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Process Intensification of Distillation using a Microwick Technology to Demonstrate Separation of Propane and Propylene

Journal Article · · AIChE Journal
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.16325· OSTI ID:1756669
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  1. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
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Process intensification (PI) of distillation using a microchannel distillation (MCD) device successfully reduced the height of a theoretical plate (HETP) in separating propane and propylene to 1 cm, representing 10 theoretical stages. Mass transfer is enhanced by using thin wicking structures that are 0.17 mm thick in counter-flow with vapor. Liquid is segregated in the wicks by applying a siphon, which also enables the device to operate horizontally. A scalable device containing 11 wicks was operated cryogenically in total reflux. The HETP varied between 1.0 and 3.7 cm, representing a dramatic reduction over commercial structured packings and comparable to other PI approaches. Significant improvements are expected with further development. Potential application for intensified distillation processes include distributed manufacturing and difficult separations involving close boiling compounds and meeting high purity specifications. The ultimate application is isotopic enrichment, where the number of stages required is typically multiple thousands.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1756669
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-132161
Journal Information:
AIChE Journal, Vol. 64, Issue 10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

Distillation
Process Intensification
Microchannel