Abstract: Apparatus for reclaiming a useful oil product has an evaporation chamber, including an inlet for the waste oil, and an outlet for the vaporized oil, as a useful oil product. Burners are provided for heating the evaporation chamber to vaporized oil from the waste oil. A pump and float arrangement are provided for monitoring the level of waste oil in the evaporation chamber, and for pumping additional waste oil into the chamber to maintain the waste oil at a desired level. Continuous operation of the apparatus results in a build up of solid waters, e.g. heavy metals, in the chamber. After a period of operation, the burners are turned off, and the chamber opened, to enable the solid residue to be removed from the chamber. The vaporized oil can be condensed and collected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring the acidity of overhead water in an oil refinery, and dispensing a neutralizing agent into the refinery system at a rate responsive to that measurement. A sample of overhead water is collected and passed through a filter and cation exchange resin. The acid concentration of the sample is then automatically measured and a signal generated based on the concentration. The signal goes to a controller which controls the dispensation rate of neutralizing agent into the refinery system, thus reducing the acidity of the overhead water and limiting the corrosive effects of such acidity.

Abstract: Apparatus for reclaiming a useful oil product has an evaporation chamber, including an inlet for the waste oil, and an outlet for the vaporized oil, as a useful oil product. Burners are provided for heating the evaporation chamber to vaporize oil from the waste oil. A pump and a float arrangement are provided for monitoring the level of waste oil in the evaporation chamber, and for pumping additional waste oil into the chamber to maintain the waste oil at a desired level. Continuous operation of the apparatus results in a build up of solid wastes, e.g. heavy metals, in the chamber. After a period of operation, the burners are turned off, and the chamber opened, to enable the solid residue to be removed from the chamber. The vaporized oil can be condensed and collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided reclaiming a useful oil product from waste oil, such as used lubricating oil. The apparatus comprises an oil feed means, a boiler, a heater and a separating means. The heater is used to heat the waste oil in the boiler to a temperature such that lighter hydrocarbons remain unvolatilized, trapping contaminants therewith. The separating means separates the volatilized lighter hydrocarbons from the unvolatilized heavier hydrocarbons and contaminants.

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.

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.

Abstract: A reformer optimization system including the injection of non-reactive gas into hydrogen recycle gas for increasing hydrogen flow through a recycle compressor. Non-reactive gas is injected into hydrogen-rich gas fed to the compressor at least as early as the hydrogen-rich gas enters the compressor. The quantity of hydrogen is monitored, and the quantity of non-reactive gas injected is controlled in response to the hydrogen quantity. By maintaining a substantially constant molecular weight of the hydrogen gas, hydrogen content thereof is increased. The non-reactive gas is preferably at least one of a group comprising nitrogen, ethane and propane.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving the transportability of a hydrocarbon stream by reducing its viscosity. The apparatus comprises a reactor vessel useful for providing an incremental amount of heat to a hydrocarbon stream by the introduction of an oxidizing agent into the core portion of the stream. The reactor comprises an influent conduit and an effluent conduit in heat exchange relation with each other, at least one oxidant injection nozzle located in either or both the influent and/or effluent conduits, a conduit to transport oxidant to the nozzles and a valve in the oxidant conduit to control oxidant flow to the nozzles. The reactor can also contain temperature monitors in the influent and/or effluent conduits and an oxidant flow controller device responsive to output from the temperature monitors and adapted to adjust oxidant flow to maintain temperatures in the reactor reaction zone within a preselected range.

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.

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.

Abstract: A mobile petroleum processor or refinery. In particular a petroleum processor or refinery which has been constructed on railroad flatbed cars. The different units that make up the refinery are mounted on individual flat bed railroad cars and connected together. These cars can be moved over railroad networks to provide a petroleum refinery which can be moved in, set up, operated and taken down in a short time.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of a liquid hydrocarbon charge containing solids or solids-forming contaminants, e.g., inorganic solids, metals and asphaltenes, which includes a contactor vessel having a liquid charge inlet, a vaporizing media inlet above the charge inlet and a vapor-solids outlet. An atomizer is positioned in the charge inlet for forming small particles of the liquid charge and directing the particles of liquid in a substantially horizontal flat pattern into the contactor vessel. A premix downcomer having a dispersion grid positioned therein is located in the vaporizing media inlet for introducing a fluidized mixture of a gas dispersion media and hot circulating solid particles into the contactor vessel in a substantially vertical flat pattern to traverse the path of the liquid particles and intimately contact the liquid particles.

