condenser and receiver, which acts as an inert condition that prevents hydrocarbon vapors from escaping to the atmosphere. The vacuum system captures and condenses hydrocarbon vapors that would otherwise be emitted, converting a harmful emission process into a controlled recovery process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition (condensation) of hydrocarbon vapors in the condenser operating at sub-atmospheric pressure. The vacuum condition enhances condensation efficiency by lowering the partial pressure of hydrocarbons, promoting their transition from vapor to liquid phase for collection and recycling rather than emission
4Ease of operation
If solvent is recycled without sub-atmospheric pressure, then process is simpler, but extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter to sub-atmospheric levels, which improves extraction efficiency by enhancing the separation between solvent and hydrocarbons. The reduced pressure lowers the boiling point and reduces solvent vapor pressure, improving the clarity and efficiency of phase separation while maintaining relatively simple operation through the ejector-based vacuum 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 approach enhances the recovery of aromatic hydrocarbons by reducing utility and capital costs, minimizing environmental emissions, and maintaining extraction efficiency through the effective separation and recycling of solvents, specifically achieving a hydrocarbon-free solvent stream.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining the sub-atmospheric pressure by connection of the receiver to a liquid-jet ejector, ejecting ejector fluid to a receptacle and recycling fluid from the receptacle to the liquid-jet ejector
Implementation Method 2
introducing the mixture into a solvent-recovery column having a heat source connected to a bottom portion of the column
Implementation Method 3
removing a polar-hydrocarbon-rich overhead stream from the top section of the column and condensing the overhead stream into a receiver operating at a sub-atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a process for recovery of sulfolane used in a solvent-extraction or extractive-distillation process. A recovery column for the sulfolane solvent comprises a liquid-jet ejector for maintaining the needed vacuum conditions, preferably using water as the liquid.