Abstract: A spinning band device for use in a distillation process including a particular pattern of apertures. The band is made of of an elongated strip, either metal screen or Teflon, twisted about its longitudinal center. Both embodiments contain frayed or jagged edges to create turbulences within a mixture and scrape the inner wall of a distillation column. The novel features of this band are the large apertures, which a situated on the longitudinal centerline for the metallic embodiment and scattered on the outer face for the Teflon embodiment, combined with the use of a plurality of spinning blades. Experimental testing and empirical data has proven this type of band to yield a significant increase in fractionating efficiency over the conventional two bladed bands without apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the defluorination of a liquid hydrocarbon mixture, containing organic fluorides, produced during the conversion of hydrocarbons using a fluorine-containing catalyst. In one embodiment, both a thermal means and a contacting material are used to effectuate a more complete defluorination. The liquid hydrocarbon mixture is extracted from a distillation column and heated sufficiently in the thermal means to decompose at least some of the organic fluorides. The effluent from the thermal means is separated into a vaporous and a liquid effluent. The liquid effluent is passed to the bottom of the distillation column where it undergoes further defluorination through contact with the contacting material.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting, concentrating, and separating biochemical compounds from plant or animal biological substances. It has a heating vessel for the substance to be treated, and is connected at its lower part to an evaporation circuit. The evaporation circuit is connected to the upper part of the heating vessel and, by a valve, to the bottom of a distillation column. A condenser is connected to a vacuum source and, by a valve to the top of the distillation column. A decanter is connected by a valve to the condenser and then successively to a first tank for recovering essential oil, a second tank for recovering aromatic water, and to the vacuum source. A dual discharge circuit has its first circuit connected by two valves to a third tank for receiving light aromatic compounds and to a fourth tank for receiving regenerated solvents.

Abstract: A method for the production of an industrial diluent which includes the steps of heating a liquid waste from a facility that manufactures coatings, inks, lacquers, adhesives, or dyes in a mixer-reactor to generate a vapor, flowing the vapor into a distillation column, distilling the vapor to form distillation components, and transferring each component to a tank designated for such component. The method may include the additional steps of mixing at least two of the components in a predetermined amount, and thoroughly mixing the liquid waste during the heating step. The heating step is preferably effected by applying heat substantially uniformly to the liquid waste.

Abstract: Bands used in fractionating columns, and more specifically, to the type made from either a metal screen strip or from a Teflon sheet twisted into a helicoid. In addition to previously documented design characteristics, the present spinning band includes a number of additional, circular apertures cut into the face of the metal screen strip and Teflon sheet. The circular apertures, sequentially arranged along the centerline of the band, add to the operating efficiency of the spinning band as it is employed in a fractionation process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping volatiles from a feed stream and concentrating the volatiles in the overhead vapors forming a condensate product and simultaneously producing a low percent volatiles outlet stream as a concentrate product. The volatiles separator and concentrator, ("VSC"), unit has many applications in the reduction and the concentration of volatiles in the beverage, fuel, and industrial alcohol industries, as well as in chemical applications for removing or stripping volatiles from heat sensitive feed substrates which require low temperatures and a short residence time to prevent degradation of the product.The preferred embodiment of the VSC unit utilizes a short feed stream preheat contact time in combination with turbulent high velocity flow at temperatures below 100.degree. F. to provide flash aporization for volatiles separation with reboil capability to adjust volatiles concentration in the residue and product. The application of high vacuum in the range of 27" to 28.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: Sludge is removed from a reboiler while the reboiler is supplying heat to a fractionator, by using sludge removal apparatus added to the reboiler. The reboiler to which the sludge removal apparatus is added comprises an evaporative type shell and tube heat exchanger in which sludge can accumulate as a residue from evaporated liquid, and further in which unevaporated liquid is withdrawn from the reboiler as a product. Sludge removal is accomplished by drawing a relatively small liquid flush stream from the reboiler liquid product stream, pressuring the flush stream through a pump, and then recycling the flush stream to a sparger appropriately disposed in the heat exchanger shell. Sludge dislodged by the sparger is removed along with the reboiler liquid product in a flow path along the bottom surface of the shell through cut-outs provided in the lower edge of the weir and baffle plates in the reboiler which without the cut-outs would block the flow path for the sludge.

