Mechanism analysis and energy-saving intensified exploration of green mixed solvents extractive distillation to separate ether-containing azeotropes

Abstract

2-Methoxyethanol is an important solvent with wide application prospects. Recovering 2-Methoxyethanol from wastewater has significant environmental and economic benefits. In this work, quantum chemistry methods are used to calculate the surface electrostatic potential, mutual penetration analysis, and reduced density gradient-independent gradient model of solvents and azeotrope. From the perspective of the mechanism of action, suitable extractants are selected. With the minimum total annual cost as the goal, the splendid process parameters and the excellent ratio of mixed solvents (30 % 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole acetate + 70 % N, N-dimethyl acetamide) are acquired. Moreover, two reinforcing processes for energy saving and consumption reduction are also researched. All processes are appraised from three aspects: economy, environment and exergy. The results show that the total annual cost and gas emission of mixed solvent extraction distillation are reduced by 26.79 % and 35.45 %, respectively, compared with the process with NMP as an entrainer. Compared with the process with [EMIM][AC] as an entrainer, the total annual cost and gas emissions are reduced by 44.99 % and 25.04 %, respectively. Relative to mixed solvent, the total annual cost and gas emissions of the heat pump combined with mixed solvent extractive distillation technology decreased by 6.77 % and 21.78 % respectively, while that of the heat integration process decreased via 9.93 % and 12.30 % respectively. From the point of view of environmental sustainability, the process effect combined with the heat pump is better, and from the point of view of economic benefits, the heat integration process has better performance. This study reveals the intrinsic relationship between the structure of mixed solvents and explores the intensification of the process, which provides a theoretical basis for the industrial separation of 2-Methoxyethanol/water azeotrope.