News Center
Top Benefits of Using Molecular Sieves for Ethanol Dehydration
Traditional Ethanol Dehydration Technologies:
In industry, vacuum distillation and ternary distillation are the main traditional methods:
① Vacuum distillation alters the position of the azeotropic point. As the vacuum level increases, the alcohol concentration in the distillate gradually rises.
② Ternary distillation introduces a third component into the original alcohol-water mixture, such as benzene, ethylene glycol, or cyclohexane, with benzene and ethylene glycol being the most commonly used.
③ Traditional methods are energy-intensive, and the introduction of some toxic substances increases costs and safety risks. Currently, molecular sieve dehydration is internationally recognized as an effective approach.
Advantages of Molecular Sieve Dehydration:
Molecular sieve dehydration offers several excellent benefits, including:
① High product quality and strong dehydration capability, enabling ethanol to reach a maximum purity of 99.995% (by volume) after dehydration;
② Low energy consumption, with less than 560 KJ of energy required per liter of ethanol, without considering comprehensive energy utilization with other processes;
③ Simple operation with full automation control;
④ Environmentally friendly, as no toxic or harmful substances are introduced, and the process does not pollute the environment;
⑤ Long service life, with a normal operational lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
Molecular Sieve Dehydration Processes:
Molecular sieve dehydration methods include liquid-phase dehydration and gas-phase dehydration.
Liquid-phase dehydration with molecular sieves, also known as the TSA process, involves maintaining the ethanol-water solution in a liquid phase throughout the dehydration process. Liquid-phase dehydration requires thermal regeneration. A typical thermal regeneration dehydration system consists of dual beds: Bed A for adsorption and Bed B for regeneration. Bed A operates in adsorption mode for 2 to 8 hours, while Bed B undergoes heating, cooling, and drainage processes to regenerate the molecular sieve. After regeneration, Bed B is ready for feed, and Bed A switches to regeneration mode.
During thermal regeneration, the bed is typically heated to 230-260°C and purged with N2 to remove moisture, which is then cooled and discharged.
Gas-phase dehydration with molecular sieves, also known as the PSA process, utilizes pressure swing regeneration and offers lower energy consumption and cost compared to thermal liquid-phase dehydration, making it an advanced ethanol dehydration technology.
In the gas-phase dehydration process, the system is maintained at a temperature above 140°C to ensure complete vaporization of the aqueous ethanol. The vapor enters the PSA unit, undergoing a series of processes including equalization rise, adsorption, equalization drop, depressurization, and desorption to achieve ethanol vapor dehydration and purification. The dehydrated ethanol vapor is then condensed and recovered. Compared to thermal units, pressure swing units have lower water capacity, resulting in shorter cycle times as only a small amount of water is removed during desorption.
Our company produces 3A molecular sieves, which are specialized for alcohol (ethanol) dehydration and can be used in both liquid-phase (TSA) and gas-phase (PSA) ethanol dehydration and drying processes.
Alcohol (Ethanol) Dehydration Specialized Molecular Sieves:
Performance advantages of ethanol dehydration specialized molecular sieves produced by Dalian Chuangge Technology:
The molecular sieves feature high water absorption capacity, high strength, low attrition, excellent adsorption and desorption performance, and a long service life;
They are specifically designed for the dehydration of methanol, ethanol, and other polar compounds;
Typical packaging: 150 kg sealed iron drums, with custom packaging options available upon customer request.
In addition to the numerous advantages already discussed, the use of molecular sieves for ethanol dehydration also presents significant economic benefits for industries involved in ethanol production. The high purity levels achieved through molecular sieve technology not only enhance the quality of the final product but also allow for greater flexibility in market applications. Ethanol with a purity of 99.995% can be utilized in a wide range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and fuel production, which can lead to increased sales and profitability for manufacturers. Furthermore, the low energy consumption associated with molecular sieve dehydration translates into reduced operational costs over time, providing a competitive edge in a market where energy prices can fluctuate significantly.
Moreover, the automation capabilities of molecular sieve systems reduce the need for manual labor, thereby minimizing labor costs and the potential for human error during the dehydration process. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, the environmentally friendly nature of molecular sieve technology aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, making it an attractive option for companies looking to improve their green credentials. The long service life of molecular sieves also means that businesses can expect a reliable return on investment, as the need for frequent replacements or maintenance is significantly diminished. As such, the integration of molecular sieve technology not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of ethanol dehydration but also positions companies for long-term success in a competitive landscape.
Dalian Chuangge Technology Co., Ltd
Richard Han
Doris Zhou
Headquater: 9th Floor, Century Classic Building, No.10, Xinghai Square, Shahekou District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province
Copyright: Dalian Chuangge Technology Co., Ltd. Business License Privacy Policy
