Ternary Azeotropic Composition for Distillation Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of azeotropic compositions between hydrogen fluoride and 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane disrupts the operation of distillation columns, leading to inefficient separation and purification processes in industrial-scale processes for producing 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
Innovation Solution
An azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic composition comprising hydrogen fluoride, 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and 1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane with a boiling point above 40°C, preferably between 45°C and 65°C, at pressures between 11 and 30 bara, is identified, allowing for efficient separation by distillation at temperatures below 45°C, thereby preventing the formation of ternary azeotropic compositions and enabling effective separation of 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from 1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation is performed to separate hydrogen fluoride from 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane, then purification is achieved, but azeotropic composition formation disrupts the separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the distillation process to above 11 bara (preferably above 13 bara, preferably above 15 bara), which shifts the azeotropic composition's boiling point to above 40°C. This parameter change allows the distillation to operate in a regime where the ternary azeotrope does not form or can be managed, thereby maintaining separation efficiency and operational stability simultaneously.
2Productivity
If distillation column design is optimized for standard operating conditions, then separation efficiency improves, but azeotrope formation causes significant repercussions on overall process efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing the pressure condition (above 11 bara) before distillation begins, which prevents the formation of the harmful ternary azeotropic composition between hydrogen fluoride, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane. By setting the pressure above the azeotropic point beforehand, the distillation process avoids the disruption that would otherwise occur, maintaining high productivity and process efficiency throughout operation.
3Reliability
If distillation is conducted at lower temperatures to prevent azeotrope formation, then separation reliability improves, but the boiling point requirement above 40°C must be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the temperature contradiction by changing the pressure parameter to above 11 bara, which consequently raises the boiling point of the azeotropic composition to above 40°C. This allows the distillation to be conducted at temperatures that are high enough to satisfy the boiling point requirement but controlled enough to prevent disruptive azeotrope formation, thereby maintaining both reliability and meeting temperature constraints.
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 composition allows for efficient separation of 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from 1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane, improving the operational efficiency of distillation columns and preventing disruptions caused by ternary azeotropic formation, thus enhancing the overall separation process.
Implementation Method 1
an azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic composition comprising hydrogen fluoride, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane
Implementation Method 2
distilling said composition provided in step i) at a temperature at the bottom of the distillation column below 45°C
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an azeotropic or quasi-azeotropic composition comprising hydrogen fluoride, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane, characterized in that said composition has a boiling point above 40° C.