Automatic Control Patents (Class 208/DIG1)
  • Patent number: 6156189
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Fluid Catalytic Cracking process conducted under fluid catalytic cracking conditions by injecting into at least one reaction zone of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) having one or more risers, a plurality of feeds wherein said plurality of feeds comprises at least one feed (.alpha.) and at least another feed (.beta.) wherein said feeds (.alpha.) and (.beta.) (a) differ in Conradson Carbon Residue by at least about 2 wt % points; or (b) differ in hydrogen content by at least about 0.2 wt %; or (c) differ in API gravities by at least about 2 points; or (d) differ in nitrogen content by at least about 50 ppm; or (e) differ in carbon-to-hydrogen ratio by at least about 0.3; or (f) differ in mean boiling point by at least about 200.degree. F; and wherein said feeds (.alpha.) and (.beta.) are alternately injected and wherein said alternate injection maintains said risers in a cyclic steady state, while the rest of the FCC unit is in a steady state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Teh Chung Ho, Shun Chong Fung, Daniel Paul Leta
  • Patent number: 6013172
    Abstract: A methodology provides for the extraction of local chemical kinetic model constants for use in a reacting flow computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer code with chemical kinetic computations to optimize the operating conditions or design of the system, including retrofit design improvements to existing systems. The coupled CFD and kinetic computer code are used in combination with data obtained from a matrix of experimental tests to extract the kinetic constants. Local fluid dynamic effects are implicitly included in the extracted local kinetic constants for each particular application system to which the methodology is applied. The extracted local kinetic model constants work well over a fairly broad range of operating conditions for specific and complex reaction sets in specific and complex reactor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Shen-Lin Chang, Steven A. Lottes, Chenn Q. Zhou
  • Patent number: 5900155
    Abstract: An apparatus for on-site engine oil reconditioning comprises an apparatus configured and arranged for changing oil by removing spent oil from, and introducing reconditioned oil into an internal combustion engine. A mechanism, in fluid communication with the oil changing apparatus, removes finite particles from the spent oil to produce particle-free oil. A mechanism, in fluid communication with the finite particle removing mechanism, refines the particle-free oil to remove water, fuel, and/or glycols to produce re-refined oil. A mechanism, in fluid communication with the refining mechanism, adjusts the composition of the re-refined oil to meet a predetermined specification to produce the reconditioned oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: K.J. Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ram D. Bedi
  • Patent number: 5876591
    Abstract: A process for fractionating a heavy hydrocarbon stream to produce a lube oil fraction having a constant, predetermined flash point. A liquid stream is removed from the fractionator, cooled in response to a fractionator top temperature and returned to the fractionator above the original draw point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Steven P. Lankton
  • Patent number: 5868922
    Abstract: A FCC process in which spent catalyst is stripped of hydrocarbon in a stripping zone prior to entering the regenerator. In order to maximize the amount of strippable hydrocarbon removed in the stripping zone with minimal use of stripping gas, a sample of spent catalyst is removed prior to entering the regenerator. The spent catalyst is analyzed for strippable hydrocarbon by conducting the sample to a heated catalyst collection vessel, evacuating the catalyst, collecting the gases from the collection vessel and analyzing the gases for amount of strippable hydrocarbon on the spent catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: James P. Glass, Jr., George A. Swan
  • Patent number: 5863417
    Abstract: A FCC process in which spent catalyst is stripped of hydrocarbon in a stripping zone prior to entering the regenerator. In order to maximize the amount of strippable hydrocarbon removed in the stripping zone, a sample of spent catalyst is removed prior to entering the regenerator. The spent catalyst is analyzed for strippable hydrocarbon by conducting the sample to a heated catalyst collection vessel, stripping hydrocarbon from the catalyst using an inert stripping gas, oxidizing the gasses from the collection vessel to carbon dioxide and water, and measuring the amount of carbon dioxide and/or water which amount of carbon dioxide and/or water can be correlated to the amount of strippable hydrocarbon on the catalyst sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Demmin, James P. Glass, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5858213
    Abstract: Incipient coke formation during hydrocarbon processing operations is detected by monitoring for C.sub.6- -fractions in heated hydrocarbon materials. The amount of C.sub.6- -fraction is an indication of the coke-forming tendency of the hydrocarbon materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Karl D. Chomyn
