Dow Suggests Different Ethylene Purification to Reduce Bioethylene Plant Costs

1. Dow Suggests Different Ethylene Purification to Reduce Bioethylene Plant Costs Intratec’s Research Economics service offers an impartial economic evaluation of Dow’s proposed alternative. A patent issued by Dow Global Technologies (Application WO 2011/087478) reveals the research on an alternative ethylene purification scheme in the ethanol dehydration process which may reduce the required capital investment. Ethylene purification in conventional ethanol dehydration processes uses cryogenic separation to remove methane, hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). The costs of cryogenic distillation appear to be particularly high when it is used merely for removal of the relatively low concentration of CO produced by dehydrating ethanol, especially when the concentrations of methane and hydrogen are already below the specification for ethylene. In this context, Dow proposes the use of selective oxidation of CO to carbon dioxide (CO2) as a way to achieve the ethylene CO specification. In addition, H2 is also selectively oxidized and converted to water, which further reduces the amount of H2 in the ethylene stream to be purified. In order to check if the suggested layout is advantageous in comparison to prior art, it is necessary to assess the required reactor size, and the impact of CO concentration reduction in the capital costs of ethylene cryogenic purification step. Through Intratec’s Research Economics advisory service, it is possible to assess the economics of the invention. Intratec’s methodology ensures a critical analysis of the research, based on:  Simulation model of the process described in the patent  Plant capital cost estimates developed using Aspen Process Economic Analyzer  Manufacturing expenses detailed breakdown  Process economic performance sensitivity on raw materials and utilities pricing Review our Research Economics advisory service at www.intratec.us/rec and order the service online: 1. Indicate a patent to be economically analyzed; 2. Select the pricing and payment options that best fit your budget; 3. Submit your order. Main Reference Patent App. WO 2011/087478 – Dow Global Technologies (http://www.google.com/patents/WO2011087478A1) Ethanol Ethanol Vaporizer Dehydration Reactors Quench Compressor Selective CO/ H2 Oxidation Caustic Wash and Drying Water Ethylene Purification Polymer Grade Ethylene