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.

Abstract: A computer system for a zone fired furnace generates a plurality of temperature set point signals for a plurality of furnace zones. The set point signals are derived from a master controller acting on the measured temperature of fluid that is heated in the plurality of furnace zones and then combined to form a heated stream. The master signal, which is a velocity type signal, is provided to a plurality of zone control stations corresponding to the plurality of furnace zones. Each zone control station integrates the master signal, and then biases the master signal for use as a zone temperature set point. The zone control station can be used to bias the individual coils so as to balance the temperature of the coils with respect to each other, or to intentionally unbalance one or more coils, as desired, so as to improve furnace operations.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon converter furnace has an upper convection heating zone and a lower radiant heating zone, and tubing extends in those zones to convey a fluid hydrocarbon feed and steam in sequence through the convection and radiant heating zones. The tubing includes a feed section and branches therefrom in the radiant section of the furnace, the feed section and branches arranged so that the hydrocarbon and steam flow from the feed section to said branches; also provided is valving for controlling the relative rates of flow in the branches to reduce differential coking in the branches.

Abstract: A temperature control process is disclosed for a hydrocarbon conversion process wherein a feedstock is heated in a furnace and is partly converting in a first reactor, the effluent from the first reactor is cooled in a first heat exchanger and by adding a quench, then the cooled effluent is converted in a second reactor, and the effluent from the second reactor is cooled in a second heat exchanger. Part of the pre-furnace feedstock is used as coolant for the two heat exchangers, the amount of coolant being controlled by a first bypass valve for a line bypassing both heat exchangers and by a second bypass valve for a line bypassing only the second heat exchanger. The inlet temperature for the second reactor is controlled while maximizing the pre-furnace feedstock temperature by adjusting the valve for quench and the two bypass valves.

Abstract: For parallel heat exchangers, one using a more preferred heat exchange medium as a heat exchange source and another using a less preferred heat exchange medium, maximum use of the more preferred heat exchange medium is used prior to use of the less preferred heat exchange medium in achieving a desired total heat exchange through the parallel heat exchange system. In employing such a heat exchange system in a cracking process it is combined with individual control of flows of feed fluid and diluent fluid to a plurality of individual cracking tubes in a cracking furnace to maintain a desired mass flow of feed fluid and ratio of mass diluent fluid to steam fluid to each such cracking tube.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process, the operation of a reflux pump in the process is enhanced by providing that liquid discharged from the reflux pump is returned directly to the reflux pump suction during the periods when the liquid reflux supply from the fractional distillation process is not sufficient to keep the reflux pump in constant operation.

Abstract: An improved distillation process and apparatus are provided whereby liquid product recovery other than bottom product is maximized and feed stream heating is minimized. Inert gas streams combined with the feed stream and introduced into the distillation tower are controlled whereby feed stream heater residence time and partial pressures of feed stream components are minimized. The temperature of the combined inert gas-feed stream exiting the feed stream heater is controlled at a minimum temperature by establishing signals representative of overflash, bottom product specification and other conditions and comparing such signals whereby the signal which represents the lowest heater outlet temperature is utilized for controlling the heater operation.

Abstract: A process for controlling a distillation column in which a feedstock is distilled for separation into a product from the top of the column having a first predetermined content of an intended component with a high boiling point and a product from the bottom of the column having a second predetermined content of an intended component with a low boiling point. The process includes the steps of computing a desired value of the flow rate of the product from the bottom of the column in accordance with a material balance and controlling the flow rate of the bottom product in accordance with a corrected desired value which is derived from one of deviations between the actual and desired compositions of the top or bottom products or limit values depending upon the magnitude and direction of the deviations. Reflux of part of the top product to the column is also controlled in accordance with the direction of the deviations and their magnitudes or limiting values.

