Vertical Separation Vessel for Ionic Liquid Effluent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal separation vessels for ionic liquids require significant space and are prone to fouling, leading to maintenance issues and increased costs due to the use of coalescing media.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented separation vessel with ionic liquid distribution members and a pump system that recirculates ionic liquid to contact and remove entrained droplets from the hydrocarbon phase, reducing the need for coalescing media and minimizing fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional horizontal separation vessels are used, then the effluent can be separated into two phases, but the vessel requires a relatively large amount of plot space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a horizontal vessel configuration to a vertical vessel configuration, changing the spatial dimension in which separation occurs. This vertical orientation allows the separation process to occur in the vertical direction rather than requiring extensive horizontal plot space, thereby resolving the contradiction between separation effectiveness and space requirements.
2Reliability
If coalescing media is used to remove entrained ionic liquid, then ionic liquid recovery is improved, but the media becomes fouled or plugged over time requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the coalescing media component from the separation system entirely. Instead of using media that becomes fouled, the system relies on gravity-based phase separation in a vertical vessel combined with a pump to remove entrained droplets. This extraction of the problematic media eliminates the fouling and plugging issues while maintaining ionic liquid recovery effectiveness.
3Reliability
If coalescing media is used to remove entrained ionic liquid, then ionic liquid recovery is improved, but equipment shutdown is required for maintenance resulting in production loss
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the coalescing media that requires periodic maintenance and shutdowns, the invention enables continuous operation of the separation system. The gravity-based separation combined with pump-assisted droplet removal operates without requiring equipment shutdowns for media replacement or cleaning, thereby maintaining production continuity while still achieving effective ionic liquid recovery.
4Reliability
If conventional horizontal vessels are used, then phase separation can occur, but the vessel design is prone to fouling and plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The transition to a vertical vessel configuration changes the flow patterns and separation dynamics, reducing the tendency for fouling and plugging. The vertical orientation promotes better fluid circulation and reduces stagnant zones where fouling can occur, while the pump system actively manages droplet removal, preventing plugging issues associated with horizontal vessel designs.
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 vertical design reduces space requirements, minimizes maintenance, and effectively recovers ionic liquid, thereby reducing operational costs and maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The mixture of ionic liquid, reactants and products are typically separated by gravity into two phases, a heavier ionic liquid phase and a lighter hydrocarbon phase.
Implementation Method 2
the ionic liquid distribution members configured to allow up-flowing fluid to pass through the at least one ionic liquid distribution member and contact ionic liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A separation vessel for separating an effluent stream that comprises a mixture of hydrocarbons and ionic liquid. The separation vessels may be vertically orientated. Ionic liquid is utilized to remove entrained ionic liquid droplets form rising hydrocarbons within the separation zone. The ionic liquid may be provided with a stream of the ionic liquid from the separation vessel. The ionic liquid may be provided as a layer or travel counter-current to the hydrocarbons rising in the separation vessel.