  • Patent number: 5731485
    Abstract: An improved method of continuously controlling a multi-zone heater used in a chemical process has been developed. Each zone of the multi-zone heater has an ideal heat flux, FI, and an actual heat flux, FA, and the difference between the heat flux ratios, .DELTA.(FA/FI), of consecutive zones is to be less than a tolerance, T, where T is in the range of about 0.0 to about 0.1. The control is effected by determining the ideal heat flux, FI, of each zone in the heater and determining the actual heat flux, FA, of each zone in the heater. The difference between the heat flux ratios of FA/FI in consecutive zones is then calculated as .DELTA.(FA/FI). A manipulated variable of the chemical process is then adjusted according to an algorithm relating the changes in the manipulated variable to changes in the actual heat flux of each zone to afford a new value of the actual heat flux FAN where .vertline..DELTA.(FAN/FI).vertline..ltoreq..vertline..DELTA.(FA/FI).vertli ne. for consecutive zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Crowe, Dennis M. Clary
  • Patent number: 5707923
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of alkylating in which a hydrocarbon and acid emulsion is circulated in a reaction loop between a reactor and a cooler. A small sidestream of the reaction emulsion is constantly removed to a liquid-liquid separator where the hydrocarbon and acid phases are separated. The recovered acid is then recycled back to the reaction loop. The amount of recovered acid recycled is controlled by monitoring the density of the reaction emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Stratco, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hutchens, Kevin E. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 5656151
    Abstract: A process for determining if intermittent water injection is the best way to remove deposits such as salts from refinery process streams. A water vapor pressure, P1, at stream conditions and a water vapor pressure, Ps, at saturation conditions in the stream, are used to calculate a ratio P1/Ps. If the ratio is less than 0.1 intermittent water washing is preferred. An optimized intermittent injection procedure, frequency, duration, and constraints, is disclosed. Chemical speciation calculations ensure that all accumulated salts are removed, and that an aqueous phase forms downstream of the water injection point having a salt concentration within acceptable limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce D. McLaughlin, Yiing-Mei Wu
  • Patent number: 5656152
    Abstract: A continuous water washing process for removing salts from refinery process streams is disclosed. The salt and salt precursor content of a process stream is determined, and iterative calculations made to ensure an aqueous phase forms downstream of the water injection point with a salt and ion concentration within acceptable limits. Preferably chemical speciation calculations are used to check for corrosive, transient aqueous phases intermediate the point of water injection and the process outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Coporation
    Inventors: Bruce D. McLaughlin, Yiing-Mei Wu
  • Patent number: 5500110
    Abstract: A controlled method of changing the transport rate of particles between two zones is disclosed. Changes are made in a computed value of the pressure difference of the conduit between the two zones through which the particles are transported. The changes are of a predetermined magnitude and are performed at predetermined time intervals, until the desired final value of the pressure difference is reached. The method minimizes fluctuations in the pressures of the two zones without over-sized vessels or additional equipment that would otherwise be needed to accommodate pressure changes. This results in a savings in construction costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Paul A. Sechrist, Roger R. Lawrence, Frank T. Micklich, Larry D. Richardson, David M. Kazell
  • Patent number: 5457260
    Abstract: A process of continuously controlling at least one characteristic of a simulated moving adsorbent bed separation process has been developed. The characteristics controlled may be the purity or the recovery of the component of interest. The process involves measuring the concentration of the components in the pumparound or pusharound stream, calculating the value of the characteristic, and making required adjustments to operating variables according to an algorithm which relates changes in the value of the characteristic to the changes in the concentrations of the components resulting from changes in the operating variables. The process is unique in that the necessary quantity of data to control the separation is rapidly generated, thereby providing increased efficiency, precision and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Randall E. Holt
  • Patent number: 5452232