Abstract: The temperature of a crude oil provided from a crude oil preheat furnace to a crude tower is substantially minimized by controlling such temperature so as to maintain a desired minimum overflash flow in the crude tower. Also, the temperature of each of the individual coils in the preheat furnace are balanced with respect to each other. Such minimization and balancing results in substantially optimal utilization of the fuel provided to the preheat furnace which results in considerable economic savings with respect to the operation of the preheat furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fluid condition in a fluid recovery system for removing water and solid contaminants from a fluid is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention relates to an improved fluid level indicator device for indicating and controlling the fluid level in a vacuum distillation chamber. A second aspect of the invention relates to an improved sight glass used for monitoring the condition of the cleaned fluid. The sight glass is a one-piece unit formed from a homogeneous, substantially transparent material. Both fluid level indicator and sight glass are designed to function individually or in combination in the severe environment and under the diverse operating conditions of the fluid recovery system.

Abstract: The Reid Vapor Pressure of a hydrocarbon mixture consisting essentially of hydrocarbons selected from the same series is determined based on the actual temperature and vapor pressure of the hydrocarbon mixture. The thus determined Reid Vapor Pressure may be compared to a set point for the Reid Vapor Pressure with the results of the comparison being utilized to maintain the actual Reid Vapor Pressure substantially equal to the desired Reid Vapor Pressure.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which a sidedraw product stream is withdrawn from the fractional distillation column, the flow rate of the overhead product stream is controlled so as to increase the flow of the upper external reflux so as to drop as much as possible of the overhead product into the sidedraw product stream. However, valve position control is utilized to override the control of the flow of the overhead product stream, which is being controlled so as to substantially maximize the flow of the sidedraw product stream, if the valve controlling the flow of the upper external reflux approaches fully open such that control of the liquid level in the overhead accumulator associated with the fractional distillation process is not lost.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for the recovery of low, medium and high boiling components from feed streams containing same wherein reboiler fouling, gumming and the like are minimized, via the control of fractionator reboiler temperatures.

Abstract: In an aromatic extraction process, the flow rate of aromatics to the extraction column is utilized to control the downstream stripping column so as to maintain a desired purity of the aromatic extract stream withdrawn from the stripping column. Also, the flow rate of solvent to the extraction column is manipulated so as to maintain a desired aromatic concentration in the raffinate stream withdrawn from the extraction column. This control, together with other interactive control functions, results in a control of the aromatic extraction process which substantially maximizes the profitability of the extraction process.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which it is desired to maintain a desired overhead product composition and bottoms product composition, a set point for the flow rate of the external reflux to the fractional distillation column is increased or decreased by an incremental amount or is left constant based on whether the concentration of the heavy key component in the overhead product stream and the concentration of the light key component in the bottoms product stream are above a high limit, below a low limit, between the high limit and low limit or some combination thereof. At the same time, a temperature set point for the fractional distillation column is increased or decreased by an incremental amount or is left constant depending on the same factors. Use of these set points for process control provides control of the overhead product composition and bottoms product composition without the use of analysis controllers.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which a pump around stream is utilized to control heat removal from an upper portion of the fractional distillation column and in which the pump around stream is utilized to preheat the feed stream flowing to the fractional distillation column, control signals derived from an analysis of the overhead product stream from the fractional distillation column are utilized to substantially maximize the flow rate of the pump around stream. This results in a maximum preheating of the feed stream flowing to the fractional distillation column which improves the energy efficiency of the fractional distillation process. Also, a desired overhead product specification is maintained.

Abstract: The heat to a feed in a distillation operation is controlled in response to the amount of liquid in a liquid condensate collection means.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which the designation of the primary product stream changes, the desired composition of the primary product stream and a secondary product stream are maintained without losing automatic control of the process for an extended period of time while the controllers controlling the process are retuned for the new operating conditions. Two sets of tuning constants are available to each controller and these tuning constants are automatically switched as required by the designation of the primary product stream.

Abstract: A desired cloud point temperature for a side draw product stream from a fractional distillation column is maintained at a desired level by comparing a calculated actual cloud point temperature, which is updated periodically by a cloud point measurement, to a desired cloud point temperature with results of the comparison being utilized to control the flow rate of the side draw product stream so as to maintain the actual cloud point temperature of the side draw product stream substantially equal to the desired cloud point temperature. Use of the calculated cloud point temperature provides a means by which continuous control of the actual cloud point temperature of the side draw product stream can be maintained.

Abstract: A batch distillation operation is automatically controlled from a start-up mode to a shut-down mode.

