US 9,868,911 B2 · Apparatuses and methods for energy efficient separations including refining of fuel products

Abstract

In various aspects, methods and apparatuses for liquid-liquid extraction are provided. In certain aspects, an emulsion can be formed by combining a feed stream, an extractant, and a surfactant. The feed stream comprises a plurality of distinct components including a first component to be removed therefrom. The feed stream may be selected from a group consisting of: a hydrocarbon feed stream and an azeotrope. Then, a portion of the first component is extracted from the feed stream (or emulsion) by contact with a superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter that facilitates passage of the first component and extractant through the superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter. A purified product is collected having the portion of the first component removed. Such methods are particularly useful for refining fuels and oils and separating azeotropes and other miscible component systems. Energy-efficient, continuous single unit operation apparatuses for conducting such separation techniques are also provided.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A method of liquid-liquid extraction comprising:

creating an emulsion by combining a feed stream, an extractant, and a surfactant, wherein the feed stream comprises a first component that is a contaminant or impurity present at an initial amount and the feed stream is selected from a group consisting of:
a hydrocarbon feed stream and an azeotrope comprising a hydrocarbon;
removing a portion of the first component from the emulsion by contacting the emulsion with a first side of a superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter to facilitate passage of the first component and the extractant through the superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter to a second side of the superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter;
and
collecting a purified product having the portion of the first component removed.

2 more elements

A method of liquid-liquid extraction comprising:

mixing together an extractant, a surfactant, and a feed stream that comprises a first component that is a contaminant or impurity present at an initial amount so as to form an emulsion, wherein the feed stream is selected from a group consisting of:
a hydrocarbon feed stream and an azeotrope comprising a hydrocarbon;
removing a portion of the first component from the emulsion by contacting the emulsion with a first side of a superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter to facilitate passage of the first component and the extractant through the superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter to a second side of the superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter;
collecting an extracted stream comprising the first component and extractant after it passes through the superoleophobic and hygroscopic membrane filter;
adsorbing at least a portion of the first component in the extracted stream by contacting the extracted stream with an adsorbent and separating the first component from the extractant;
and
collecting a purified product having the portion of the first component removed.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatuses and methods for energy efficient separations including refining of fuel products

Life of this patent

Apparatuses and methods for energy efficient separations including refining of fuel products

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19