Abstract: A thermosiphon reboiler heat exchanger which integrates multiple parallel reboilers into a single unit and a heating method are disclosed. The present heat exchanger utilizes a compartmentalized shell for vaporizing a tube-side liquid with a plurality of hot shell-side fluids. The present apparatus is particularly useful for a fractionation system in a phenol manufacture process.

Abstract: Process for obtaining purified hydrogen peroxide solutions, consisting in evaporating the crude aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing the impurities and feeding by means of the vapour phase produced the foot of a distillation column provided in its lower part with a zone for washing the vapour phase with a small flow of liquid which refluxes in the bottom of the column and which has the same composition as the purified aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution forming the product leaving the column, in drawing off this purified product at a column height such that the draw-off is carried out above the vapour phase washing zone and in collecting at the bottom of the column a residue consisting of the small flow of washing liquid which contains most of the impurities. The washing zone has a diameter which is greater than that of the remainder of the column.Distillation column for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An improved packed column distillation system, which may be particularly advantageous for use with cryogenic distillation such as the cryogenic distillation of air, wherein external heat is provided at the column wall, especially at a stripping section of the column, to vaporize liquid formed on the inner surface of the column wall resulting in improved separation efficiency with lower packed bed height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A distillation plant is constructed with an evaporator, separator and distillation column integrated together on a common vertical axis so as to eliminate bends and reduced cross sections in the product flow. The distillation column employs a regular packing to further reduce the pressure drop and operating temperatures over the height of the column. The overall pressure drop in the distillation plant is held to a range of less than 20 mbar.

Abstract: The air distillation double column (1,2) includes an apparatus for vaporizing oxygen and condensing nitrogen which comprises on one hand a running type main heat exchanger (7) which is partially immersed during stoppage of the equipment and on the other hand an auxiliary heat exchanger (20) which alone is responsible for liquid vaporization when the equipment is restarted.

Abstract: A stripping column installation especially for separating starting materials with a high boiling point difference comprises a stripping column having a withdrawal plate and a column sump, and a circulating boiler connected with the stripping column and having a pipe bundle through which a sump product from the stripping column flows. The circulating boiler has an upper plate and a separating wall which separates a space above the upper plate into two chambers. One of the chambers has a connection for receiving the sump product from the stripping column, while the other of the chambers has a connection for discharging the sump product after heating in the boiler.

Abstract: The column for distillation of charge products which form a heavier liquid phase and a lighter liquid phase and connected sump circulating boiler are provided with a liquid impermeable collecting bottom plate located in a lower part of the column. The bottom plate has a discharge passage and the column is provided with a liquid withdrawal outlet arranged closely underneath the collecting bottom plate but above the lower end of the discharge passage so that the heavier phase can be prevented from reaching the liquid withdrawal outlet by gravity. One pipe connects the sump circulating boiler with the liquid withdrawal outlet to provide a free flow of liquid from the column to the sump circulating boiler for heating and another pipe connects the column with the sump circulating boiler above the collecting bottom plate so that the reheated liquid can flow from the sump circulating boiler to the column without a circulating pump.

Abstract: The process and the device according to the invention relate to the introduction, at a stable, known flow rate, of sublimable tetrachloride into a column for continuous extractive distillation under pressure of the chlorides. The sublimable tetrachloride is dissolved in a hot dissolver in a liquid solvent such as KAlCl.sub.4, and is then recirculated by pump at a stable, known flow rate into an evaporator connected to the column. The solution is then heated in an evaporator in order to sublime the majority of the product which it contains, the sublimed vapors thus passing into the column at a stable, known flow rate. The process according to the invention is adapted, in particular, to a plant for the production of ArCl.sub.4 of nulear purity and of HfCl.sub.4.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering olefins, particularly C.sub.3, C.sub.4, and C.sub.5 olefins, from gaseous mixture thereof with lower-boiling components. The olefin-containing gas mixtures is compressed and cooled to yield vapor and condensate streams, the vapor stream is further cooled forming additional condensate, both condensate streams are combined and adiabatically flash evaporated, and the remaining liquid is distilled to recover the desired olefins in a liquid bottoms products. Flash vapor, and optionally the distillation vapor product, are recycled to the compression step.

