DE10002806A1 - Chemical column stripper inlet feed separated by gap from strengthened inlet chamber adjacent to stripper chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

A column separates a mixture of three or more substances. It has an outer case (1) with a cap (5) and an inner chamber with a number of longitudinal sub-chambers (3,4), each open on one side to the main chamber. One sub-chamber (3) operates as a mixture inlet chamber. Sub-chambers (3,4) feed a unification chamber (8). Especially the feed to the inlet chamber (3) is separated by gap from the chamber open end. and that the inlet zone is fabricated as a strengthened column and the other side is fabricated as column stripper (3b). The concentric sub-chambers (3,4) are separated by a segmented curved panel (2) and are joined on one side to the inner face of the case (1). The inlet chamber (3) and unification chamber (8) are linked by a pipe, throttle and gas passage for the exchange of gaseous and/or liquid phases. The column is suspended from the column cap (5). The chambers (3,4,8) are packed as appropriate with solid material and catalytic bulk grains.

Description

The invention relates to a column for separating mixtures with at least three substances, with an outer shell delimiting an interior of the column and at least one column cover, as well as several over a section the longitudinal extension of the column, one-sided in the interior of the Column opened subchambers, one subchamber as the feed chamber is formed, which is fed to the mixture to be separated, and at least a union chamber, which ge in the interior of the column directed opening of at least two subchambers.

The distillative separation of multi-component mixtures with the help of several, behind interconnected columns require a high level of equipment and control technical effort. This high expenditure on equipment is necessary, if the separation of the substance mixture into fractions that are as pure as possible becomes. The representation of a fraction of a substance is particularly demanding here with medium boiling point, which has no or only slight impurities Contain substances of lighter or higher boiling fractions.

To reduce the outlay on equipment, EP 0 755 707 A1 describes a Distillation column proposed, the interior of which is in the upper or lower Part of the column with a vertical partition in two sub-chambers is shared. The partial chambers extend from the top or bottom of the column over a section of the longitudinal extent of the column and are one-sided in the Interior of the column opened. Depending on whether the partition from the lid  or extends from the bottom of the column into the interior of the column, a column with two reinforcement columns and one stripping column or get two output columns and a reinforcement column. The partial chambers white each have their own condensers or evaporators. The influx of the separating mixture of substances takes place through a feed line, which is adjacent to the un teren or upper end of the partition is arranged.

In the following, the separation of a ternary mixture of substances is included With the help of a distillation column according to EP 0 755 707 A1 with two amplifiers Kungssäulen and a driven column described. For further explanation the component of the mixture with the highest boiling point as high songs referred to, the component with the lowest boiling point as light songs, and the component that has a boiling point between the boiling point of the high boiler and the low boiler, as a medium boiler. The ternary mixture is converted into a of the sub-chambers initiated, the feed near the lower end of the Sub-chamber is arranged. The rising gas stream becomes higher boiling portions of the medium boiler and the high boiler condensed. The Condensate flows down and collects on a plate, which is the inlet Chamber closes down to the stripping section of the column. The condensate is read out from the inlet chamber through a at the lower end of the partition that opening into the stripping section of the column. The condensate flows further down, whereby the ascending hot gas flows boil more easily the parts of the medium boiler are evaporated. At the bottom of the column a condensate that is rich in high boilers collects. It will be from the column rejected and partially evaporated again with an evaporator. The ver vaporized, gaseous phase is then again in the lower part of the column passed and rises to the top where the higher boiling fractions lau from down condensate. The rising up easier volatile parts of the middle boiler rise in the second buoyancy part of the Ko lonne, where at the top of the column of the second subchamber a middle boiler fraction one is withdrawn and condensed. A gas connection between the stripping section  the column and the first amplifier, designed as an inlet chamber Kung part of the column is not provided. The separation of the low boilers parts in the first sub-chamber is therefore incomplete, which is why the head of the second booster column removed medium boiler fraction still with light parts of the boiler is contaminated.

In the case of a column structure with two stripping sections and one rectifying section, in which the lower part of the column is formed by two subchambers the middle boiler fraction, on the other hand, still contains parts of high boilers cleans. In this case the ternary mixture consisting of heavy boilers, medium boilers and low boilers, in the he trained as an inlet chamber most stripping section initiated. The ternary mixture of substances lies predominantly in liquid phase. In the inlet chamber, the more volatile light and middle boilers evaporate and escape through openings in a plate are provided, which closes the inlet chamber at the top, in the upper Buoyancy part of the column. The openings in the plate allow only gas transfer occurs from the feed chamber in the upper rectifying section of the column, but not NEN transfer of liquid phase from the amplifier part into the feed chamber. With the gas flow from the feed chamber into the rectifying section of the column Portions of the high boiler are therefore with the middle boiler in the second Partial chamber condenses and contaminate the middle boiler fraction.

The object of the invention is to provide a column with which Help purer fractions of the middle boiler can be obtained.

