Thermally Coupled Distillation for Propane Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods to obtain propane compositions from renewable materials, as existing processes for producing propane from fossil oils are not easily adaptable to renewable sources due to differences in carbon number distribution and the presence of oxygen-containing organic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the treatment of a gaseous composition derived from hydrotreatment effluent using a thermally coupled distillation system, which includes multiple distillation columns and condensers/reboilers, to recover a high-purity propane composition while co-producing fuel components like aviation, gasoline, and diesel fuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional distillation systems are used to separate propane from gaseous compositions derived from renewable materials, then propane can be recovered, but energy consumption is high and separation efficiency is reduced due to complex carbon number distributions and oxygen-containing compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The distillation process is divided into multiple sequential stages: a first distillation column separates light components (C1-C2), a second distillation column separates propane (C3) from the intermediate fraction, and a third distillation column separates heavy components (C4+). This segmentation allows each column to operate at optimized conditions for its specific separation task, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high propane recovery rates of 95% or more
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs different operating parameters for each distillation column tailored to the specific separation requirements. The first column operates at conditions optimized for removing light gases, the second column at conditions maximizing propane separation efficiency, and the third column at conditions favoring heavy component removal. These parameter optimizations reduce the total energy input required while achieving the target propane recovery rate
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional single-column distillation is used, then the process is simpler, but separation precision is insufficient to achieve high-purity propane compositions from complex renewable feedstocks
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is segmented into three specialized distillation columns, each handling a specific fraction of the carbon number distribution. The first column removes C1-C2 components, the second column isolates C3 propane with high purity, and the third column separates C4+ heavy components. This segmentation achieves the required propane purity of 95% or more while keeping each individual column relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-column distillation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates light components, isolates propane, removes heavy components, and can also handle oxygen-containing compounds through the staged separation process. This multi-functionality achieves high manufacturing precision for propane purification while the modular design keeps individual unit operations relatively simple
3Loss of energy
If conventional distillation processes are applied to renewable materials with high C4+ hydrocarbon content, then propane separation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and propane recovery decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the distillation process into three columns, the invention efficiently handles high C4+ content feedstocks. The first column removes light components, the second column recovers propane with 95% or higher recovery rate, and the third column concentrates and removes heavy C4+ components. This segmentation prevents propane loss while managing the energy requirements for handling high C4+ content
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes operating parameters for each column to handle high C4+ content efficiently. The second column operates at parameters maximized for propane recovery, while the third column operates at parameters optimized for heavy component removal. These parameter changes reduce the energy penalty associated with processing high C4+ content feedstocks while maintaining high propane recovery rates
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 propane compositions with propane recovery rates of 95% or more, even from gaseous compositions with high C4+ hydrocarbon content, while reducing energy consumption and maintaining high yields of propane and fuel components.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the gaseous composition to distillation in a thermally coupled distillation system comprising n distillation columns and at least one and at most n−1 condenser(s) and at least one and at most n−1 reboiler(s)
Implementation Method 2
at least one and at most n−1 condenser(s)
Implementation Method 3
at least one and at most n−1 reboiler(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a gaseous composition is herein disclosed. The method includes subjecting a gaseous composition comprising H2, methane, ethane, propane, and hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least C4 to distillation in a thermally coupled distillation system to recover a propane composition.