Abstract: The invention consists of an energy-saving circuit for rectification columns in continuously operated distillation plants and various embodiments of this circuit. Both the total dephlemation heat and the total waste heat of the depleted solution stream can be simultaneously utilized for preheating enriched initial solution by using this circuit, over a wide range of separations.This heat recovery is possible using a parallel-flow dephlegmator whose vapor sides are connected in parallel to the rectification column enrichment section and which is preferably cooled by a portion of the cold enriched initial solution stream. From a partial stream of the vapor mixture existing at the beginning of the rectification column stripping section, product vapor of the required purity and condensate reflux for the vapor side of the unloaded column enrichment section are obtained simultaneously, in this manner.

Abstract: Spinning band fractionating column apparatus is disclosed having a spinning band formed with a magnet embedded in its bottom end in the manner of a magnetic stirring vane for rotation by a rotating external magnetic field at the bottom of the apparatus. Reflux is controlled by an angled drip edge on a rotatable condenser column that passes a portion of dripped condensate to a collecting spout with the portion varying as rotation of the condenser column brings the drip from said edge closer or further from center opposition with the spout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for distillation of hydrocarbon oil subject to coking threshold temperature limits. A hydrocarbon oil is heated to a first predetermined maximum temperature above which coking is likely to occur. The heated hydrocarbon oil is introduced into a first distillation zone, wherein the heated hydrocarbon oil is separated into a liquid portion and a vapor portion. The descending liquid portion is withdrawn from the bottom region of the first distillation zone, and the withdrawn liquid is reheated to a second predetermined maximum temperature, above which coking is likely to occur in the return heater line. Finally, the heated withdrawn liquid is returned to a second distillation zone, wherein a second separation occurs to achieve increased valuable products recovery. A divider arrangement maintains the first and second distillation zones physically separate from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the fractional distillation of liquids in a fractionation column wherein cool liquids from the bottom tray of the column are effectively prevented from passing out directly with bottoms product before first passing through a reboiler. The column is of the type which includes a hollow shell having a surge baffle plate which divides a bottom portion of the shell interior into a first region and a second region. A separation baffle plate is provided which extends into the first region. At least one seal pan whose bottom is closely adjacent to the upper edge of the separation baffle receives liquids flowing from the bottom tray by means of a downcomer.

Abstract: A fractionator for yielding petroleum products in association with a delayed coking process includes a bottom having a pool of petroleum residue and recycle liquid, a flash zone above the pool, an inlet line for conveying to the flash zone product vapors which are relatively warm with respect to the pool, and a baffle positioned between the flash zone and the pool to isolate the relatively warm product vapors from the pool and, thereby, reduce condensation of the product vapors. The fractionator also includes a wash zone, above the flash zone, in which the product vapors condense, and a downwardly pointed frustoconical element, an annular trough and an arrangement of conduits for conducting the condensed recycle liquid from the wash zone to the pool, out of contact with the product vapors in the flash zone.

Abstract: A condenser-evaporator for use in a large air separation plant in which the condenser-evaporator is provided between an upper column and a lower column, the condenser-evaporator condensing nitrogen gas, ascending from the lower column through first conduit, by heat exchange with liquid oxygen flowing down from an upper column through second conduit. The condenser-evaporator includes a plurality of condenser blocks wherein the oxygen chambers of each condenser block are divided in a vertically multistage manner by partition members and wherein the nitrogen chambers of each condenser block form common passages through all the stages.

Abstract: A distillation method and apparatus which comprises (a) a distillation zone adapted for the countercurrent contact of liquid and vapor, (b) a reboiler feed liquid compartment (c) means for directing distillation zone liquid into the reboiler liquid feed compartment, (d) a thermosyphon reboiler for partial vaporization of liquid thereto to produce reboiled vapor and liquid flows, (e) a conduit for the flow of liquid from the reboiler liquid feed compartment to the reboiler, (f) a reboiler return liquid compartment, (g) a conduit for the flow of reboiled liquid from the reboiler to the reboiler return compartment, (h) a conduit for the flow of reboiled vapor from the reboiler to the distillation zone, (i) means for communication of liquid by gravity flow between the reboiler feed compartment and the reboiler return compartment to provide substantially equal liquid levels in the two reservoirs, (j) a distillation zone liquid product compartment, (k) means for overflow of liquid from the reboiler return compartme

Abstract: A continuous process for reducing the arsenic content of phosphorus is described in which the impure phosphorus is continually passed through a heat exchanger and heated to vaporize a portion of the phosphorus at a temperature not above 200.degree. C., separating the vaporized phosphorus in a disengaging zone under subatmospheric pressure and introducing it into a fractionating zone under subatmospheric pressure, fractionating the phosphorus from the less volatile arsenic, condensing under subatmospheric pressure low-arsenic phosphorus rising from the fractionating zone, returning a portion of the low-arsenic phosphorus condensate as reflux to the column, removing high-arsenic liquid phosphorus as bottoms from the fractionating zone, and recovering the remaining portion of low-arsenic phosphorus condensate as product.