This task is performed with a column for separating mixtures with mind at least three substances, with an outer, delimiting an interior of the column Cover and at least one column cover, and several over one Section of the longitudinal extension of the column, one-sided in the In nenraum of the column opened subchambers, one subchamber as Zu Running chamber is formed, which is fed to the mixture to be separated, and  at least one union chamber, which is in the interior of the Ko lonne directed opening of at least two subchambers, thereby solved that the feed line of the mixture to be separated into the feed chamber a place spaced from the open end of the inlet chamber, in such a way that the inlet chamber in the one side to the location of the supply line closing section is designed as a reinforcing column and in which to other side to the location of the supply line section as the output pillar is formed.

Because the feed line of the mixture to be separated is spaced into the feed chamber to the open end of the inlet chamber in such a way that the inlet came always in the Ab following the location of the supply line cut is designed as a reinforcement column and in which to the other side the location of the feed line connecting section is designed as an output column, there is a better separation of the individual fractions, since those in the feed section separated fraction with the highest or with the lowest boiling point of the additional boost or output provided in the inlet chamber section is not carried over into the other chambers of the column. In the event of Several buoyancy parts are therefore no or only a small proportion of the Low boiler fraction carried with the lower boiling fractions, or in the case of several output parts no or only a small proportion of the heavy metal derfraction with the higher boiling shares. As a result, one purer fraction of the middle boilers obtained. The individual sub-chambers of the colon ne can be operated independently. So by correspond appropriate internals or packs the head pressure or the head temperature of a individual subchamber can be changed without necessarily having to head pressures or head temperatures inevitably change in the other subchambers be changed. This means that there is more freedom in a particular separation problem the management of the separation available as z. B. in dividing wall columns.  

Under the open end of the inlet chamber, the one facing the interior becomes Understand the end of the inlet chamber, through which a gas and liquid exchange with the other chambers. Under a union chamber, the Section of the column understood that the interior of the column to the Subchambers connects and over the court in the interior of the column tete opening of at least two sub-chambers extends. Under an amplifier kungsabschnitt is understood the section of the inlet chamber, which is in Direction of the rising hot gases at the inlet of the Ge to be separated mix into the inlet chamber. Under an output section the Section of the inlet chamber understood, which is in the direction of the down flowing condensate to the place of supply of the mixture to be separated in the inlet chamber connects. Both in the reinforcement section, as in Output section finds a constant readjustment of the balance between liquid and gaseous phase depending on the temperature, whereby the mixture of substances is separated.

In contrast to the column according to EP 0 755 707 takes place in the Invention Column between the inlet chamber and the Ver agreement chamber a mass transfer of both the gaseous and the liquid phase. This applies both in the case where the upper section of the Column is divided into several sub-chambers, as in the case where the lower right section of the column is formed by several subchambers. A distraction kungsblech, which is provided in the column according to EP 0 755 707 to in If the inlet chamber is designed as a reinforcement column, a derivative of the condensed phase, or if the inlet chamber is designed as an output part for the removal of the gaseous phase is provided without a substance The exchange in the opposite direction takes place in the column according to the invention not provided.

If the inlet chamber at its open end, for example with a plate is complete, there is an exchange connection between the inlet chamber and  Union chamber provided for the exchange of gaseous and liquid Phase. In this case, the plate can be formed, for example, as a bubble cap det be. Liquid and gaseous phases are normally exchanged se free under the influence of gravity or by convection. For certain In applications, the phases can also be exchanged forcibly. This is the case, for example, if there are different ones in the individual chambers Pressures should prevail because e.g. B. only one of the components of the mixture is resilient up to a certain temperature. In the exchange link for the liquid phase is then a pump for the forced transport of the liquid Phase provided. In the exchange connection for the gaseous phase is a appropriate throttle body provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the subchambers are arranged concentrically arranges. In this case, the inlet chamber forms the outermost partial chamber, which connects to the inside of the shell of the column. In the subchambers different temperatures or pressures can prevail. This causes one different expansion of the material of the column at different. By the concentric arrangement of the partial chambers becomes a warping or chip removal NEN the column largely avoided.

In another embodiment, the partition is along at least one their long sides connected to the inner side of the shell of the column. The The dividing wall then forms with the casing of the column and, if appropriate, others Partitions the individual subchambers. Common to all embodiments sam is that a liquid exchange between in the horizontal direction alongside arranged sub-chambers does not take place and a mass transfer only is effected via the gas phase.

The partitions are usually flat. To warp the parting wall due to different temperature loads on the different sides  To counteract, however, is preferred in one embodiment of the invention see that the partition has a curvature.

A dividing wall can also be provided in the column, at least from is arranged in sections within a partial chamber. Such division walls are known for example from US 4,230,533. The partition walls, in Generally designed as dividers, form chambers in the column, which are open downwards and upwards in the longitudinal direction of the column. Such Partition walls cause the in particular with large boiling point differences Components of a mixture of substances have a sufficient separating effect. In particular the subject of mixtures of substances with more than three components is therefore the subject a means is available that with sufficient boiling point differences simple separation of the mixture of substances allowed.

The partitions can be constructed from segments. This enables a fold adjustment of the column to a certain separation problem, in which the Longitudinal expansion of the chamber is adjusted. The construction in Segments the advantage that the partitions get increased mobility, thus lower due to temperature differences over the extent of the partition Tensions are built up.

