Transfer Column Condensation for Cleaner Depolymerized Monomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gas stream generated by pyrolysis in depolymerization methods contains impurities such as dust, mist droplets, remaining polymer chains, oligomers, and contaminants, which contaminate the monomer and negatively impact the productivity and cycle time of the depolymerization system.
Innovation Solution
A depolymerization method involving a pyrolysis reactor, a separator, and a condenser, with a transfer column that uses cold monomer injection and internals to condense impurities, maintaining specific temperature gradients to separate and remove contaminants effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the gas stream is directly condensed without temperature gradient control, then the condensation process is simple, but impurities contaminate the monomer and reduce product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation process is divided into multiple zones with different temperature gradients. The transfer column is segmented into a first section (higher temperature gradient) and a second section (lower temperature gradient), allowing different condensation rates for monomer versus impurities at different heights, thereby achieving purification through spatial segmentation of the condensation process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the condensation process by establishing a temperature gradient along the height of the transfer column. This transforms a single-stage condensation into a multi-stage vertical condensation process, where temperature varies with height, enabling selective condensation of monomer and impurities at different vertical positions
2Manufacturing precision
If impurities are not removed effectively, then the productivity is high, but the monomer quality deteriorates and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer column acts as an intermediary device between the pyrolysis reactor and the condenser. It provides a controlled environment with specific temperature gradients that facilitate selective condensation, serving as a mediator that separates monomer from impurities before final condensation, thereby improving both quality and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter along the vertical dimension of the transfer column. By establishing a temperature gradient where temperature decreases from bottom to top, the system enables selective condensation based on the different condensation temperatures of monomer and impurities, achieving purification without sacrificing productivity
3Reliability
If a simple condensation system is used, then the device complexity is low, but impurities alter downstream components and increase cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer column performs preliminary separation and condensation before the gas stream enters the main condenser. By pre-condensing impurities in the first section and allowing only purified monomer vapor to proceed to the second section and condenser, the system protects downstream components from contamination, reducing cleaning frequency and increasing reliability
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
The method produces high-quality crude monomer with improved productivity by effectively removing impurities, enhancing the efficiency and cleanliness of the depolymerization process.
Implementation Method 1
pyrolizing a feed material containing the polymer in a pyrolysis reactor so as to generate a gas stream
Implementation Method 2
condensing the monomer contained in the gas stream in a condenser
Implementation Method 3
the temperature of the gas stream decreases from the lower end to the upper end of the transfer column
Implementation Method 4
removing solid and liquid impurities from the gas stream in a separator
Data Source
AI summary
The depolymerization method comprises the successive steps of pyrolizing a feed material containing polymer in a pyrolysis reactor so as to generate a hot gas stream, removing solid and liquid impurities from the gas stream in a separator and condensing the monomer contained in the gas stream in a condenser. The gas stream is transferred from the separator to the condenser via a transfer column which is provided with internals. Cold monomer in liquid state is injected into the transfer column, the internals being configured such that the cold monomer flows downwardly inside the transfer column by gravity, heavy contaminants contained in the gas stream condense in liquid state on the internals and flow back down by gravity towards the bottom of the transfer column and into the separator.