Improving the efficiency of mass-exchange between liquid and steam in rectification columns of cyclic action

Introduction. The purpose of the work was to determine the optimal time of residence of the liquid on the plates, the grade of extraction and concentration ratio of volatile impurities of alcohol and the specific consumption of heating steam in rectification columns of cyclic action. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in a rectification column, equipped with flaky plates with a variable free cross-section. Concentration of alcohol volatile impurities was determined by chromatographic method, the grade of their extraction and concentration ratio - by calculation method, other indicators - by commonly known methods. Results and discussion. The maximum extraction of volatile impurities was being achieved in a rectification column, equipped with flaky plates containing turnaround sections connected to drive mechanisms, the action of which is occurred according to a given algorithm. The optimal parameters of operating the column were: vapor velocity in the orifices of the flakes during the period of liquid retention on the plates 12-14 m/s; during liquid pouring 1-1.5 m/s; time of residence of the liquid on the plates 40 s, pouring time 1.7 s; pressure in the lower part of the column 12 kPa; the concentration of ethyl alcohol in the still residue 3-4% vol. In order to provide the cycles, the free sectional area of the plates must change instantaneously from 5.5 to 51.7%. This technical solution allows to provide complete disposal of ethers, methyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol, to increase the grade of extraction of higher alcohols of fusel alcohol and methanol by 38%, the concentration ratio of aldehydes by 25%, higher alcohols by 38%, methanol by 37%, and to reduce specific consumption of heating steam by 40% compared to a typical column operating in stationary mode. Conclusion. The innovative technology of cyclic rectification allows to increase the grade of extraction and the concentration ratio of volatile impurities of alcohol by 25-38% and reduce energy consumption by 40% compared with the known ones.