The segments are advantageously combined by at least one tie rod held. The tie rod is arranged so that sufficient movement The segments are guaranteed to counteract the build-up of tensions counteract.

In order to counteract the build-up of tensions, the column continues advantageously hung on its lid.

In the sub-chambers or the unification chambers, fillings, Pac Kungen, internals or partitions can be provided. Installation is also possible  of active packs that select the implementation of one or more substances enable during distillation. Different fillings, packs or Installations in the subchambers can be combined as desired and the knockout lonne can be tailored to a specific separation problem. A large Advantage of the column according to the invention is that in the individual part chambers different head pressures can be realized. So that can the head temperature in the individual subchambers can also be influenced. This enables a lowering of the temperature, for example during separation temperature-sensitive substances. The column can also be designed that the separation of mixtures with more than four components is possible is. For this purpose, several partitions with different longitudinal dimensions intended. The partitions are designed so that between one another the following chambers, a section is formed in which residues of the in the In the direction of increasing temperature previously arranged chamber separated material fes from the mixture of substances to be separated. Towards the steep gender boiling points of the separated components of the mixture of substances thus the longitudinal extension of partitions arranged next to each other.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to a drawing explained. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a column according to the invention

Fig. 2a-m schematically a longitudinal section through various forms of execution of the column according to the invention

FIGS. 3a-l is a schematic illustration of various arrangements of the sub-chambers in cross-section

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a column according to the invention

Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section through an embodiment of the column according to the Invention

Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the structure of a partial chamber

Fig. 1 shows a column for separating a mixture of a light fraction, a medium boiler fraction, the boiling point of which is slightly above the low boiler fraction, and a high boiler fraction. The column has a shell 1 which surrounds the interior of the column. The interior is divided in the upper section of the column by a partition 2 into an inlet chamber 3 and a sub-chamber 4 . The partition 2 closes with the column cover 5 , so that a mass transfer between the inlet chamber 3 and sub-chamber 4 is only possible via the open ends 6 and 7 thereof, which are directed toward the inside of the column. At the inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 is followed by a union chamber 8 whose cross-section covers the cross-section of the running chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 . The mixture of substances to be separated is introduced through the feed line 9 into the feed chamber 3 of the column. The feed line 9 is arranged at a distance from the open end 6 of the feed chamber 3 . At the lower end of the union chamber 8 there is a sump outlet 10 through which the high boiler fraction is drawn off and fed to an evaporator (not shown). The portion of the high boiler fraction is fed back into the column through the steam feed 11 . At the top of the inlet chamber 3 there is a steam outlet 12 through which the vapor phase is fed to a condenser (not shown). The condensed liquid phase is at least partially returned via feed line 13 into the feed chamber 3 . At the head of the partial chamber 4 , a steam discharge line 14 is provided, through which the vapor phase from the partial chamber 4 is fed to a condenser (not shown). The condensed-out liquid phase can at least partly be fed back into the partial chamber 4 via the return line 15 . The column shown is designed in the Vereinigungskam 8 mer as a bubble tray column. The inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 each have intermediate floors 16 which have openings 17 for gas and liquid exchange. Between the shelves 16 and in the section 3a of the inlet chamber between the feed line 9 and the open end 6 baffles, separating trays, packing or dumped 18 are provided. These can be different for the inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 .

The mixture to be separated is introduced as a vapor or liquid phase through feed line 9 into the feed chamber 3 . The gaseous fractions rise in the inlet chamber 3, the higher-boiling fractions being condensed out by the liquid phase flowing in from the top. The upstream in the inlet chamber 3 section 3 a acts as a reinforcing column. The gaseous phase depleted in higher-boiling fractions is led to the end cover 5 of the column through the steam outlet 12 from the column. It is fed to a capacitor (not shown) in which there is at least partial condensation. The condensed liquid phase is at least partially fed back through the return line 13 to the upper region of the feed chamber 3 . The liquid phase flows down through the inlet chamber 3 , passing through the intermediate floors 16 through the openings 17 . On the way down, hot gases are used to evaporate more volatile components from the downward flowing liquid phase. The liquid phase continues to flow downward until it finally passes the inlet 9 . The section 3 b of the inlet chamber 3 adjoining the inlet 9 acts as an output column. By rising from the union chamber 8 gas, which rise via the open end 6 of the inlet chamber 3 into the inlet chamber 3, any volatile components still present are evaporated in the downward flowing liquid phase. If the liquid phase running down through the inlet chamber 3 passes through the open end 6 of the inlet chamber 3 , the liquid phase is largely free of volatile components. The liquid phase enters the union chamber 8 , where volatile components are vaporized on their way down by rising hot gases. The liquid phase flows down through openings 19 in the bubble cap trays until it finally collects in the bottom of the column. The liquid phase depleted in lower-boiling fractions is passed out of the column via the bottom outlet 10 and at least partly fed to an evaporator (not shown). At least part of the liquid phase is at least partially evaporated and introduced again via the steam feed 11 into the union chamber 8 of the column. The recirculated portion of the at least partially evaporated liquid phase can either be only in vapor form or also two-phase, ie liquid and vaporous portions. The gaseous components rise to the top, where they pass through the chimneys 20 through the bell bottoms. The heavier boiling fractions are condensed out of the rising gases by the downward flowing liquid phase. At the upper end of the union chamber, the hot gases pass into the inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 . Due to the liquid phase flowing from above, the more volatile components are condensed out. In the feed chamber, the portions of the substances referred to below as the middle boiler fraction, which have a somewhat higher boiling point than the low boilers separated off in the feed chamber, are completely condensed on their way up. In the sub-chamber 4 only gaseous fractions rise up that are free of fractions of the low boiler fraction. The gaseous fractions rise upwards in the partial chamber 4, the higher-boiling fractions being condensed out by the liquid phase flowing downwards. At the head of the partial chamber 4 , the gaseous components are discharged through the steam outlet 14 and fed to a condenser (not shown). The gaseous fractions are at least partially condensed out there and at least some of the liquid phase is returned to the partial chamber 4 via the return line 15 . The liquid phase flows downward again through the sub-chamber 4 , the more volatile components being evaporated again from the liquid phase by rising hot gases.