    Abstract: The properties and yield of a product from a hydrocarbon conversion or separation process may be determined from the NIR (Near Infrared) spectrum of the feedstock. This is accomplished by: (a) determining with an IR spectrometer the absorbance of the feedstock at a certain number of frequencies in the spectral range 16667 to 3840 cm.sup.-1 starting from a defined base line, and then (b) determining the property or yield by applying a correlation between the property or yield and the absorbance values. The correlation is determined experimentally by multivariate regression and is dependent upon the type of spectrometer employed, the property or yield to be determined, and the frequencies used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventors: Alain Espinosa, Didier C. Lambert, Andre Martens, Gilbert Ventron
  • Patent number: 5419830
    Abstract: Nitrogenous compounds especially bases such as ammonia vapor are used to control the operation of a hydrocracker or catalytic dewaxer. Catalyst activity and selectivity may be controlled by addition of the base to the feed, for example, to control the balance between isomerization and hydrocracking in an operation using a zeolite beta catalyst. Runaway conditions may be controlled by the addition of nitrogenous compounds to regulate the temperature profile within the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tai-Sheng Chou, Nai Y. Chen, Grant G. Karsner, Clinton R. Kennedy, Rene B. LaPierre, Melcon G. Melconian, Richard J. Quann, Stephen S. Wong
  • Patent number: 5389236
    Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus provides for providing addition of micro-spheroidal ("MS") Fluid Catalytic Cracking ("FCC") catalyst additives and/or bulk catalyst to an in situ circulating, active catalyst inventory of a fluid catalytic cracking unit at times and rates precisely controlled to sustain an effective additive concentration. In a preferred version of this invention, each of a series of such apparatus comprising one such device for each catalyst additive, is operated on a basic cycle time length during a portion of which the unit is engaged in active addition while in the remainder of the time it is passive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventors: David B. Bartholic, Regis B. Lippert
  • Patent number: 5389239
    Abstract: In a direct-coupled cyclone system, the riser cyclone is positioned external to a containment vessel. The riser cyclone separator discharges separated catalyst to a catalyst stripper internal to the containment vessel. Means is provided for withdrawing stripping gas from the catalyst stripper and passing it under pressure control to the riser cyclone separator. The riser cyclone separator is inherently pressure stable relative to the catalyst stripper. The invention is particularly useful for retrofitting a direct-coupled cyclone separator to a preexisting containment vessel with limited free volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Leonce F. Castagnos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5376257
    Abstract: A process for feed oil refining for production of lubricating oil, by using an equipment for lubricating oil production including a fulfural refining unit, a hydrotreating unit and a ketone dewaxing unit, all connected in series. In this process, operations associated with the switch of feed oil are conducted by carrying out the first to seventh step groups successively. Each step group is initiated when a given time has passed since the start of the previous step group, or when the value of a particular measurement item has reached a target value, or when the value of a particular measurement item has shown a change. First, in the first step group, the amount of feed oil supplied to each unit, etc. is adjusted and, in the second step group, the feed oil to the furfural refining unit is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Petroleum Refining Company, Limited
    Inventors: Akinori Odan, Noboru Shimizu, Norihiko Ageishi
  • Patent number: 5370790
    Abstract: Mid-distillate hydrocarbon fuels, preferably having initial boiling points above 350.degree. F., are separated e.g. by prep-HPLC into non-aromatic and aromatic fractions which are used to set 0% aromatics (the non-aromatics) and 100% aromatics (the aromatics) on an NIR spectrophotometer. From NIR aromatic band absorbances of unknown samples, their percent aromatics is determined using this two-point calibration and the Beer-Lambert equation. Preferred NIR bands of 1650-1700 and 2120-2256 exhibit excel lent correlation with aromatics content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Maggard, William T. Welch
  • Patent number: 5348645
    Abstract: Mid-distillate hydrocarbon fuels, preferably having initial boiling points above 350.degree. F., are separated e.g. by prep-HPLC into non-aromatic and aromatic fractions which are used to set 0% aromatics (the non-aromatics) and 100% aromatics (the aromatics) on an NIR spectrophotometer. From NIR aromatic band absorbances of unknown samples, their percent aromatics is determined using this two-point calibration and the Beer-Lambert equation. Preferred NIR bands of 1650-1700 and 2120-2256 exhibit excellent correlation with aromatics content. Also similar techniques measure sulfur through correlation with the benzothiophenic band and its overtones and combination bands, or possibly directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Maggard, William T. Welch
