Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor plate to rotate around a first axis, a bucket attached to the rotor plate and to rotate around a second axis, and a stop plate to rotate around the first axis between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the stop plate engages the bucket to fix an angular position of the bucket relative to a plane of rotation of the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly further includes a housing for a sensor array component, the housing disposed in the bucket and including a solution inlet, a solution outlet, a transfer basin, a solution retainer disposed between the solution outlet and the transfer basin, and a collection reservoir in fluid communication with the transfer basin. The solution inlet and the solution outlet to engage ports of a flow cell of a sensor array.

Abstract: A process for hydrocracking a petroleum feedstock involves: (a) hydrocracking the feedstock to obtain a hydrocracked effluent; (b) liquid/gas separation of the effluent to obtain a gaseous effluent and a liquid effluent; (c) fractionating the liquid effluent at a pressure P1, producing a first distillate and a first residue, (d) recycling a first portion of the first residue to hydrocracking, (e) rectifying a second portion of the first residue at a pressure P2 lower than or equal to the pressure P1, to obtain a secondary distillate, a secondary residue and a vapor stream, (f) purging a portion of the secondary residue, and (g) recycling all or part of the secondary distillate to hydrocracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a rectification column (1000) for separating a mixture (S) containing a component A and a component B having a boiling point higher than that of the component A at an operating pressure of the rectification column (1000) which is lower than ambient pressure, wherein the method comprises a step for controlling the mass fraction of the component B in the product stream of the component A (P1) to a value within a first target range from 0.1% to 5.0% and the mass fraction of the component A in the product stream of the component B (P2) to a value within a second target range from 0.1% to 5.0%, wherein the control is carried out as a function of a controlling temperature (TC) for which a setpoint TCsetpoint is calculated according to the equation TCsetpoint=T2+F·(T1?T2), where F is a factor which is in the range from 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: A water purification system utilizes an ionomer membrane and mild vacuum to draw water from source water through the membrane. A water source may be salt water or a contaminated water source. The water drawn through the membrane passes across the condenser chamber to a condenser surface where it is condensed into purified water. The condenser surface may be metal or any other suitable surface and may be flat or pleated. In addition, the condenser surface may be maintained at a lower temperature than the water on the water source side of the membrane. The ionomer membrane may be configured in a cartridge, a pleated or flat plate configuration. A latent heat loop may be configured to carry the latent heat of vaporization from the condenser back to the water source side of the ionomer membrane. The source water may be heated by a solar water heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mineral base oil including 85 to 92 wt % of a paraffinic hydrocarbon and 8 to 15 wt % of a naphthenic hydrocarbon and having a Noack volatility of 10 to 12 wt % and a viscosity index of 132 to 142.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having a cathode and an anode, a humidifier configured to humidify air that is to be supplied to the cathode, an air supply unit configured to supply the air to the humidifier, and a controller. The controller is configured to adjust a flow rate of the air supplied from the air supply unit, based on a supply of the humidifier, to prevent flooding of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A method and system of wastewater evaporation uses a turbine-based wastewater evaporation system to convert wastewater to steam on the job site at or near the location where the wastewater is produced. The wastewater evaporation system includes a turbine system that heats wastewater within the turbine exhaust collector that is atomized and converted into steam in the presence of turbine exhaust within the turbine exhaust port for discharge. The system may be disposed on a mobile trailer to facilitate disposing on the job site and may be remotely controllable for use by a remote operator. Because the wastewater is disposed of on site, the method and system of wastewater evaporation does not require the use of storage, pipeline or trucking resources, or disposal facilities, and potentially does not require on-site personnel, thereby reducing the costs associated with the disposal of produced wastewater and increasing the economic feasibility of exploration and production operations.

Abstract: A method of process monitoring of an industrial process involving a tangible run an industrial facility includes providing an integrated facility digital twin (DT) implemented by a computer system which implements an aggregation algorithm that utilizes models including a plurality of inter-related static models for the industrial facility including an asset model that describes devices and systems in the industrial facility including sensors coupled to processing equipment and a flowsheet model, and dynamic models of the industrial facility including calculation models, symptom and fault models, dynamic simulation models, and machine learning models. The aggregation algorithm using outputs from the static models and dynamic model, generates an aggregated view including performance alerts for at least one of the process equipment and industrial process based on a current performance of the industrial process.