At the same head pressure, the head temperatures of the inlet chamber 3 and sub-chamber 4 are different. The head temperature of the inlet chamber 3 is lower than the head temperature of the sub-chamber 4 . The arrangement of the feed line 9 , ie the distance to the open end 6 of the inlet chamber 3 is determined by the temperature difference between the boiling point, the low boiler fraction removed by steam discharge 12 and the medium boiler fraction removed by steam discharge 14 . The smaller the temperature difference, the greater the distance between the feed line 9 and the open end 6 of the inlet chamber 3 , or the higher the separation performance of the internals.

In Fig. 2, embodiments of the column according to the invention for various separation problems are shown schematically.

The representation in Fig. 2a corresponds to the embodiment described in Fig. 1.

Fig. 2b corresponding to an embodiment for separating a mixture consisting of three fractions, wherein the mixture consists of a low-boiler (A), a high-boiler (C) and a medium-boiler (B). The boiling point of the medium boiler B lies between the boiling points of the low boiler A and the heavy boiler C, its boiling point being closer to the boiling point of the high boiler C. The mixture of substances to be separated is fed to feed chamber 3 via feed line 9 . The liquid phase flows downwards, whereby the more volatile components are evaporated by rising hot gases. The in the inlet chamber 3 down to the feed line 9 section 3 b acts as an output column. The liquid phase, which only contains high boilers, collects in the bottom of the feed chamber 3 and is discharged from the column through discharge line 21 . The liquid phase is at least partially fed to an evaporator 22 and at least partially evaporated again. The vaporous or optionally also two-phase portions are fed back via the steam return line 23 to the feed chamber 3 , where the hot gases rise upwards. Due to the liquid components flowing downwards, the heavier-boiling components are again condensed out of the hot gas. The rising hot gas passes the location of the feed line 9 . In the adjoining the feed line 9 , which acts as a booster column from section 3 a of the feed chamber 3 , portions of the high boiler fraction C which are still entrained in the gas mixture and which have been entrained, for example, from the feed of the feed line 12 , are flowing down from the union chamber 8 from above Portions condensed out. When the hot gas passes from the inlet chamber 3 into the union chamber 8 , the gaseous phase is therefore free from portions of the high boiler C. The hot gas consisting of medium boiler B and low boiler A rises further upward in the union chamber 8 , with liquid components flowing in opposite directions the higher-boiling fractions of the medium boiler B are condensed out. At the top of the column, the hot gas of the low boiler A, which is depleted in portions of the middle boiler B, is discharged through the steam outlet 24 and fed to a condenser 25 . The hot gas is at least partially condensed out and the condensate is returned to the union chamber 8 via return line 26 . Part of the condensed low boiler fraction A can be removed via outlet 27 . The condensed liquid portions flow downward in the union chamber 8 , with the more volatile portions being evaporated again by the hot gas flowing upward. On its way down, the liquid phase enters both the inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 . Due to the liquid components entering the inlet chamber 3 , higher-boiling components of the high boiler C are condensed out of the gas flowing upwards, and at the same time more volatile components of the medium boiler B and the low boiler A are evaporated.

The portions of the liquid portions flowing from top to bottom entering the sub-chamber 4 continue to flow downward, with more volatile portions being re-evaporated by hot gases flowing up. At the bottom of the part chamber 4 , a pure liquid medium boiler fraction collects, which is passed through the device 28 from the part chamber 4 . Part of the discharged liquid phase of the middle boiler B is fed to the evaporator 29 and at least partially evaporated again. This portion is then fed again to the partial chamber 4 via the steam feed line 30 . Part of the pure medium boiler fraction B can be removed via outlet 31 . The returned via the steam feed line 30 in the part chamber 4 hot gases rise to the top, the more volatile components of the medium boiler B are condensed again by flowing from top to bottom liquid components.