  • Patent number: 5322618
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fluidized catalytic cracking of heavy oil feed using a plurality of feed nozzles. Flow through each nozzle is controlled based on distribution of feed, steam or catalyst in the reactor, as determined by a scanner such as a rotating gamma ray source and detector. More uniform contact of catalyst and feed improves conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Raterman
  • Patent number: 5308470
    Abstract: Non-carcinogenic asphalts and asphalt blending stocks are produced from reduced hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such non-carcinogenic products are produced by establishing a functional relationship between mutagenicity index and a physical property correlative of hydrocarbon type for the asphalt or asphalt blending stock and determining a critical physical property level which, when achieved, results in a product having a mutagenicity index of less than about 1.0. Process conditions are established so that a product stream achieving the desired physical property level can be produced. Non-carcinogenic asphalts and asphalt blending stocks are then processed utilizing the conditions so established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: Gary R. Blackburn, Carl R. Mackerer, Timothy A. Roy
  • Patent number: 5298155
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for controlling product yields in a fluid catalytic cracker unit. In particular, the invention is directed to a process wherein the introduction of feed into a catalytic cracking zone is effected by feed injectors which optimize the atomization of the feed in order to achieve yield and/or quality objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Craig Y. Sabottke
  • Patent number: 5243122
    Abstract: In a steam active catalytic process employing a fixed catalyst bed for the dehydrogenation of alkanes to alkenes wherein reaction temperatures above about 500.degree. C. (932.degree. F.) must be maintained for commercially feasible conversions, the decline in catalyst activity druing a production period is slowed by maintaining a substantially constant temperature for the reaction effluent while allowing the average temperature of the fixed catalyst bed to rise during a production period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Francis M. Brinkmeyer, Kelly B. Savage, Steven D. Bridges
  • Patent number: 5215653
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling catalyst inventory in the reactor of an ebullated bed process has been discovered. Pressure differentials are measured to calculate a catalyst inventory characterization factor. This factor is calculated by means of a new algorithm. Aged catalyst is withdrawn and fresh catalyst added in an amount to reestablish the value of the factor. The catalyst to oil ratio is maintained despite changes in bed ebullation, gas and liquid holdups, oil residence time and conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald V. Nelson, Govanon Nongbri
  • Patent number: 5213696
    Abstract: The present invention is an automatic filter cleaning system which includes a solvent dewaxing filter which removes wax from a wax mix slurry and provides a filtrate. Status control apparatus is connected to the filter for affecting the operational status of the filter. Drain apparatus responsive to a control signal controls draining of the filter. Cleaning apparatus is also connected to the filter. A control network connected to the status apparatus, the draining apparatus and the cleaning apparatus controls those apparatus in a manner so as to allow selective changing of the status of the filter from an operational state to a down state to automatically drain the filter and clean the filter while the filter is in the down state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignees: Star Enterprise, Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Patrone, John D. Martin, Kevin Lyon, Charles W. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5164074
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling pressure in a combination hydrodesulfurization and reforming process wherein the pressure of a hydrogen-rich gas source from the reforming process is adjusted by coordinately manipulating a vent control valve for the hydrodesulfurization process and a vent control valve for the reforming process in a manner that insures maximum utilization of available hydrogen for desulfurization before any of the hydrogen from the reforming process is vented through its own vent valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas J. Houghton
  • Patent number: 5156733
    Abstract: In an ebullated bed process, it has been found that in switching from one sediment yielding feedstock to a second sediment yielding feedstock that the transient sediment concentration has caused unit shutdowns with lost production. A method has been found which avoids these high transient sediment concentrations. Fresh addition is substituted for regenerated catalyst addition until the average carbon on catalyst in the bed drops to 22 wt% basis carbon free catalyst. Second feedstock is added incrementally and sediment in the product analyzed. After full second feedstock rate is achieved, first feedstock is reduced incrementally with sediment analysis. Higher unit utilization is achieved with the corresponding increased yearly production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Govanon Nongbri, Gerald V. Nelson, Stanley M. Farabee
