Method for Optimizing Energy Efficiency in a Polymerization Process

Abstract

A process for separation of a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream can include cooling the hydrocarbon-containing feed stream using an absorption refrigeration cycle to form a cooled feed stream. The cooled feed stream can be subjected to distillation conditions to remove a bottom stream including co-monomer; and an overhead stream including hydrocarbon diluents, olefin monomer, and components selected from H2, N2, O2, CO, CO2, and formaldehyde. The overhead stream can be subjected to distillation conditions adapted to remove a bottom stream including substantially olefin-free hydrocarbon diluents; a side stream including hydrocarbon diluent; and an overhead vapor stream including olefin monomer, diluents, and components selected from H2, N2, O2, CO, CO2, and formaldehyde. The overhead vapor stream can be cooled using an absorption refrigeration cycle to form a cooled overhead vapor stream. Olefin monomers can be separated from diluents in the cooled overhead vapor stream.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.