Abstract: A process for separating a selected component from a fluid mixture of components by employment of an ion exchange resin. Fluid flow is maintained during a separation mode through a column containing the adsorbent in at least three separation zones, an adsorption zone in which the selected component is adsorbed by the adsorbent, a purification zone and a desorption zone from which the selected component is displaced by a desorbent material. The zones are periodically shifted through the column by advancing the input and output streams. The improvement comprises periodically backflushing the resin bed in a backflushing mode distinct from the separation mode by passing a feed material through the same line that will pass the feed material in the separation mode following backflushing and removing a backflushing output stream upstream, with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the separation mode, of the feed stream inlet.

Abstract: A process for separating a selected component from a fluid mixture of components by employment of an ion exchange resin. Fluid flow is maintained through a column containing the adsorbent in at least three separation zones, an adsorption zone in which the selected component is adsorbed by the adsorbent, a purification zone and a desorption zone from which the selected component is displaced by a desorbent material. There is also a backflushing zone, upstream of either the feed or desorbent stream inlets, in which the direction of fluid flow is opposite the direction of flow through the three separation zones. The zones are periodically shifted through the column by advancing the input and output streams. The backflushing serves to decrease the density of the resin bed thereby controlling the pressure drop developed through that bed when it is in service as part of a separation zone.

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.

Abstract: A control method and system for regulating the heat input to the reboiler section of a distillation column having attendant thereto a first external heat-recovery reboiler. Flow-measuring means, disposed within a substantially liquid-free environment, produces a signal which is representative of the quantity of vapor flowing from the reboiler section upwardly into the fractionation section of the column. This signal is transmitted to heat-varying means whereby the heat input to a second external reboiler heater is regulated in response to the quantity of vapor flow.

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.