Patent ID: 6240744
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B01D,F25J,Y10S

Abstract:
A process for distillation of a multicomponent fluid containing at least three components, each component having a different volatility, into at least three streams, said process using a distillation column system having at least a first distillation column having disposed therein at least a first distillation section and a second distillation section, comprising the steps of:providing an intermediate distillation section between the first distillation section and the second distillation section;providing a partitioned section adjacent the intermediate distillation section, said partitioned section having a vertical separating element and an end separating element adjacent the vertical separating element, wherein the vertical and end separating elements isolate the partitioned section from the intermediate distillation section and the equivalent diameter (De) of the partitioned section is at least about 60% of the ideal diameter (Di) of the partitioned section;feeding the multicomponent fluid to the distillation column system, wherein a first portion of a fluid stream flows into the intermediate distillation section and a second portion of the fluid stream flows into the partitioned section; andwithdrawing a side stream from the partitioned section, said side stream being enriched in a component having an intermediate volatility between a highest volatility and a lowest volatility.