Wax Deoiling Filtration with Dilution Chilling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of recrystallization for producing waxes result in inferior crystals, adversely affecting filtration rates and requiring higher solvent usage, while equipment like scraped surface chillers increase costs and unreliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dilution chilling and filtration zones with controlled temperature ranges, forming a slurry and separating wax from oil using a deoiling solvent, eliminating the need for scraped surface chilling and warm-up deoiling, and optimizing solvent usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional recrystallization methods are used, then wax can be produced, but filtration rate is adversely affected due to inferior crystals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter during the deoiling process, specifically maintaining temperatures below the wax melting point during filtration. This parameter change improves crystal quality and filtration rate by preventing wax softening and maintaining sharp crystal structures throughout the filtration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary deoiling and crystal formation before filtration by mixing the waxy feed with deoiling solvent at controlled temperatures to form a slurry with well-defined crystals. This preliminary action ensures superior crystal structure is established before the filtration step, improving both crystal quality and filtration rate.
2Loss of substance
If conventional recrystallization methods are used, then wax can be produced, but higher solvent usage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to be maintained below the wax melting point during the deoiling and filtration process. This parameter change improves solvent efficiency by preventing wax softening that would require additional solvent for proper filtration, thereby reducing overall solvent usage while maintaining refinement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scraping action of conventional chillers with a chemical-solvent based deoiling process. By using deoiling solvent to separate oil from wax at controlled temperatures, the process achieves superior crystal formation with reduced solvent usage compared to mechanical methods that require excessive solvent for washing and handling.
3Reliability
If scraped surface chillers are used, then wax can be processed, but additional costs and unreliability are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the scraped surface chiller equipment from the conventional process. By removing this complex mechanical component and replacing it with a simpler deoiling solvent-based process, the patent improves manufacturing reliability while reducing equipment complexity and associated maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scraping chiller system with a chemical-solvent based deoiling process. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and reliability issues associated with scraped surface chillers, simplifying the equipment while improving manufacturing reliability through a more robust, maintenance-free process.
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 enhances filtration rates, reduces solvent usage, and lowers operating costs, producing higher-quality wax crystals without the need for additional equipment, thus improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the waxy feed and the deoiling solvent in the dilution chilling zone at a temperature of from about 10° F. (−12° C.) to about 30° F. (−1° C.) to form a slurry
Implementation Method 2
introducing the slurry to a filter zone, the filter zone comprising one or more filter stages, wherein a temperature of the slurry is from about 40° F. (4.5° C.) to about 75° F. (24° C.); separating the wax from the oil and the deoiling solvent to form a wax cake
Implementation Method 3
washing the wax cake in the first filter stage with the deoiling solvent to obtain a composition comprising a wax
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to methods for deoiling a hydrocarbon feed and to products formed therefrom. In an embodiment is provided a method of deoiling a feed that includes introducing a waxy feed and a deoiling solvent to a dilution chilling zone; mixing the waxy feed and the deoiling solvent in the dilution chilling zone at a temperature of from about 10° F. to about 30° F. to form a slurry; introducing the slurry to a filter zone, the filter zone comprising one or more filter stages, wherein a temperature of the slurry is from about 40° F. to about 75° F.; separating the wax from the oil and the deoiling solvent to form a wax cake in a first filter stage; and washing the wax cake in the first filter stage with the deoiling solvent to obtain a composition comprising a wax. In another embodiment is provided a composition comprising a wax.