TMP Distillation Forerun Hydrogenation for Product Stream Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processes for producing trimethylolpropane result in significant amounts of lower-boiling derivatives and by-products during distillation, which are not efficiently utilized, leading to reduced yield and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Treating the preliminary fractions from trimethylolpropane distillation at elevated temperatures and pressures with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and an acidic compound, followed by distillation to separate a trimethylolpropane-enriched stream, allowing for the recycling of trimethylolpropane back into the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillation is used to purify trimethylolpropane, then purification is achieved, but significant amounts of lower-boiling derivatives and by-products are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters by conducting hydrogenation at elevated temperatures (160-280°C) and pressures (1-30 MPa) to transform the lower-boiling derivatives and by-products into trimethylolpropane, thereby converting the loss into recoverable product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful loss of trimethylolpropane equivalents in the form of lower-boiling derivatives and by-products into a beneficial outcome by hydrogenating these compounds to regenerate trimethylolpropane, thus turning the distillation 'waste' into recoverable product
2Device complexity
If lower-boiling derivatives and by-products are discarded during distillation, then purification is simplified, but economic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous process where lower-boiling derivatives and by-products are continuously hydrogenated and the resulting trimethylolpropane is continuously recycled back into the production process, eliminating waste and improving economic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the lower-boiling derivatives and by-products, the patent recovers trimethylolpropane from these compounds through hydrogenation and recycling, thereby improving economic efficiency without significantly increasing process complexity
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 enhances the yield and economic utilization of trimethylolpropane by effectively releasing and recycling it from derivatives and by-products, improving the overall efficiency of the production process.
Implementation Method 1
the preliminary fractions are treated separately or combined at a temperature of 160 to 280 °C and at a pressure of 1 to 30 MPa with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst
Implementation Method 2
the reaction mixture obtained after step a) is separated by distillation into a trimethylolpropane-enriched, catalyst-free product stream and into a catalyst-containing product stream
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for obtaining trimethylolpropane-enriched product streams from the forerun fractions obtained in the distillative purification of trimethylolpropane, these fractions being catalytically hydrogenated separately or in combination in the presence of an acidic compound and worked up by distillation, and a trimethylolpropane-enriched product stream being removed. In a further aspect of the invention, separation from solids follows the hydrogenation and precedes the distillative workup.