Modular reactive distillation emulation elements integrated with instrumentation, control, and simulation algorithms
View Patent ↗A method for creating laboratory-scale reactive distillation apparatus from provided modular components is described. At least two types of modular distillation column stages are provided. A first type of modular stage comprises two physical interfaces for connection with a respective physical interface of another modular stage. A second type modular stage comprises one such physical interface. At least one type of tray is provided for insertion into the first type of modular stage. A clamping arrangement is provided for joining together two modular stages at their respective physical interfaces for connection to form a joint. The invention provides for at least three modular stages can be joined. At least one sensor or sensor array can be inserted into each modular stage. At least one controllable element can be inserted into each modular stage. The invention provides for study of traditional, advanced, and photochemical types of reactive distillation.
1. A method for creating laboratory-scale reactive distillation apparatus for use in research and emulation from modular components, the method comprising:
providing a first type of reactive distillation modular stage comprising two physical interfaces for coupling the first type of reactive distillation modular stage to two other reactive distillation modular stages;
providing a second type of reactive distillation modular stage comprising one physical interface for coupling the second type of reactive distillation modular stage to a single other reactive distillation modular stage;
providing a tray element for insertion into the first type of reactive distillation modular stage;
using a clamping arrangement for joining together at least three reactive distillation modular stages at their respective physical interfaces, wherein the at least three reactive distillation modular stages comprise the first type of reactive distillation modular stage and the second type of reactive distillation modular stage, and
reconfiguring the at least three reactive distillation modular stages based on a target operation, wherein at least one of the reactive distillation modular stages includes at least one of an attachable sensor, a built-in sensor, a controllable actuator, a computer interface, and adjustable internal structures.
2. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising providing at least one sensor for insertion into the first type of reactive distillation modular stage.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor is a temperature sensor.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pH sensor.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ion sensor.
7. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a spectroscopy sensor.
8. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a linear array of a plurality of individual sensors.
9. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a two-dimensional lattice array of a plurality of individual sensors.
10. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor produces measurement data that is transmitted on a network bus.
11. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one sensor produces measurement data that is transmitted to a computer.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the first type of reactive distillation modular stage comprises a port providing flow connectivity with the interior of the first type of reactive distillation modular stage.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the second type of reactive distillation modular stage comprises a port providing flow connectivity with the interior of the second type of reactive distillation modular stage.
14. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising providing at least one light source for insertion into the first type of reactive distillation modular stage.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the light source is used as part of a spectroscopy sensor arrangement within the respective reactive distillation modular stage.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the light source is used to induce photochemical reactions within the respective reactive distillation modular stage.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the tray comprises at least one mechanically movable component that can be physically manipulated by a magnetic field.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the magnetic field is produced by an electromagnetic coil.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the electromagnetic coil is controlled by signals received from a network bus.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the electromagnetic coil is controlled by signals received from a computer.