The embodiments of the column shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b represent the two basic possibilities for arranging the dividing wall 2 in the upper section ( FIG. 2a) of the column and in the lower section ( FIG. 2b) of the column. Which of the two Embodiments is selected depends on the position of the boiling point of the medium boiler B relative to the boiling point of the heavy boiler C and the low boiler A. If the boiling point of the medium boiler B is closer to the boiling point of the low boiler A, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a is suitable, in which the inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 are arranged in the upper section of the column. If the boiling point of the middle boiler B is closer to the boiling point of the high boiler C, the embodiment of the column shown in FIG. 2b is suitable.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b can be combined as desired for the separation of higher-order mixtures, ie mixtures with several medium boiler fractions with different boiling points. Fig. 2c shows an embodiment for a mixture with four substances, the substance mixture contains two low boilers (A, B) and two high boilers (D, C). Fraction on A has the lowest boiling point, followed by fraction B, fraction C and finally fraction D, which has the highest boiling point. For an effective separation of the mixture of substances, it is essential according to the invention that on the one hand the inlet 9 is arranged at a distance from the open end 6 of the running chamber 3 and that the partitions 2 and 2 a overlap at least over part of their longitudinal extent.

The mixture of four components consisting of a low boiler A, a low-boiling medium boiler B, a low-boiling medium boiler C and a high boiler D is introduced via feed line 9 into the feed chamber 3 . As described in the embodiment of FIG. 1, in the Zulaufkam mer 3 there is a separation into the low boiler A, which is drawn off at the top, and into a mixture of the higher-boiling components B, C and D. The liquid component flowing from top to bottom of components B, C, D runs down in the first union chamber, where the lower-boiling parts B and C are evaporated. In the sump of the first union chamber 32 , as in the embodiment described in FIG. 1, the fraction of the substance mixture formed by the high boiler fraction D collects. The gaseous components D and C rise as hot gas into the inlet chamber 3 , where they are condensed out again by the liquid portion flowing downward. Another portion of the gaseous components C and D enters the intermediate passage 33 , in which gaseous portions of the high boiler D still present are condensed out by liquid portions passing from the top of the second union chamber 34 downward. A gas mixture, which contains no portions of the low boiler A and the high boiler D, therefore passes from the intermediate passage 33 into the second combination chamber 34 . The hot gas mixture rises, the less volatile components being condensed out by liquid components flowing from top to bottom through the second mixing chamber. A pure middle boiler fraction B can therefore be taken off at the head of the second combination chamber. This is partially condensed and fed back into the second union chamber. The liquid phase flows downwards, whereby more volatile components are evaporated again by the rising gas stream. The liquid fraction continues to decrease and on the one hand passes into the intermediate passage 33 and further into the first union chamber 32 . There the more volatile components B and C are evaporated again and are conveyed back into the second merging chamber 34 with the gas stream. Another portion of the liquid flowing down from the second union chamber 34 passes into the sub-chamber 4 , in which the more volatile components (B) are evaporated again by rising hot gas. In the bottom of the part chamber 4 , the fraction of the higher-boiling medium boiler C collects, which can be removed from the column. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, part of the fraction C is evaporated again and returned to the partial chamber 4 as a hot gas stream.

The separation process described can be tailored to different substance mixtures depending on the boiling points of the individual components. In Fig. 2d an arrangement for a low-boiling components A, B with a medium boiler is what et shown higher boiling point, a middle-boiling component having a boiling point C, which is somewhat above the middle-boiling component B, as well as for a high-boiler D. The boiling points of components A, B and C are lower than the level from the boiling point of the high boiler D. The predominantly gaseous mixture of components A, B, C and D is introduced via feed line 9 into the feed chamber 3 . There, as described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the low boiler A is separated off. The liquid components consisting of components B, C and D flow downward into the inlet chamber 3 and enter section 35 of the union chamber 8 about. The section 35 extends from the lower end of the partition 2 to the lower end of the partition 2 a. In section 35 , the proportions of the medium boiler B are evaporated by rising hot gases. The hot gases pass on the one hand into the inlet chamber 3 , where they are condensed again, and into the partial chamber 4 a, in which the hot gases of component B rise upwards and are withdrawn overhead. Part of the gaseous component B discharged from the column is condensed out and again passed to the sub-chamber 4 a. Due to the downward flowing liquid phase, any remaining portions of the higher-boiling components D and C are condensed out of the rising gas stream. Which is at the head of the sub-chamber 4 a stripped fraction of the component B is therefore free from contamination by the components A, C and D. The condensed proportions of the components D and C to flow from section 35 further downward, whereby the more volatile components of the component C can be vaporized by rising hot gas. Pure high-boiling component D therefore accumulates at the bottom of the union chamber 8 and can be passed out of the column at the bottom. A portion of the heavy component D is at least partially re-evaporated and returned to the column. The vaporized from the liquid by flowing down phase of component C rise as hot gas to the top where they are either condensed again in section 35 or in the part chamber 4b to rise up and be drawn off overhead as a pure fraction C by.

