Venturi Mixing Device for Ionic Liquid Alkylation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient mixing systems that can effectively combine ionic liquid catalysts with hydrocarbon feeds in ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes, such as alkylation, to enhance reaction efficiency and product yield.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mixing device with an upper and lower venturi configuration, along with feed injection arrays, to create a central jet and lateral jets that collide, generating high turbulence and a large surface area for efficient mixing within a reactor vessel, utilizing a circulation loop for recirculating and cooling reactor effluent to maintain optimal reaction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mixing methods are used for immiscible liquids, then the mixing process is simple, but the mixing efficiency and contact surface area are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles through venturi structures that utilize fluid flow dynamics to generate mixing action. The venturi creates pressure differentials that draw one liquid into another, producing intense mixing without mechanical moving parts. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high mixing efficiency through fluid dynamics rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters of the liquids being mixed by using venturi-induced pressure variations and velocity changes. By manipulating flow rate, pressure, and velocity parameters, the system creates optimal conditions for immiscible liquid mixing, achieving enhanced contact surface area and mixing efficiency without increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If high turbulence mixing is achieved through jet collision, then the surface area contact is maximized, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is self-powered by the kinetic energy of the flowing liquids themselves. The venturi structures convert the natural flow energy of the immiscible liquids into mixing action through jet collision and turbulence. This eliminates the need for external energy input while achieving high reaction efficiency, as the system uses its own flow energy to create the necessary mixing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing systems (such as stirrers or pumps requiring external power) with a fluid-dynamic system based on venturi-induced jet collision. This substitution eliminates mechanical energy consumption while achieving effective mixing through the kinetic energy of the fluid streams themselves, thereby maintaining high reaction efficiency without increased energy input.
3Loss of time
If rapid mixing of immiscible liquids is achieved, then the reaction time is reduced, but the complexity of maintaining optimal mixing conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mixing function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through passive venturi structures. By removing active control mechanisms and relying on inherent fluid dynamics, the system achieves rapid mixing without the complexity of maintaining optimal conditions through active control. The venturi geometry itself provides the mixing action, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device operates autonomously based on the flow characteristics of the incoming liquids. The venturi structures automatically generate the required pressure differentials and jet velocities based on flow rate, requiring no external control or adjustment mechanisms. This self-regulating behavior reduces mixing time while avoiding the complexity of active control systems.
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 configuration ensures thorough and rapid mixing of ionic liquid catalysts and hydrocarbons, leading to highly efficient hydrocarbon conversion processes by maximizing the catalyst's surface area contact, thereby improving reaction efficiency and product quality in ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing device comprises an upper venturi having an axial outlet at the upper venturi distal end... projecting a central jet of a first liquid downward from the upper venturi outlet into the lower venturi
Implementation Method 2
create a central jet and lateral jets that collide, generating high turbulence and a large surface area for efficient mixing
Implementation Method 3
The circulation loop comprises a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the reactor vessel, wherein the heat exchanger is configured for cooling the reactor effluent of the reactor vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion comprise a reactor vessel, a mixing device in fluid communication with the reactor vessel, and at least one circulation loop in fluid communication with the reactor vessel and the mixing device. The mixing device may comprise an upper venturi, at least one feed injection component, and a lower venturi. Such systems may be used for ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation reactions. Processes for ionic liquid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion are also disclosed.