  • Patent number: 5100535
    Abstract: Nitrogenous compounds especially bases such as amines are used to control the operation of a hydrocracker. Catalyst activity and selectivity may be controlled by addition of the base to the feed, for example, to control the balance between isomerization and conversion in an operation using a zeolite beta catalyst. Runaway conditions may be controlled by the addition of nitrogenous compounds and if they are added at intermediate points along the length of the reactor, the temperature profile within the reactor can be effectively regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Nai Yuen Chen, Tai-Sheng Chou, Grant G. Karsner, Clinton R. Kennedy, Rene B. LaPierre, Melcon G. Melconian, Richard J. Quann, Stephen S. Wong
  • Patent number: 5082985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for steam cracking a mixture of hydrocarbons comprising passing steam and the mixture of hydrocarbons through at least one heated cracking tube. The process is characterised in that it is controlled by analyzing the mixture of hydrocarbons fed to the cracking tube with an infrared spectrophotometer to determine the absorbances at a number n of wavelengths in the range 0.8 to 2.6 microns and by using the results of this absorbance to determine one or more values V of steam cracking process conditions which will achieve a desired value P of the space time yield of one or more products of the steam cracking reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventors: Pierre G. Crouzet, Andre J. Martens
  • Patent number: 5047125
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the Reid Vapor Pressure of either an overhead, side draw or bottoms product stream of a fractionating column used for fractionating a multi-component hydrocarbon feed stream into an overhead product stream, a side draw product stream and a bottoms product stream are provided. The Reid Vapor Pressure of the particular product stream is determined in response to the temperature of the product stream, the vapor pressure of the product stream, the rate of flow of the bottoms product stream, the rate of flow of the overhead product stream, and/or the rate of flow of the side draw product stream without further analyses thereof. The Reid Vapor Pressure indication is used to maintain the actual Reid Vapor Pressure of the particular product stream substantially equal to the desired Reid Vapor Pressure of the particular product stream and to thereby control the quality of the desired product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia A. Meier, W. Jeff Meier, Brent J. Woodland
  • Patent number: 5034119
    Abstract: Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are produced from reduced hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such non-carcinogenic products are produced by establishing a functional relationship between mutagenicity index and a physical property correlative of hydrocarbon type for the bright stock extract or deasphalted oil and determining a critical physical property level which, when achieved, results in a product having a mutagenicity index of less than about 1.0. Process conditions are established so that a product stream achieving the desired physical property level can be produced. Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are then processed utilizing the conditions so established. A bright stock extract and a deasphalted oil substantilly free from mutagenic activity, as well as processes for their production are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Gary R. Blackburn, Carl R. Mackerer, Nigel Searle, Arshavir E. Mekitarian, Edward N. Ladov
  • Patent number: 5024730
    Abstract: A system controls a delayed coker in which a heavy liquid hydrocarbon feedstock is thermally decomposed to a solid coke product in a cyclical process. When the coking portion of the cycle is completed, the coke in the drum is cooled by quench water, and the quench water is then passed from the coke drum through a manifold to a drain conduit. Hot vapor is passed through the coke drum, via the same manifold to warm the coke drum. A temperature controller, valve actuator and ball valve allow passage of vapor to the coker fractionator at a manifold temperature at which all water is in the vapor state. Manifold temperatures at which liquid water may exist causes the ball valve to close, preventing liquid water from flowing into the coker fractionator. Upset of the coker fractionator is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Colvert
  • Patent number: 5000924
    Abstract: An autoacceleration control for a catalytic hydrocracker wherein, by means of a model of the reactor, there is generated a signel predicting the reaction temperature and means under the control of the signal adjusting the rate of application of a corrective agent to thereby inhibit auto acceleration of the hydrocracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Elsagainternational B.V.