Abstract: An apparatus for Vapour Liquid Equilibrium (VLE) data measurement of a mixture to establish a quick equilibrium and to avoid flashing is disclosed herein. With the known apparatus, the underlining problems are heat loss or improper mixing, flashing inside the apparatus High boiling point difference, and prolong time to establish equilibrium conditions. In order to overcome stated problems, the apparatus is provided with a vapour-liquid mixer (K) for proper mixing of equilibrium liquid from the equilibrium chamber and vapor condensate from the condenser (L) before recycling back to the boiling chamber (F) to avoid any temperature and composition gradient and for fast attainment of equilibrium. Additionally, a cooling jacket (P) is provided to a mixing chamber (K) and a connecting tube between an equilibrium chamber and the mixing chamber (K) to avoid flashing for the accurate measurement of VLE data.

Abstract: A process for dewatering crude oil is described. The process includes feeding crude oil onto a separation of a cyclone separator that is at least partially disposed in a flash vessel. The temperature are pressure in the flash vessel are selected such that at least 20% of the water contained in the crude oil is flashed from the crude oil as it moves on the separation surface of the cyclone separator. The flow rate and angle of the crude oil inlet is selected such that the crude oil moves across the separation surface as a film in a helical pattern, providing a substantial foaming-free manner. The vapor that is flashed from the crude oil exits the flash vessel at a top outlet and the liquid crude oil exits the flash vessel at a bottom outlet.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for cooling a vent stream from a receiver. Generally, the process may include providing a refrigerant including at least one compound contained in the receiver so the refrigerant leaking into the receiver can be compatible with the process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing a system operating in a first mode of operation include detecting an event associated with a cycle in a first mode of operation. When the cycle ends (i.e., when another event is detected), steady state criteria is applied to determine whether data associated with the cycle satisfies the steady state criteria. Optimization targets can be calculated based on the data associated with the cycle. Control signals including the optimization targets can be applied to a next cycle operating in the first mode of operation to improve process performance.

Abstract: A hydraulic system primary fluid reservoir in fluid communication with an auxiliary reservoir having a cartridge and an elastic fluid impervious chamber and apparatus for sealing the elastic fluid impervious chamber with the interior thereof in fluid communication with the inside air of an associated primary fluid reservoir. Said cartridge contains an oxygen absorber that removes oxygen molecules from the reservoir air. The cartridge includes a desiccant to dry the reservoir air. A metallic heat conduction rod is partially exposed to internal air and partly exposed to ambient air. The conduction rod is in close proximity to the oxygen absorber and desiccant in the cartridge. A cool portion on the conduction rod attracts hot humid internal air causing condensation of water near the surface of the conduction rod.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) chemical absorption system comprising: a CO2 absorption column for separating CO2 from combustion exhaust gas by absorbing the CO2 in the combustion exhaust gas with a CO2 absorbing liquid mainly composed of an aqueous alkanolamine solution; a regeneration column for regenerating the CO2 absorbing liquid by desorbing CO2 gas from the CO2 absorbing liquid that has absorbed CO2; a condenser for condensing water vapor entrained in the desorbed CO2 gas discharged from the top of the regeneration column, thereby obtaining reflux water; a pipe for returning all or part of the reflux water obtained by the condenser to the top of the regeneration column, and dispersing the reflux water in the regeneration column; a collection plate for collecting the reflux water dispersed in an upper portion of a packed bed in the regeneration column; a pipe for sending the regenerated CO2 absorbing liquid from the bottom of the regeneration column to the top of the absorption column; and a pipe for joining th

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a fluid comprising a fluid supply port for receiving a contaminated fluid; a fluid return port for providing a cleaned fluid; an evaporator for evaporating liquid contaminants from the fluid; a fluid line connecting the evaporator between the fluid supply port and the fluid return port; a sensor connected to at least one of the fluid filter, the evaporator, and the fluid line; a controller connected to an output of the sensor, wherein the controller includes: a processor; and a memory device including computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform the steps of: receiving data from the sensor; comparing the data from the sensor to reference data; sending a control signal to at least one of the fluid filter and the evaporator based on comparing the data from the sensor to the reference data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification and desalination. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, multiple evaporation chambers with demisters, heat pipes, and a control system, wherein the control system permits continuous operation of the purification and desalination system without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The system is capable of recovering heat from each distillation stage, while removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminant types including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile organics, and non-volatile organics.