In Fig. 2e an arrangement is shown for a low boiler A, a heavy boiler D and two middle boilers B and C, the middle boiler C having a higher boiling point than the middle songs B. The boiling points of the middle songs B and C are closer to the boiling point of the Heavy boiler D as at the boiling point of low boiler A.

The substance mixture, which is predominantly in the liquid phase, consists of the lightweight A, middle songs B and C and heavy songs D is fed to feed chamber 3 via feed line 9 . The inlet 9 is arranged at a distance from the open end 6 of the inlet chamber 3 . The liquid mixture flows downward, with components A, B and C being evaporated from the liquid phase by ascending hot gases, as in the embodiment from FIG. 2b. At the bottom of the inlet chamber 3 , the liquid high boiler D collects, which, as in the other embodiments, is discharged from the inlet chamber 3 and is partly returned as vapor neither into the inlet chamber 3 . The vaporous mixture of components A, B and C rises as a hot gas stream and passes from the inlet chamber 3 into section 35 . Due to the liquid phase running from top to bottom, the component with the highest boiling point, the middle songs C, is condensed out of the vaporous mixture and accumulates in the bottom of the sub-chamber 4 a. From there, the pure medium boiler C can be withdrawn from the column. From the section 35 of the Verei nigungskammer 8 , the gaseous components A and B rise to the top of the column, the component B being condensed by the liquid phase flowing from top to bottom. The middle boiler fraction B therefore collects in the bottom of the sub-chamber 4 b, from which pure middle boiler fraction B can be drawn off. Pure low boiler fraction A is finally drawn off overhead. This is at least partially condensed and at least part of the condensed low boiler fraction A is returned to the union chamber 8 .

The column according to the invention has been explained for a mixture of substances with three components ( Fig. 2a, b) and for a mixture of substances with four components ( Fig. 2c, d, e). As readily accessible to the person skilled in the art, the column according to the invention can also be designed for mixtures with more than four components. A correspondingly higher number of dividing walls will then have to be provided, the location of the arrangement, that is to say in the upper or in the lower part of the column, being determined by the distance between the boiling points of the components of the mixture. It is essential that at the open end of a single chamber there is an area for rectification, in which residues of the component are separated from the mixture, which are separated in this chamber before the mixture passes into the next chamber. In Fig. 2c this range corresponds to the rectification with respect to the sub-chamber 4 a of the section 35 by B are separated from the mixture remains of the middle-boiling component. The same effect also has in the inlet chamber the section between the inlet and the open end of the inlet chamber, in the case of the arrangement from FIG. 2a, remnants of the low boiler A or in the case of the arrangement from FIG. 2b, still the high boiler C from the mixture be separated.

The subchambers do not always have to extend from the top or bottom of the column. Fig. 2f shows an inlet chamber 3 , the GE closed end 36 spaced in the longitudinal direction to the column head or Ko lonnendeckel 5 is arranged.

The arrangement of the feed line into the feed chamber according to the invention can also be combined with a partition wall. A dividing wall is understood to mean a dividing plate arranged in the longitudinal direction in the column, which in the column produces a compartment which is open in the direction of the column head and of the column bottom. Embodiments with a dividing plate are shown in the figures in FIGS. 2g to i.

In Fig. 2g, a mixture consisting of four components is introduced via the feed line 9 into the feed chamber 3 . As described in Fig. 2a, there is first a separation into the low boiler A, which is discharged overhead from the inlet chamber 3 and the higher-boiling components B, C and D, which flow down in condensed form from the inlet chamber 3 . They enter a first section 38 which extends in the longitudinal direction from the lower end of the dividing wall 2 to the lower end of the dividing wall 37 and is delimited on its sides by the casing 1 and the dividing wall 37 . There, the predominant portion of component B and a certain portion of component C are evaporated by rising hot gases, component C having a higher boiling point than component B. The depleted liquid phase at components B and C occurs in a second section 39 above, which adjoins the first section 38 in the longitudinal direction below the lower end of the partition wall 37 . The second section 39 is closed off from the bottom of the column. As it continues to drop, the volatile constituents are evaporated from the liquid phase, so that a pure high-boiler fraction D collects at the bottom, which can be removed from the column. The gaseous components, predominantly medium boilers C and residues of the high boiler D rise to the top. The hot gases either re-enter the first section 38 , where the gaseous components of component C are partially condensed out again, or the more volatile components are combined with the more volatile gaseous components coming from the inlet chamber 3 through the third section 40 . which is bounded on the sides by the partition wall 2 and the partition wall 37 and is open at the top and bottom, upwards into the fourth section 41 . The fourth section 41 extends from the upper end of the dividing wall 37 to the top of the column and is delimited on the sides by the dividing wall 2 and the casing 1 . In section 41 , the less volatile components of the liquid phase flowing downward are condensed out, so that a pure medium boiler fraction B can be removed from the top of the fourth section 41 . The less volatile fractions, predominantly fractions of the middle boiler C, flow downward, either entering the third section 40 and being vaporized again as they descend, or the fifth section 42 , which is to the sides of the dividing wall 37 and Envelope 1 is limited and is open at the top and bottom. In the fifth section 42 , a hot gas phase occurs from below, which mainly consists of component C. It rises in the fifth section 42 and can be removed from the column via the outlet 43 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 can only be used if there are sufficient differences in the boiling points between substances B and C. If the spacing wall 37 is too narrow or the longitudinal extent is too small, contamination of the middle boiler fraction C by portions of the middle boiler fraction B or the heavy boiler fraction D must be accepted.