    Inventors: Robert M. Cygnarowicz, Joseph G. Patella
  • Patent number: 4985140
    Abstract: There is here disclosed an apparatus for continuously measuring on an on-line system a flash point of an intermediate fraction such as kerosene in a petroleum distillation process from a difference between gas concentrations of the intermediate fraction at two predetermined temperatures; and a method for controlling the flash point of the intermediate fraction from the thus measured value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohide Saito, Shohei Shibuya, Kentaro Inomata
  • Patent number: 4973386
    Abstract: A process for the detection and measurement of wall coke at a specific location in a fluid bed coker through the measurement of the vibrations of the external shell of the coker at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Callegari, Eugene R. Elzinga, Jr., George D. Cody, Roger W. Cohen
  • Patent number: 4968410
    Abstract: System for recovering purified oil from a mixture of oil, water, and solid particles; comprising allowing the mixture to settle while heating to about 160.degree. F. to form a lower water layer and an upper oil layer; pumping off the water layer and passing it through a strainer to separate solids; pumping off the oil, passing it through a strainer to remove solids, heating the strained oil and passing it through a purification step including filtering fine solids, heating the oil to vaporize any volatile components, and separating the vapors so produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Electrolube Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester L. Johnson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4929335
    Abstract: A method for assaying incompatible sediment in a blended heavy fuel oil is provided. The method is based on measuring total light absorption at 1600 nanometers wavelength, for example, of two or more samples blended to different viscosities, at least one such sample being at specification viscosity. The method may be used to control visbreaker severity so as to reduce the large ERT safety margin commonly used by refiners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Altman, Byung C. Choi, Grant G. Karsner
  • Patent number: 4915817
    Abstract: An improved process for the flexible production of high-quality gas oil from two crude gas oil feedstocks deriving from primary fractionation consisting of subjecting the heavy crude gas oil feedstock to catalytic dewaxing in the presence of hydrogen, adding a lighter crude gas oil feedstock to the actual effluent from the dewaxing stage and subjecting these feedstocks simultaneously to catalytic desulphurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: AGIP Petroli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gilberto Callera, Antonio Cerase, Luciano Vinti, Andrea D'Alberton
  • Patent number: 4913800
    Abstract: A method has been discovered for controlling catalytic reactor bed temperature in an ebullated bed process. A sour, aromatic feedstock is mixed with a conventional ebullated bed residual oil feedstock in a controlled ratio. The aromatic feedstock is catalytically cracked and thereby releases heat. The flow rate of the aromatic feedstock is controlled to maintain the reactor bed at a selected catalytic reaction temperature.Both feedstocks are upgraded to a fuel boiling range fraction and the fired heater is eliminated for the conventional feedstock and optionally for the hydrogen-containing gas feed stream as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Sayles, William B. Livingston, MIchael P. Bellinger
  • Patent number: 4897181
    Abstract: The pressure of a source of hydrogen-rich gas, which is generated at an elevated pressure as a by-product in a reforming process, is controlled by manipulating two vent valves so as to permit maximum utilization of the hydrogen-rich gas in a hydrodesulfuration process which consumes hydrogen in its operation. Control action to maintain the pressure of the source of hydrogen-rich gas requires that hydrogen-rich gas generated in the reforming process, which must be vented to reduce pressure, is vented through a hydrodesulfurization reactor in ample quantity for operation of the hydrodesulfurization reaction, and only that amount of hydrogen-rich gas which cannot be utilized in the hydrodesulfurization reactor is vented directly from the source of hydrogen-rich gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Houghton
  • Patent number: 4894145
    Abstract: In a fractional distillation tower which is divided into a plurality of sections by total drawoff trays, and wherein at least one fraction is withdrawn from each section. The cut point temperature between fractions is determined based on the partial pressure and temperature of the vapor in the upper portion of a section. The thus determined cut point temperature may be compared to a set point with the results of the comparison being utilized to maintain the actual cut point temperature between fractions substantially equal to the desired cut point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Applied Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 4891464
