MOLECULAR SIEVE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM UTILIZING A LOW PRESSURE INDUCTOR TYPE VAPOR CONDENSER

摘要

A method and system of depressurizing a molecular sieve used in ethanol production is shown and described. The method and system utilizes a vapor mixing condenser that receives a vapor sieve feed from the molecular sieve during the depressurization cycle. The vapor from the molecular sieve during the pressurization cycle is used to heat the 190-proof product flow. The heated product flow is diverted directly to the 190-proof product vaporizer, which increases the input product flow temperature to the vaporizer, thereby reducing the amount of heat needed to vaporize the 190-proof product flow. The reduction in heat needed reduces energy costs and increases equipment life.

主权项

1. An system for producing ethanol, comprising:
a rectifier that receives a supply of fermented mash and heats the supply of fermented mash to create a vaporous 190-proof product stream and stillage; a condenser that receives the vaporous 190-proof product stream to create a liquid 190-proof product stream; a surge tank that receives and stores the liquid 190-proof product stream; a vaporizer that receives the liquid 190-proof product stream and creates a vapor sieve feed; a molecular sieve having an input end to receive the vapor sieve feed, a media element to remove water from the vapor sieve feed and a discharge end for the discharge of anhydrous ethanol; and a condensing system operable to selectively recharge the molecular sieve, the condensing system including mixing condenser that receives a depressurization vapor sieve feed from the inlet end of the molecular sieve and mixes the depressurization vapor sieve feed with at least a portion of the liquid 190-proof product stream from the surge tank to create a liquid recharge flow; a recharge surge tank that receives and stores the liquid recharge flow from the mixing condenser; and a recharge pump operable to provide the liquid recharge flow from the recharge surge tank to the vaporizer such that the liquid recharge flow combines with the liquid 190-proof product stream to feed the vaporizer during recharge of the molecular sieve.