Abstract: A flow of fermenting liquor from a fermentor is separated into a yeast concentrate flow, which is recirculated to the fermentor, and a yeast-free flow which is separated in a simple evaporator unit into a first ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a first liquid bottom flow. The first vapor flow is treated to produce the desired ethanol while a major part of the first liquid bottom flow is recirculated to the fermentor. A minor, residual part of the latter flow is fed to a stripping unit where it is separated into a second ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a second liquid bottom flow exhausted of ethanol.

Abstract: A distillation method and apparatus which comprises (a) a distillation zone adapted for the countercurrent contact of liquid and vapor, (b) a reboiler feed liquid compartment (c) means for directing distillation zone liquid into the reboiler liquid feed compartment, (d) a thermosyphon reboiler for partial vaporization of liquid thereto to produce reboiled vapor and liquid flows, (e) a conduit for the flow of liquid from the reboiler liquid feed compartment to the reboiler, (f) a reboiler return liquid compartment, (g) a conduit for the flow of reboiled liquid from the reboiler to the reboiler return compartment, (h) a conduit for the flow of reboiled vapor from the reboiler to the distillation zone, (i) means for communication of liquid by gravity flow between the reboiler feed compartment and the reboiler return compartment to provide substantially equal liquid levels in the two reservoirs, (j) a distillation zone liquid product compartment, (k) means for overflow of liquid from the reboiler return compartme

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid, particularly of binary mixtures of relatively low boiling organic substances and water, comprises fractionally distilling the impure liquid to form a vapor of a low boiling organic substance; compressing the vapor; passing at least a portion of the compressed vapor through a vapor composition adjustment zone wherein the organic substance may catalytically or otherwise react or merely stabilize following compression; compressing the vapor exiting the adjustment zone to form a recompressed vapor; cooling the recompressed vapor in heat transfer relation with the impure liquid whereby the vapor at least partially condenses, transferring sufficient heat to the impure liquid for evaporating the liquid and to form the aforementioned low boiling organic vapor; and collecting the condensed low boiling organic vapor.

Abstract: A liquid desiccant regenerator is provided including an upstanding hollow reboiler having upstanding peripheral sides, a bottom and a top. A plurality of laterally space upstanding tubular flues are provided in the reboiler and open upwardly and downwardly through the top and bottom. A flue plenum chamber is disposed over the top into which the upper ends of the tubular flues open and a flue pipe opens upwardly from the plenum chamber. A combustion chamber is disposed below the bottom including low pressure gas burner structure therein and into which the lower ends of the flues open. An upper portion of the reboiler includes a lateral extension and a still column is supported from the lateral extension and is positioned relative thereto for regenerated liquid desiccant drainage from the lower end of the column into the lateral extension.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting process is disclosed which may be used in gas treating, absorption or in fractional distillation. The process is characterized by the utilization of a liquid support plate (tray) having a flat vapor-liquid contacting area formed by uniformly spaced parallel members which provide long narrow passages for the rising vapor. The process is especially useful when a low pressure drop through the liquid support plate or a high tendency of the liquid support plate to prevent weeping is desired. The process allows higher operating capacity than the use of valve-type liquid support valves.

Abstract: An alcohol still having a boiler with a valve for maintaining the amount of liquor constant. The boiler mounts a distilling column having a temperature controlled inlet for liquor to be distilled which assists in maintaining the operation at a constant optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: A flow of fermenting liquor from a fermentor is separated into a yeast concentrate flow, which is recirculated to the fermentor, and a yeast-free flow which is separated in a simple evaporator unit into a first ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a first liquid bottom flow. The first vapor flow is treated to produce the desired ethanol while a major part of the first liquid bottom flow is recirculated to the fermentor. A minor, residual part of the latter flow is fed to a stripping unit where it is separated into a second ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a second liquid bottom flow exhausted of ethanol.