Abstract: An improved process for liquid nitrogen production by cryogenic air separation using a distillation column system to enhance the product recovery.

Abstract: A desalination system (1) for producing a distillate from a feed liquid includes: a steam raising device (2) having a liquid section (5) and a steam section (6) which are separated by a membrane system (7); a membrane distillation device (3) having a first steam section (11) and a liquid section (12) which are separated by a wall (14) and having a second steam section (13) which is separated from the liquid section (12) by a membrane system (15); and a heat exchange device (4) having a first liquid section (21) and a second liquid section (22), which are separated by a wall (23).

Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.

Abstract: A process for compressing a CO2-rich fluid containing water. The CO2-rich fluid is compressed in a compressor; upstream of the compression step, an antifreeze is mixed with the CO2-rich fluid containing water. The CO2-rich fluid containing antifreeze is cooled, water is separated from the cooled fluid and the water-depleted cooled fluid is compressed in the compressor, wherein the CO2-rich fluid containing water is sent to a scrubbing column fed, preferably at the top, with a water/antifreeze mixture, where it cools and is separated from the water, the water-depleted cooled fluid is extracted from the top of the column; a water/antifreeze mixture in the column is extracted at a level below the top; the mixture is cooled using the refrigeration from an apparatus for cooling and/or purifying the cooled fluid compressed in the compressor and the fluid is returned to the top of the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and to a unit for drying and compressing a CO2-rich stream. The CO2-rich fluid is compressed in a compressor; upstream of the compression step, an antifreeze is mixed with the CO2-rich fluid containing water; the CO2-rich fluid containing the antifreeze is cooled, water is separated from the cooled fluid and the water-depleted cooled fluid is compressed in the compressor; and the CO2-rich fluid containing water is sent to a scrubbing column fed with a water/antifreeze mixture, where it cools and is separated from the water.

Abstract: A rectification column for multi-component mixture separation with internal heat and mass exchange, which ensures a heat and mass exchange in the film mode with internal reflux generation along the whole length of heat and mass exchange tubes and which allows for an increased efficiency, is proposed. The rectification column includes the rectifying/enriching section with the heat and mass exchange in its tubular and annular spaces being topped by a heat carrier distributor with a distributor chamber (17) on top of the heat carrier distributor in such a way that a higher pressure of fluid heat carrier in the distributor chamber (17) than in the annular space is allowed. The design of the distributor allows to separate an upper outlet for heat carrier vapors and a lower outlet for liquid heat carrier from the annular space completely from the fluid supply of fluid heat carrier in the distributor chamber. A feed-in device allows the multi-component mixture to enter the tubular spaces from below.

Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.

Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.

Abstract: A contaminated solvent recycling system is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a separate, lower, waste collection zone. A heater heats contaminated solvent feed within the distillation zone to distill off the solvent. By separating the distillation zone from the waste collection zone, the distillation zone can process consecutive batches of contaminated solvent feed. The waste collection zone can accommodate waste accumulating from the distillation process for extended periods of time between waste removal operations.

Abstract: A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a dividing wall distillation column. The dividing wall distillation column includes a main column having a dividing wall. The main column includes a pressure equalization unit for pressure equalization between a preliminary divisional section and a main divisional section which are divided by the dividing wall. The dividing wall distillation column has an effect of enabling easier operations due to the uniform pressure drop between the two divisional sections divided by the dividing wall.

