Trimethylolpropane Forerun Hydrogenation for Yield Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distillative purification of trimethylolpropane results in forerun fractions containing derivatives chemically bound with trimethylolpropane equivalents, which are not efficiently utilized, leading to reduced yield in the overall preparation process.
Innovation Solution
Treating the forerun fractions at 160 to 280°C and 1 to 30 MPa with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and an acidic compound, followed by distillation to separate a trimethylolpropane-enriched product stream, allowing for recycling and improved yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distillative purification is performed to separate trimethylolpropane, then purified trimethylolpropane is obtained as intermediate fraction, but forerun fractions containing trimethylolpropane equivalents bound in derivatives are discarded as waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by taking the forerun fractions that were previously discarded during distillative purification and subjecting them to catalytic hydrogenation. This process converts the derivatives containing trimethylolpropane equivalents back into free trimethylolpropane, which is then recovered and can be reused. The forerun fractions are not simply discarded but are processed to recover valuable materials, thereby reducing substance loss while maintaining product purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the chemical state of the forerun fractions through catalytic hydrogenation. By changing the reaction conditions (adding hydrogen, using catalysts, controlling temperature and pressure), the derivatives bound to trimethylolpropane are converted into free trimethylolpropane. This parameter change transforms waste material into valuable product, addressing both the purity requirement and the substance loss issue.
2Manufacturing precision
If forerun fractions are discarded to ensure product purity, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but overall yield of trimethylolpropane is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers trimethylolpropane from forerun fractions through catalytic hydrogenation, converting derivatives back to free trimethylolpropane. This recovered trimethylolpropane can be reused in the purification process or as final product, thereby increasing overall yield without compromising the purity of the main product stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful aspect of forerun fractions (containing bound trimethylolpropane that interferes with purity) into a benefit by hydrogenating them to release free trimethylolpropane. What was previously waste or harmful impurity becomes valuable recoverable product, thus increasing yield while maintaining purity standards.
3Loss of substance
If catalytic hydrogenation is applied to forerun fractions, then trimethylolpropane is released from derivatives, but additional process steps and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the same catalytic hydrogenation unit to process both the main reaction mixture and the forerun fractions. The hydrogenation catalyst and reaction conditions are optimized to handle different feedstocks, allowing one piece of equipment to serve multiple functions in the overall process, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processing of forerun fractions into the existing hydrogenation workflow. Instead of creating a completely separate processing line, the forerun fractions are integrated into the catalytic hydrogenation process that is already used for the main reaction mixture, combining multiple functions into a unified process flow and reducing overall device 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 process effectively releases and isolates trimethylolpropane from derivatives, enhancing the overall yield and economic viability by recycling trimethylolpropane-rich fractions back into the purification process.
Implementation Method 1
the forerun fractions are treated separately or in combination 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 a catalyst-containing product stream
Data Source
AI summary
A process for obtaining trimethylolpropane-enriched product streams from the forerun fractions obtained in the distillative purification of trimethylolpropane is characterized in that: (a) the forerun fractions are treated separately or in combination 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 and an acidic compound; and (b) the reaction mixture obtained after step a) is separated by distillation into a trimethylolpropane-enriched, catalyst-free product stream and a catalyst-containing product stream. The trimethylolpropane is prepared by the Cannizzaro process using alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compounds or stoichiometric amounts of trialkylamines, or is produced by the hydrogenation process in the presence of catalytic amounts of trialkylamines or alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compounds.