Analogously to the embodiments shown in FIGS . 2c to e, depending on the differences in the boiling points and the absolute values of the depots, a different arrangement of the partition wall 37 and part chambers 4 can be selected. The component removed in the middle of the column must be at a sufficient distance from the components with the closest boiling points.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2h and i, the mixture is not fed directly into the feed chamber. The low-boiling components A are initially separated off, while the higher-boiling components B to D or B to E flow downward. According to the invention, the lower end of the chamber formed by the dividing wall 37 can be seen as the inlet chamber in these embodiments. The location of the supply according to the invention in the inlet chamber is in Figs. 2h and i each with the reference sign 9 '. In these embodiments, too, a reinforcing part and an output column are formed in the running chamber.

In the subchambers or the unification chambers, internals, packs or fillings can be provided. Examples of such execution forms are shown schematically in FIGS. 2j and k. In its basic structure sätzlichen these two embodiments shown in Fig. 2a and Fig correspond. 1 embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2j, the inlet chamber 3 and the combination chamber 8 contain packs, while the sub-chamber contains 4 internals, in the exemplary embodiment shown, these are partitions.

Another possibility is shown in Fig. 2k. The inlet chamber 3 contains a bed, z. B. glass rings, while the sub-chamber contains 4 packs. Internals are provided in the union chamber. Basically, all packs, beds or structures available on the market can be used for the column according to the invention. Active packs can also be used, which enable one or more components to be converted during the distillation. The person skilled in the art selects the suitable packings, fillings or internals for a given separation problem.

In Fig. 2l shows a specific embodiment of the ge in Figs. 1 and 2a showed column. The inlet chamber 3 and the sub-chamber 4 are not separated by a partition, but are formed as independent column branches, de ren outer wall is formed in front of the shell 1 . The separation of the substance mixture takes place in the same way as described in FIG. 1.

In Fig. 2m an embodiment is shown in which the pressure in the inlet chamber is lower than in the union chamber 8 or the sub-chamber 4th The mixture of substances to be separated is passed via feed line 9 into the feed chamber 3 . The mixture of substances is formed by a low boiler A, a middle section B and a heavy section C. There the low boiler is evaporated by rising hot gases and is finally led out of the column through steam outlet 12 .

The discharged steam is condensed and at least partially returned to the inlet chamber 3 via the return line 13 . There the condensate flows downwards, whereby volatile constituents are evaporated and less volatile constituents are condensed out of the gas phase. Condensate, which consists of the middle boiler B and the high boiler C, collects on the bottom 101 . The condensate is discharged via line 102 with the aid of the pump 103 and is forcibly fed to the union chamber 8 .

In the union chamber 8 there is a higher pressure than in the inlet chamber 3 . The condensate from the inlet chamber 3 flows downward in the union chamber 8 , portions of the middle boiler B being evaporated and rising upwards. The high boiler C collects in the bottom of the union chamber 8 and is led out of the column from there. The rising portions of the medium boiler B firstly enter the partial chamber 4 and secondly via the throttle element 104 and gas passage 105 into the inlet chamber 3 . By the throttle body 104 , the rising gas is expanded from the higher pressure in the unification chamber 8 to the lower pressure of the inlet chamber 3 .

The columns shown in FIGS. 2a-m each have external evaporators and condensers. It is also possible to use internal evaporators and condensers.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through the column according to the invention, the position of the section being laid through the section of the column in which the part chambers or feed chamber are arranged. FIGS. 3a-f show in this case play exemplary arrangements for a mixture of three components, show while the components in Fig. 3g to 1 arrangements shown examples of a mixture of four Comp.

In the figures, the shell is designated by the reference number 1 and the partition by the reference number 2 or 2 a and 2 b.

Fig. 3a shows a division in which the cross section through the partition 2 is divided into two even halves. Depending on the proportions of the components contained in the mixture to be separated, other ratios can also be selected. FIG. 3b shows an arrangement of the partition wall 2, wherein the cross-section in the ratio 2: 1 is divided. 1 in Figure 3c in the ratio 3 or. In Figs. 3b and c, the partition wall 2 is formed in each of two mutually arranged at an angle plates. Fig. 3d shows an imple mentation form with a curved partition 2 . With the embodiment shown in Fig. 3d expansion phenomena can be more easily controlled by temperature fluctuations. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 3e and f are particularly advantageous. In FIG. 3e the partial chambers are arranged concentrically. Temperature differences across the cross-section therefore cancel each other out and do not lead to tension in the column. In Fig. 3f one of the partial chambers is divided into several tubes. The phase contained in the tubes is united in the upper or lower part by a common space that is connected to all tubes.