Abstract: A fractional distillation process, in which the flow rate of the external reflux is utilized to control the bottoms product composition, is controlled so as to maintain a desired bottoms product composition to the extent that maintaining the desired bottoms product composition does not cause a process constraint to be violated. A plurality of actual process conditions are compared to process constraints for those process conditions to determine if the flow rate of the external reflux should remain the same, be increased by an incremental amount or be decreased by an incremental amount. The order of the comparison of process constraints to actual process conditions is such that the most important comparison will control the external reflux flow rate if that comparison indicates that a process constraint has been violated.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which a compressor is used to supply heat to the fractional distillation process, a plurality of signals representative of a plurality of speeds of the compressor, required to prevent various process constraints from being violated or maintain various desired process operating conditions respectively, are compared. The signal representative of the highest compressor speed is utilized to control the compressor. In this manner, the compressor is run at the minimum speed required to satisfy the various process constraints and maintain the desired process operating conditions.

Abstract: In a process in which liquid flows to a vessel and is then withdrawn from the vessel, method and apparatus is provided for implementing nonlinear liquid level control by providing a variable set point to a conventional level controller. The variable set point is a nonlinear function of the actual liquid level in the vessel. The variable set point enables the vessel to absorb disturbances in the flow rate of the liquid flowing to the vessel while the actual liquid level in the vessel remains between a desired high and low limit thus providing a smooth flow of liquid from the vessel.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are preheated, particularly for a hydrodesulfurization process by first heating the hydrocarbon stream to produce a vapor and a liquid stream, thereafter superheating at least some of the vapor phase and mixing the superheated vapor phase with the liquid phase to generate the hydrocarbon feedstream at the desired temperature. By this procedure only the evaporated hydrocarbons are subjected to a high temperature, but not the heavier hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A control system for distillation column with a sidedraw line is provided wherein a prediction on the influence by changes in the feed stream with respect to the sidedraw composition is made.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation column, a desired ratio between the flow rate of a side draw product stream and the internal reflux flow rate at the particular tray from which a side draw stream is withdrawn from the fractional distillation column is maintained by manipulating the flow rate of the center reflux stream so as to maintain the desired ratio between the internal reflux flow rate and a side draw product stream flow rate at the particular tray from which the side draw stream is withdrawn from the fractional distillation column. Control of the ratio between the flow rate of a side draw product stream and the internal reflux flow rate results in an improved side draw product stream purity.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which the designation of the primary product stream changes, the desired composition of the primary product stream and a secondary product stream are maintained without loosing automatic control of the process for an extended period of time while the controllers controlling the process are retuned for the new operating conditions. Two sets of tuning constants are available to each controller and these tuning constants are automatically switched as required by the designation of the primary product stream.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for controlling the quantity and period of charging of pitch coke furnaces whose pitch supply conduits are connected to a heatable ring conduit and are in connection with at least one pitch reservoir via this ring conduit. In the pitch supply conduits, pitch dosing containers are arranged, which containers rest on bearing-pressure measuring means. Via these bearing-pressure measuring means, the respective filling level of the pitch dosing containers is determinable.

Abstract: In a fractionation distillation process in which a pump around stream and an external reflux are utilized to control heat removal from an upper portion of the fractional distillation column and in which the pump around stream is utilized to preheat the feed stream flowing to the fractional distillation, the flow rate of the pump around stream is manipulated so as to substantially maximize the flow rate of the pump around stream while maintaining a desired heat removal from the fractional distillation column. Priority control of the pump around stream and external reflux result in a maximum preheating of the feed stream flowing to the fractional distillation column which improves the energy efficiency of the fractional distillation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a residual crude oil into a light oil fraction and a heavy oil fraction in which the oil is first separated into a first light oil fraction and a first heavy oil fraction, the first heavy oil fraction is further separated into a second light oil fraction, an intermediate oil fraction and a second heavy oil fraction and the intermediate fraction is recycled to the first separation step.

Abstract: A non-linear level controller is provided in which the proportional term is a function of the actual liquid level in a vessel compared to the actual liquid level in the vessel at a previous time. The integral term is a function of the actual liquid level in the vessel compared to a set point which is representative of the desired liquid level in the vessel. Both the proportional term and the integral term are modified by a variable gain factor which is a non-linear function of the liquid level being controlled. The proportional term and integral term are combined to provide the controller output which is utilized to manipulate a flow of liquid from the vessel in which the liquid level is being controlled.

