Additional pilot plant measurements with incorporation of reflux for the fractionation of wax derivatives with supercritical propane
Date
2010
Authors
Schwarz C.E.
Nieuwoudt I.
Knoetze J.H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that supercritical propane can be used to fractionate waxlike alcohol ethoxylates according to the number of ethylene oxide units and that the column temperature, pressure, and solvent to feed ratio influence the selectivity and overheads to feed ratio. Additional pilot plant experiments were conducted to obtain the effect of various process variables. The effect of reflux and the degree thereof as well as the combined influence of the column temperature, the column pressure, the solvent to feed ratio, and the use of reflux were investigated to qualitatively determine how the optimum operating conditions should be selected. To obtain a higher selectivity, lower temperatures and pressures should be used. Furthermore, the solvent to feed ratio as well as the use of reflux can be varied to optimize the separation according to the desired ethylene oxide fractionation. © 2010 American Chemical Society.
Description
Keywords
Alcohol ethoxylates, Column pressure, Column temperature, Ethylene oxides, Feed ratios, Optimum operating conditions, Pilot plant experiments, Process Variables, Solvent-to-feed ratios, Supercritical propane, Alcohols, Ethylene, Fractionation, Organic polymers, Pilot plants, Propane, Solvents, Surface active agents, Pressure effects
Citation
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
49
9
49
9