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Home2019September 2019Horizontal distillation column technology

September 2019

Special Focus: Refining Technology

Horizontal distillation column technology

Gas-liquid contact operations are required for the separation of mixtures based on differences in the chemical properties (volatility, solubility, etc.) of various components.

Independent Researcher/Inventor: Katyal, A.
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The Author

Katyal, A. - Independent Researcher/Inventor, New Delhi, India

Amit Katyal is an independent inventor and researcher based in New Delhi, India. He has designed and developed the EQ-COMP VLE software, which is the result of more than 15 yr of continuous research in the field of vapor-liquid equilibrium of hydrocarbon/oil and natural gas mixtures and involves extensive software development work to automate the calculations. Mr. Katyal earned a BS degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. He has 25 yr of experience in the hydrocarbon sector in diverse segments, such as research, operations and technical services. In addition to EQ-COMP, Mr. Katyal has developed other software for the hydrocarbon sector, including HYD-PREDIC, LIQ-PROP, BUBBLE-SIM and MIX-CP. He has also invented four technologies for water treatment and the hydrocarbon sector. The author can be contacted at amit@eq-comp.com.

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Comments

Comments

Amit Katyal • 10/10/19 5:22 AM
Dear Vasile, The proposed system operates seamlessly without any discontinuity in liquid or vapor flow and replicates exactly the cross flow of liquid and vapor of a vertical tray column. The unique pump and valve arrangement replicates the flow under gravity of a vertical tray column. Because of similar flow arrangements operating seamlessly and continuously, same internals, similar design procedures, similar operating procedures and similar thumb rules as that of vertical tray distillation are applicable without any requirement of development of new rules or procedures. Because of various innovations included in the invention, it has been granted a US and UK patent. Sorry, the idea is not old and dead but very much alive. ---- Amit Katyal
Vasile • 10/9/19 1:56 AM
Historically the vertical column is the result of the idea of repeted distillation, extraction, etc. So nothing new under the sun. The idea is old and dead.
Amit Katyal • 10/5/19 3:05 AM
Dear sdprout, the electric cost will be marginally more. This extra electric cost will be used to recycle the liquid back to the previous vessel in liquid flow path. This recycled liquid will increase the operational flexibility of the process.—— Amit Katyal
sdprout@gmail.com • 10/3/19 3:05 AM
Concept similar in design of a multiple effect evaporator set except it is direct contact. Vapor recompression is a good idea but you start adding horse power costs. What would be the electric cost difference between the two systems?
Amit Katyal • 9/29/19 12:21 AM
Dear Doug, For a 30 tray debutanizer, you can use segmental configuration and divide it into 10 segments of 3 trays each or 6 segments of 5 trays each. I have described segmental distillation in the article. Segmental configuration would be the answer to all of your concerns. ---- Amit Katyal
Amit Katyal • 9/29/19 12:15 AM
Thanks, Indra for your encouraging words
Amit Katyal • 9/29/19 12:14 AM
Dear Jim Bozin, I cannot quantify the capital cost benefits because I am not associated with a company dealing with distillation column vendors but I have give capital cost benefits in a general form in the article. The extra cost of pumps can be offset by other benefits like thinner shells, reduced transportation and installation cost, no requirement of foundation, ladders, intermediate supports etc., no requirement of legal clearances, modular nature which can be manufactured in the factory rather than on site etc. ---Amit Katyal
Amit Katyal • 9/29/19 12:13 AM
Dear Arpan, As described in the article, a horizontal distillation system can be arranged in a zig-zag snake and/ or segmental configuration and can be fit in a small space though the space required would be more than that required for a vertical column. However other benefits of the horizontal distillation system can easily compensate for the extra floor space required. --- Amit Katyal
Amit Katyal • 9/29/19 12:13 AM
Dear Arpan, As described in the article, a horizontal distillation system can be arranged in a zig-zag snake and/ or segmental configuration and can be fit in a small space though the space required would be more than that required for a vertical column. However other benefits of the horizontal distillation system can easily compensate for the extra floor space required. --- Amit Katyal
separationsolutions@bouck.com • 9/13/19 11:43 AM
Just imagine a 30 tray Debutanizer with thirty pressure vessels with 60 manways, thirty pumps (or 60 if you spare them), thirty electrical systems, thirty safety valves, thirty level systems with control valves, thirty pump kickback loops (which by the way reduces the tray efficiency), thirty demisters to foul with thirty vapor transfer lines with extra pressure drop, thirty non-return valves, an acre of real estate, etc. Savings on cost of vessels? Would love to see the comparative costs after you factor in all extra top and bottom heads, shell heights for level control, multiple nozzles & piping, etc. Even the drawings show no understanding of what the mini vessel systems should look like. Don't think anyone who has worked in or designed a refinery or chemical plant could in good conscience propose such a design for other than a theoretical exercise. --- Doug Bouck Separation Solutions, Ltd
Arpankumar Panchal • 9/13/19 4:24 AM
In majority industries floor space is the major concern during layout preparation stage, how horizontal distillation column will fit in this scenario ? How much more space required in horizontal column compared to conventional column ?
Jim Bozin • 9/9/19 9:20 AM
How's the capital cost compare to vertical?
Indra • 9/7/19 5:23 AM
Invention of horizontal distillation Tech by Mr Amit Katyal is a Pioneering achievement being searched since last more than 100 years and its "US PATENT" Award make his achievement more credible.May God provide him a suitable source for Commercialisation .
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