Abstract: A draw rate signal generator for an atmospheric crude distillation unit receiving crude oil and providing streams 1 through 5 and a reduced crude oil includes flow rate sensors sensing the flow rates of the crude oil and of streams 1 through 4 and providing corresponding signals. Analyzers sample the crude oil and provide signals corresponding to the 35% point temperature, the API gravity and the vapor pressure of the crude oil. End point analyzers sample streams Nos. 1 and 3 and provide signals representative of the end point temperatures of streams Nos. 1 and 3, respectively. 50% point analyzers sample streams 2, 3 and 4 and provide signals corresponding to the 50% point temperatures of streams Nos. 2, 3 and 4, respectively. A circuit connected to the sensors, to the crude analyzers, to the end point analyzers and to the 50% analyzers provide signals corresponding to the draw rates for streams Nos. 1 through 5 in accordance with signals from the sensors and analyzers.

Abstract: A control system for a fractional distillation column in which a pumparound stream is used to remove heat from the fractional distillation column is disclosed. A combination of feedforward and feedback control is utilized to control the heat removal by the pumparound stream in such a manner that smoother operation of the fractional distillation column will be accomplished and a closer approach to required product specifications will be approached.

Abstract: In a fractionation process in which at least two fractional distillation columns are cascaded in series, the vapor from the overhead accumulator associated with the first fractional distillation column in the series is provided to a feed tank for the second fractional distillation column in the series. The flow of the vapor from the overhead accumulator associated with the first fractional distillation column in the series is controlled by means of a control valve. An interactive control system is utilized to maintain the pressure in the overhead accumulator associated with the first fractional distillation column within safe operating limits, maintain the control valve at a substantially fully open position so as to minimize the pressure drop across the control valve controlling the flow of vapor from the overhead accumulator associated with the first fractional distillation column, and maintain the pressure in the feed tank to the second fractional distillation column at a desired value.

Abstract: A control system for a fractional distillation column, where the feed to the fractional distillation column is supplied from at least one separator, is disclosed in which overloading of the fractional distillation column is prevented by monitoring a control parameter associated with the fractional distillation column which indicates that the fractional distillation column is being overloaded. The flow of the feed from the at least one separator is manipulated to maintain the control parameter which indicates that the fractional distillation column is being overloaded within desired limits. The feed to the at least one separator is manipulated to maintain the liquid level in the at least one separator within desired limits.

Abstract: A fractionation column is provided with a feed inlet and three product outlets, with the product outlets including an overhead vapor outlet, a bottoms liquid outlet and a side draw outlet. A plurality of vertically spaced apart vapor-liquid contact trays are mounted in the column. A generally vertical partition is positioned within the column in a central region between an upper and a lower vapor-liquid contact tray and divides the central region into first and second chambers defined by the upper and lower trays, column shell and partition. The feed inlet opens into the first chamber while the side draw outlet opens into the second chamber. First control means is provided for controlling the various inputs and outputs of the column. Second control means is also provided for measuring various constituent portions of fluid mixtures within the column.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and control system for the fractionation of a hydrocarbon feed stream containing relatively nonvolatile impurities. A sidecut liquid stream which is substantially free of the impurities is withdrawn below the feed point. The liquid derived from the feed stream is confined to a first lateral half of the fractionation column to prevent the transfer of the nonvolatile impurities to the second lateral half from which the sidecut is removed. Liquid descending from above the feed point is collected and distributed between the two lateral halves of the column in response to temperature measurements taken in the two halves to thereby equalize liquid flow rates in the two halves. The flow of vapor between the two halves is not obstructed.

Abstract: In the recovery of natural gas liquids by partial condensation, flashing, and compression, minimum and maximum temperature control of partially condensed feed stream hydrocarbons to a product separator is imposed by a minimum temperature control system which provides the same set point to the pressure controllers on the compressor suction scrubbers for both the product and the flashed vapor produced from the liquid outlet of the product separator with one of the two output signals responsive to the pressure of the product suction scrubber or the flashed vapor suction scrubber manipulating, by way of a selective relay, the engine speed controller of the dual compressor unit taking suction from the two scrubbers; and a maximum temperature controller which controls the rate of by-pass of natural gas feed around the partial condensation-separation system unless, by means of a selective relay, compressor availability is a more limiting criterion.