Abstract: A high melting, high boiling organic compound is easily and stably purified by continuously supplying the molten organic compound to a rectification zone under a subatmospheric pressure and continuously distilling off and recovering vapors from the top of the rectification zone, while continuously withdrawing bottoms containing higher boiling impurities and/or involatile impurities than the desired compound from a reboiling zone at the bottom of the rectification zone to the outside of rectification system by means of a barometric leg, without any pretreatment of removing lower boiling impurities therefrom before the rectification, and without disturbing a pressure balance in the rectification system.

Abstract: A process and apparatus especially suited for distilling alcohol from aqueous fermentation liquors wherein liquid vapors from a body of a liquid mixture (4) which is to be distilled pass from a container (2) holding the liquid mixture to a vapor heating chamber (8) disposed above the container where the vapors are heated by solar radiation and/or heat exchange with a source of process heat. The vapors are then withdrawn from the vapor heating chamber, compressed, passed in heat exchange relation with the liquid mixture and introduced into a reflux column (15) disposed in the interior of the body of liquid to be distilled near the center of the container. An aqueous fraction (24) is collected from the bottom of the reflux column, and an alcohol vapor fraction is withdrawn from the top of the reflux column and further condensed in heat exchange contact with the liquid mixture to produce an alcohol fraction (32).

Abstract: An energy efficient design of fractionation column in which the liquid at the column bottom must be cooled to prevent thermal degradation, the column being provided with a perforated annular baffle through which liquid from the lowermost tray is channeled to the outlet of the column bottom, while a body of cooler recycled liquid is maintained in the column bottom outside of said baffle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vaporizer for generating developer gas, containing ammonia, from aqueous ammonia for developing diazo copying material comprising a first vaporizer unit including a rectifying column and a column head, a gas outlet for taking off the developer gas and an inlet opening into the column head for feeding in aqueous ammonia, and a heatable, steam-generating sump vessel having a base and a residual water outlet, a second unit including a volatilizer with means for heating a base zone thereof, a residual water inlet opening in said base zone, a residual water line connecting said residual water inlet opening to said residual water outlet of said rectifying column, said residual water outlet of said rectifying column projecting upwardly in said sump vessel and having an orifice above the base thereof, said two units being arranged side by side with parallel axes in a single casing, a first connecting branch as said gas outlet for taking off the developer gas and a second connecting branch

Abstract: A diffusion pump capable of separating impurities from its pump fluid during operation is disclosed. Skimming drains are provided in the pump's boiler for periodically skimming the evaporative surface of the working fluid. This eliminates nearly all contaminants of higher molecular weight than the pump fluid. In the foreline of the pump, a series of peripheral gutters are provided for trapping, separating and draining off condensates. The gutters facilitate the removal of impurities of lower molecular weight than that of the pump fluid. Means are also provided for further removing trace quantities of residual volatile impurities which tend to backstream up the diffusion pump barrel. The highly purified pump fluid allows for a more vigorously working evaporative surface, thereby increasing the throughput of the diffusion pump. Together with the elimination of volatile impurities from the pump barrel, this facilitates the attainment of significantly higher ultimate chamber vacuum.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a continuous process for separating higher boiling, heat sensitive components from a liquid product stream. It involves a rapid evaporation of the desired product of the stream in an evaporator which minimizes residence time, such as a falling film evaporator, and feeding the vapors and the remainder of the stream to a separation column where the vaporized products rise in the column. Part of the vaporized products are removed after condensation and then recycled back to the column as a reflux. This reflux after contacting one or more trays is collected and recycled to the evaporator and mixed with the product feed being treated. The liquid remainder of the feed stream is collected at the bottom of the column. The bottom of the column can be kept at a temperature which minimizes any breakdown of the heat sensitive components present therein and, if desired, the bottoms in the column can be quickly withdrawn for treatment elsewhere or for recycling back to the process.

Abstract: A method for regulating, or controlling heat input to the reboiler section of a fractionation column. Flow-measuring means, disposed in a substantially liquid-free environment within the confines of the reboiler section, produces a signal which is representative of the quantity of vapor flowing from the reboiler section upwardly into the fractionation section. This signal is transmitted to heat-varying means, whereby fuel input to an external reboiler heater is regulated in response to the quantity of vapor flow.