    Abstract: The rate at which an oxygen-containing gas stream is admixed with hydrocarbons and hydrogen upstream of a catalytic hydrogen oxidation zone is controlled on the basis of temperature differentials across the oxidation zone and an upstream catalytic dehydrogenation zone. This control overrides the normal control mode based upon the outlet temperature of the oxidation zone effluent stream, which is the inlet temperature to a subsequent bed of hydrocarbon conversion catalyst. The control method can be used to apply oxidative reheat technology to a variety of processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Darrell W. Staggs
  • Patent number: 4889600
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the Reid Vapor Pressure of a bottoms product stream of a fractionating column used for fractionating a multi-component hydrocarbon feed stream into an overhead product stream and a bottoms product stream are provided. The Reid Vapor Pressure of the bottoms product stream is determined in response to the temperature of the bottoms product stream, the vapor pressure of the bottoms product stream, the rate of flow of the bottoms product stream and the rate of flow of the overhead product stream, without an analysis of the particular product stream. The Reid Vapor Pressure indication is used to maintain the actual Reid Vapor Pressure of the bottoms product system substantially equal to the desired Reid Vapor Pressure of the bottoms product stream and to thereby control the quality of the bottoms and other product streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia A. Meier, W. Jeff Meier, Brent J. Woodland
  • Patent number: 4885062
    Abstract: A control system controls a lubricating oil dewaxing apparatus. The temperature of waxy oil flowing through the apparatus is controlled. A sequential plurality of temperature sensing means senses the temperature of the waxy oil. A Comparing Means determines an isothermal heat transfer zone corresponding to latent heat transfer wax crystallization. Temperature upstream of the isothermal zone is controlled to a selected chilling rate. Temperature downstream of the isothermal zone is controlled to a selected filtering temperature. The control system effects the growth of wax crystals of a uniform and moderate size for optimum filtering rate and oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Harrison, Michael J. Gerondale, Anthony J. Patrone, James O. Y. Ong
  • Patent number: 4877488
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the detection and measurement of wall coke at a specific location in a fluid bed coker through the measurement of the vibrations of the external shell of the coker at that location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: George D. Cody, Eugene R. Elzinga, Jr., Andrew J. Callegari, Roger W. Cohen
  • Patent number: 4869809
    Abstract: A process for separation of aromatic and nonaromatic hydrocarbons by solvent extraction is improved by incorporating control methods which optimize utility costs while maintaining desired product purities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Michael E. Sarna
  • Patent number: 4869808
    Abstract: A continuous process for hydrocarbon conversion wherein a hydrocarbon charge stock is catlytically converted in the presence of hydrogen at hydrocarbon conversion conditions including a first inlet temperature, a first hydrogen to hydrocarbon mole ratio and a first mass flow rate of hydrocarbon into a hydrocarbon product stream in a high space velocity moving bed radial flow reactor containing catalyst wherein at least a portion of the catalyst is pinned and thereby immobilized during high space velocity conversion which process comprises: (a) reducing the first inlet temperature of the reactor by about 10.degree. F. (5.5.degree. C.) to about 100.degree. F. (55.5.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Bipin V. Vora, Norman H. Scott
  • Patent number: 4853337
    Abstract: Crude oil (one of which is a high fouling crude oil) are blended to maintain the incompatible asphaltene thereof below a predetermined level thereby reducing the fouling tendency of the high fouling crude oil. Paraffinic liquids, LPG's, and condensates may also be blended with crude oil, while monitoring and controlling incompatible asphaltenes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Exxon Chemicals Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Ghazi B. Dickakian
  • Patent number: 4849091
    Abstract: FCC catalyst is regenerated in a process providing increased coke-burning capacity without additional heat evolution or air consumption. The process uses a two-stage regeneration arrangement providing initial coke combustion in a low catalyst density-high efficiency contact zone followed by substantial separation of catalyst and regeneration gas and complete regeneration of catalyst particles in a dense bed regeneration zone. Catalyst and gas flow cocurrent prior to this separation but flow countercurrent after the separation. An effective control scheme for regulating oxygen addition to the final zone is also disclosed. This process is applicable to FCC operations for conventional and residual feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Carlos A. Cabrera, Daniel N. Myers, Harold U. Hammershaimb