The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.

The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.

This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.

This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.

The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.

A process is presented for the treatment of spent catalyst to manage sulfur-containing compounds on the catalyst. The catalyst may be a dehydrogenation catalyst, where sulfur accumulates during a dehydrogenation process. Sulfur compounds are stripped from the spent catalyst and the catalyst may be cooled before a regeneration step. The process includes controlling removal of sulfur compounds from the spent catalyst before regeneration.

A process is presented for the treatment of spent catalyst to manage sulfur-containing compounds on the catalyst. The catalyst may be a dehydrogenation catalyst, where sulfur accumulates during a dehydrogenation process. Sulfur compounds are stripped from the spent catalyst and the catalyst may be cooled before a regeneration step. The process includes controlling removal of sulfur compounds from the spent catalyst before regeneration.

Embodiments herein concerns the eco-friendly conversion of simple alcohols to linear or branched functionalized alkanes, by integrated catalysis. The alcohols are firstlyoxidized either chemically or enzymatically to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones, followed by aldol condensations using a catalyst to give the corresponding enals or enones. The enals or enones are subsequently and selectively hydrogenated using a recyclable heterogeneous metal catalyst, organocatalyst or an enzyme to provide linear or branched functionalized alkanes with an aldehyde, keto- or alcohol functionality. The process is also iterative and can be further extended by repeating the above integrated catalysis for producing long-chain functionalized alkanes from simple alcohols.

Embodiments herein concerns the eco-friendly conversion of simple alcohols to linear or branched functionalized alkanes, by integrated catalysis. The alcohols are firstlyoxidized either chemically or enzymatically to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones, followed by aldol condensations using a catalyst to give the corresponding enals or enones. The enals or enones are subsequently and selectively hydrogenated using a recyclable heterogeneous metal catalyst, organocatalyst or an enzyme to provide linear or branched functionalized alkanes with an aldehyde, keto- or alcohol functionality. The process is also iterative and can be further extended by repeating the above integrated catalysis for producing long-chain functionalized alkanes from simple alcohols.

Oxidative dehydrogenation is an alternative to the energy extensive steam cracking process presently used for the production of olefins from paraffins, but has not been implemented commercially partially due to the unstable nature of hydrocarbon/oxygen mixtures, and partially due to the cost involved in the construction of new facilities. An oxidative dehydrogenation chemical complex designed to reduce costs by including integration of an oxygen separation module that also addresses safety concerns and reduces emission of greenhouse gases is described.