Abstract: In an apparatus for contacting gas and liquid comprising a substantially vertical column containing a number of substantially horizontal contacting trays in which each tray is provided with passages for gas and liquid, which apparatus further comprises a controller indicating the density of the mixture of gas and liquid at at least one contacting tray which controller communicates with means to control the flow of liquid from a lower contacting tray ("control tray"), upwards-flowing gas from the lowermost contacting tray and downwards-flowing liquid from an upper contacting tray are contacted, the improvement comprising that the density of the mixture of upwards-flowing gas and downwards-flowing liquid at least one contacting tray is monitored and said density is maintained at a desired level by controlling the flow of liquid from the control tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing vapor/liquid contacting trays on startup of a downcomer-equipped vapor/liquid contactor comprising a series of gas/liquid contacting trays, at least some of said trays having a weir to maintain a liquid level thereon, a downcomer whereby liquid may flow down to the next lower tray and a seal area positioned underneath said downcomer for providing a liquid seal between successive trays in said series which comprises, prior to full liquid loading of a tray, collecting a portion of the first liquid on said tray, and passing it directly to said seal area positioned underneath said downcomer.

Abstract: The invention therefore relates to a chimney tray hat apparatus for de-entraining droplets of liquid entrained in a stream containing vapor and liquid droplets flowing upwardly through a tray chimney in a vapor/liquid processing device, the chimney tray hat apparatus comprising a top cover or hat having an upper side and an underside which intercepts entrained liquid droplets flowing upwardly through the tray chimney, supports for supporting the chimney tray hat directly above the tray chimney, and a catcher ring and gutter for collecting the liquid impinging on the underside of the top cover and draining the liquid onto the supports and through the tray chimney.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquids having different densities, such as a hydrocarbon layer floating on a liquid surface in vertically surging body of liquid. A surge vessel receives the fluid to be separated, via an inlet located at or near the bottom of the vessel. The vessel is provided with a collection means positioned above the liquid inlet and maximum liquid level such as a baffle contained within the vessel for collecting the lighter fluid phase. Changes in the vertical displacement of the liquid body within the surge vessel provide the driving force for the collection means to operate. For vessels having less frequent level changes, the collection device may also include a container, such as a box, positioned below the baffle. As the liquid level in the surge vessel rises, some of the lighter fluid phase will be trapped under the baffle.

Abstract: A process for the multi-stage condensation of an overhead fraction is disclosed. The process facilitates optimal response to changes in distillation column controls wherein column top reflux condensation is preferentially returned to said distillation column, but auxiliary surge capacity is obtained by connection to a first accumulator section of an accumulating zone, which surge capacity is supplemented by one-way flow of liquid from a cooler, second section in said accumulation zone.

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 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 process for distilling and condensing a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the use of a portion of the uncondensed vapor in achieving more efficient heat utilization. In a principal embodiment, the multi-component liquid is distilled to produce an overhead vapor, and the vapor is condensed to produce a condensate and a partially cooled vapor. The partially cooled vapor is separated into major and minor portions, the bulk of the major portion is condensed to produce a condensation effluent, and the condensation effluent (comprising liquid or liquid and vapor) is contacted in a contacting zone with the minor portion of partially cooled vapor. The contacting produces a liquid which is collected in an accumulation zone.

Abstract: A process for the distillation and condensation of a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the contacting of a warm portion of the overhead vapor with a cool liquid portion of the overhead to achieve a higher accumulator liquid temperature. In a principal embodiment, a multi-component liquid is distilled, the overhead vapor is separated into major and minor portions, and the bulk of the major portion is condensed. Liquid is separated from the remaining vapor of the major portion, and the separated liquid is divided into major and minor fractions. The major fraction of liquid is collected in an accumulation zone, and is contacted in the accumulation zone with at least the bulk of the minor portion of overhead vapor. Vapor from the accumulation zone is contacted with the minor fraction of liquid in a contacting zone.

Abstract: A process for distilling and condensing a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the use of a portion of uncondensed vapor in achieving more efficient heat utilization. In a principal embodiment, a multi-component liquid is distilled to produce an overhead vapor, the vapor is partially condensed, and the vapor-condensate is separated into a minor liquid fraction and a major vapor-liquid portion. The major vapor-liquid fraction is then separated into vapor and liquid, and the liquid therefrom is accumulated in an accumulation zone. The separated vapor is then contacted with the minor liquid fraction in a contacting zone, thereby absorbing the vapor and transferring its heat to the liquid fraction.

Abstract: A process for the distillation and condensation of a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the utilization of a portion of the condensate in achieving increased separation of components of no-condensed vapor. In a principal embodiment, the overhead from a distillation column is cooled, condensing a portion thereof, and the condensed portion is accumulated in an accumulation zone. A first liquid stream is removed from the accumulation zone for reflux, while a second liquid stream is cooled, and then contacts, in a separate zone, the uncondensed portion of the overhead. The contacting absorbs and condenses components of the vapor, and the second liquid and absorbed components are collected in the accumulation zone.

Abstract: A continuous, cyclic, vapor-phase adsorption process for the separation of normal paraffins from a hydrocarbon feed mixture, providing improved efficiency of separation and continuity in product flows. For purposes of this process, a continuous flow of the feed mixture and a continuous flow of an eluent are passed in repetitions of a particular sequence of nine process steps to at least three molecular sieve adsorbent beds.

Abstract: A continuous, cyclic, vapor-phase adsorption process for the separation of normal paraffins from a hyrocarbon feed mixture, providing improved efficiency of separation and continuity of product flows. For purposes of this process, a continuous flow of the feed mixture and a continuous flow of an eluent are passed in repetitions of a particular sequence of six process steps to at least three molecular sieve adsorbent beds.

Abstract: A continuous, cyclic, vapor-phase adsorption process for the separation of normal paraffins from a hydrocarbon feed mixture, providing improved efficiency of separation and/or continuity of product flows. For purposes of this process, a continuous flow of the feed mixture and a continuous flow of an eluent are passed in repetitions of a particular sequence of six process steps to at least three adsorbent beds.

Abstract: A continuous, cyclic, vapor-phase adsorption process for the separation of normal paraffins from a hydrocarbon feed mixture, providing improved efficiency of separation and continuity of product flows. For purposes of this process, a continuous flow of the feed mixture and a continuous flow of an eluent are passed in repetitions of a particular sequence of six process steps to at least four adsorbent beds.

Abstract: An improved process for the fractional distillation of a multi-component liquid in a multiple tray fractional distillation column having at least one sidedraw tray is disclosed, the process being characterized by elimination of draw tray overflow from at least one sidedraw tray, provision of a circulating reflux, and removal of reflux from the locus of the circulating reflux withdrawal zone.

Abstract: A novel crude oil fractional distillation process, characterized by improved regulation of reflux in the de-entrainment section of a fractional distillation column, is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved two column crude oil fractional distillation process, characterized by transfer of top product from the second column to specified locations in the first column, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for use in combination with a conventional distillation column to provide for measurement and control of reflux flow from a column intermediate fractionation stage at which a liquid side stream draw is taken. The apparatus comprises liquid receiver, flow control, and flow metering elements of particular description, and of particular relative position.

Abstract: A process for the multistage condensation of an overhead fraction is disclosed. The process employs a single accumulation zone for at least two stages of the condensation, the accumulation zone being characterized by separate accumulation sections formed by a barrier which provides, at or near its bottom, limited liquid flow between the sections.