Top Dividing Wall Column for Combined Absorption and Distillation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional partial condenser systems in distillation columns face challenges in achieving a sharp split between liquid and vapor products, leading to significant losses of heavier components in the vapor product, which increases operating costs and reduces recovery efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A top dividing wall column is employed, where absorption occurs on one side to separate non-condensable components and distillation on the other side to separate heavier liquid components, allowing for a more precise separation and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If a partial condenser is used in a conventional distillation column, then refrigeration costs are reduced, but the separation sharpness between liquid and vapor products deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration costVSAvoidseparation sharpness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The column is divided into two separate sections by a vertical dividing wall: a first section for absorbing non-condensable gases and a second section for distilling heavier components. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, achieving sharp separation without requiring refrigeration in the condenser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical dividing wall acts as an intermediary structure that physically separates the two functional sections while maintaining column integrity. It enables independent operation of absorption and distillation processes within a single column, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and separation sharpness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If column pressure is increased to prevent loss of heavier components, then component recovery improves, but operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent recoveryVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the column into absorption and distillation sections, the system can achieve high component recovery through the distillation section's optimized design, rather than relying on high pressure across the entire column. This reduces the energy cost associated with maintaining high pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of different sections independently - the absorption section operates under conditions optimized for gas absorption, while the distillation section operates under conditions optimized for liquid-vapor separation. This allows high recovery without uniformly high pressure, reducing operating costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If overhead temperature is decreased to improve separation, then component loss is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lossVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature profile is segmented across the two sections - the absorption section maintains temperatures suitable for gas absorption, while the distillation section creates the temperature gradient needed for sharp separation. This eliminates the need to uniformly decrease overhead temperature, reducing energy consumption while maintaining low component loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different temperature parameters are applied to different sections based on their specific functions. The distillation section uses temperature parameters optimized for separation, while the absorption section uses parameters optimized for gas-liquid contact, achieving low component loss without excessive energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 energy efficiency and product purity by minimizing component losses and improving the separation of C5 components, achieving a sharper split between vapor and liquid products while reducing operating costs.

Implementation Method 1

One side of the dividing wall column uses absorption to separate non-condensable components from the feed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the other side of the dividing wall uses distillation to separate heavier liquid components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentUS10500522B2Method of carrying out absorption/distillation in a single column design

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 SULZER MANAGEMENT AG

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a process wherein two different unit operations (absorption and distillation) take place on either side of a top dividing wall column. One side of the dividing wall column uses absorption to separate non-condensable components from the feed; the other side of the dividing wall uses distillation to separate heavier liquid components.