In Figs. 3g to 1 corresponding examples of arrangements for a Ge are shown mixed with four components. In Fig. 3g is an arrangement with two pa rallelen planar partition walls 2 a and 2 b shown. In Fig. 3h is shown an arrangement with three circular segments, each forming a part of the chamber and are separated by a partition 2. In Figure 3j., In turn, a concentric arrangement is shown of three sub-chambers. In Fig. 3k, an arrangement with two tubes, each tube being used to separate a certain component different from the component separated in the other tube. Any combination is conceivable. In Figs. 3i and l are exemplary combi nations of annular and planar partition walls shown.

In Figs. 4 and 5, the two possibilities for the arrangement to Tren voltage of a mixture of three components shown in greater detail. Since in the embodiment 5 shown in Fig. 2b corresponding to Fig. 4 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a embodiment, and as shown Fig.. To separate the individual components, please refer to the relevant sections. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of intermediate floors 16 are arranged in the inlet chamber 3 . For example, Pac material can be arranged on these shelves. The gaseous components are discharged through steam discharge 12 from the inlet chamber or steam discharge 14 from the partial chamber 4 . The column has a column cover 5 on which the column is suspended. The column is freely stored at the lower end. In this way, tensions caused by temperature fluctuations within the column and the associated different material expansion can be compensated.

In FIG. 5, FIG. 2b corresponding embodiment is detailed provides Darge. In this embodiment, the feed chamber 3 also contains intermediate floors 16 . The intermediate floors are also provided in the union chamber 8 . The column in turn has a column cover 5 on which the column is suspended.

Fig. 6 shows in greater detail the structure of the intermediate floors 16 , as used for example in the inlet chambers 3 in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5. Two intermediate floors 16 lying one above the other are each braced against one another along one of their sides by a tie rod 43 and thus fixed. On the opposite side, a shirt 44 is fastened to the underside of the intermediate floor 16 . This engages with its lower end in a seal 45 arranged on the outer edge of the intermediate floor 16 arranged underneath. The seal 45 consists of a U-shaped profile which encloses the edge of the shirt on one side. Liquid is contained, for example, between the shirt and the U-shaped profile, which ensures that the space between two intermediate floors 16 is sealed off from the outside. Due to the selected structure, tension that is limited by temperature differences over the length of the column can be compensated for.

Reference list

1

Cover

2

partition wall

3rd

Inlet chamber

3rd

a reinforcement column

3rd

b Output column

4

Sub-chamber

5

Column cover

6

open end

7

open end

8th

Association Chamber

9

Supply

10th

Swamp drain

11

Steam supply

12th

Steam discharge

13

Return line

14

Steam discharge

15

Return line

16

Intermediate floors

17th

openings

18th

Packs / fillings / internals

19th

openings

20th

stack

21

Derivative

22

Evaporator

23

Steam return line

24th

Steam discharge

25th

capacitor

26

Return line

27

output

28

Derivative

29

Evaporator

30th

Steam supply

31

output

32

first union chamber

33

Intermediate course

34

second union chamber

35

section

36

closed end

37

Partition wall

38

first section

39

second part

40

third section

41

fourth section

42

fifth section

43

Tie rod

44

shirt

45

seal

101

ground

102

management

103

pump

104

Throttle body

105

Gas passage

Claims (11)

1.Column for separating mixtures with at least three substances, with an outer shell ( 1 ) delimiting an interior of the column and at least one column cover ( 5 ), and also several extending over a section of the longitudinal extent of the column, one-sided into the interior of the Column-opened subchambers ( 3 , 4 ), a subchamber being designed as an inlet chamber ( 3 ) to which the mixture to be separated is fed, and at least one merging chamber ( 8 ), which adjoins the opening in the interior of the column of at least two sub-chambers (3, 4) connects, characterized in that the supply of the mixture to be separated into the feed chamber (3) at a location spaced from the open end of the inlet chamber (3) takes place, in such a manner that the inlet chamber in which for a Side at the location of the supply line section is formed as a reinforcing column ( 3 a) and in which the other side to the Location of the supply line connecting section ( 3 b) is designed as an output column. 2. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that a partition ( 2 ) between the subchambers ( 3 , 4 ) is provided. 3. Column according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an exchange connection ( 102 , 104 , 105 ) between the inlet chamber ( 3 ) and the union chamber ( 8 ) is provided for the exchange of gaseous and / or liquid phase. 4. Column according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the subchambers ( 3 , 4 ) are arranged concentrically. 5. Column according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the partition ( 2 ) is connected along at least one of its long sides to the inside of the shell ( 1 ) of the column. 6. Column according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the partition ( 2 ) has a curvature. 7. Column according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a dividing wall ( 37 ) is provided which is arranged at least in sections within a partial chamber ( 3 , 4 ). 8. Column according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the partition walls ( 2 ) are constructed from segments. 9. Column according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the column is suspended from the column cover ( 5 ). 10. Column according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that beds, packings, internals or dividing trays, which can optionally be catalytically active, are provided in at least one partial chamber ( 3 , 4 ) and / or at least one union chamber ( 8 ) . 11. Column according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a plurality of partition walls ( 2 ) are provided with different longitudinal dimensions.