# US 9,517,982 B2 · Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons

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- Number: US 9,517,982 B2
- Document ID: US9517982B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/511,812
- Filed: 2014-10-10
- Published: 2015-02-12
- Granted: 2016-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-14
- Assignees: Uop LLC
- Applicants: Uop LLC
- Inventors: Jason T. Corradi; David William Ablin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9517982B2

## CPC

- C07C 7/04: by distillation
- B01D 3/141: {where at least one distillation column contains at least one dividing wall}
- B01D 3/32: Other features of fractionating columns {; Constructional details of fractionating columns not provided for in groups B01D3/16 - B01D3/30}
- C07C: ACYCLIC OR CARBOCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28)

## Abstract

Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided by using, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A process for separating aromatic hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of:
introducing a first stream comprising a plurality of aromatic hydrocarbons into a first distillation zone of a split-shell fractionation column;
introducing a second stream comprising a plurality of aromatic hydrocarbons into a second distillation zone of the split-shell fractionation column, the first and second distillation zones being defined by a partition within the split-shell fractionation column, the partition having a gap region therein;
separating the first stream into a first overhead product and a first bottom product, wherein the first bottom product comprises a first liquid that collects at a bottom portion of the first distillation zone;
separating the second stream into a second overhead product and a second bottom product, wherein the second bottom product comprises a second liquid that collects at a bottom portion of the second distillation zone;
draining the first liquid, the second liquid, or a combination thereof in the gap region through a first outlet port.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising introducing nitrogen gas into the gap region.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, further comprising maintaining the gap region at a gas pressure that is lower than a pressure of either the first or second distillation zones.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising draining the first bottom product from the bottom portion of the first distillation zone through a second outlet port.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising draining the second bottom product from the bottom portion of the second distillation zone through a third outlet port.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the first and second overhead products through a fourth outlet port located at a top portion of the split-shell fractionation column.