Abstract: A heat pipe is configured relative to a distillation column to adjust one or more conditions in the distillation column.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification and desalination. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, multiple evaporation chambers with demisters, heat pipes, and a control system, wherein the control system permits continuous operation of the purification and desalination system without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The systems are capable of recovering hear from each distillation stage, while removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminants including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, and organics.

Abstract: In a heat integrated distillation column (HIDiC), the product purity can be stably maintained against various disturbances. Provided is a method for controlling a distillation apparatus, which includes a high-pressure part including the whole or a part of a rectifying section and performing gas-liquid contact at a relatively high pressure; a low-pressure part including the whole or a part of a stripping section and performing gas-liquid contact at a relatively low pressure; a line for directing overhead vapor of the low-pressure part to a column bottom of the high-pressure part; a line for directing a column bottom liquid of the high-pressure part to a column top of the low-pressure part; and a heat exchange structure for transferring heat from the rectifying section to the stripping section, wherein the method includes controlling a flow rate of the column bottom liquid to be directed from the high-pressure part to the low-pressure part.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the pre-concentration of a target molecule from feed solution comprising a low concentration of the target molecule.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the pressure of distillation columns, for example those operating under vacuum pressure and conventionally equipped with a steam ejector system, are described. Representative distillation columns are used in the separation of thermally unstable components, such as the physical solvent sulfolane, having relatively low volatility. Such columns are employed in aromatic hydrocarbon extraction processes for the recovery of purified C6-C8 aromatic hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon feed stream (e.g., obtained from the catalytic reforming of naphtha).

Abstract: A method for distilling a starting material that includes a liquid Fd to be distilled, uses a gas-tight container system that is resistant to excess and/or negative pressure. The container system includes a condenser for condensing the liquid Fd, which has turned to vapor and whose temperature can be adjusted, to give the condensation product, and a vapor chamber connecting the evaporator and the condenser. The pressure and temperature in the vapor chamber are monitored and controlled so that distillation is always carried out in a range close to the saturation vapor pressure of the liquid Fd to be distilled. If the pressure is too high, it is reduced so that especially foreign gas is removed. An installation includes a container for distillation according to method.

Abstract: Dividing wall fractional distillation columns and methods of operating these columns with greater flexibility, especially in terms of the ability to adjust the composition of the heartcut, intermediate or sidecut product fraction, are described. In particular, this composition may be advantageously “biased” toward higher or lower molecular weight components, depending on operating needs. Changes in feedstock composition may also be managed more effectively. These benefits are obtained by varying the flow rate of vapor and liquid to each side of the dividing wall. The vapor flowrate rising from an undivided portion of the column interior below the dividing wall is varied to the feed and/or product sections on opposite sides of the dividing wall. Also, the liquid flowrate falling from an undivided portion of the column interior above the dividing wall is varied to the feed and/or product sections on opposite sides of the dividing wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a recycler module including a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit that includes a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: A falling film evaporator having a shell pass, multiple tubes parallel to each other, a condensed steam outlet, an inlet for an aqueous solution on the top of the tube pass, an outlet for the aqueous solution at the bottom of the tube pass, a distributing assembly having a plurality of distributing trays arranged vertically from top to bottom in incremental diameters and each having multiple holes, and a plate for collecting the aqueous solution below the distributing assembly. The tubes are straight and installed vertically in the evaporator; inner wall of the tubes is smooth, and the top portion of the tubes is protruded above a horizontal plane of the plate. The evaporator is particularly useful for concentrating an aqueous solution containing thermosensitive materials.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: An assembly for removing contaminants from objects and recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a parts washer assembly including a container for a contaminated solvent solution and a recycling assembly that includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: A distillation assembly that reduces malodors resulting from a process of recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution that includes a distillation chamber defined by a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall, a heating element disposed in the distillation chamber including an active portion and an inactive portion. The contaminated solvent solution disposed at a level within the distillation chamber such that the active portion always disposed below the level.

Abstract: The invention can be used to improve the yield of degraded heat transfer oil (1) recovered from a solar thermal facility, comprising the successive separation of heavy components (4) (ortho-, meta- and para-terphenyl) and light components (7) (phenol and benzene). The plant comprises: an air-cooled cooler (2) which cools the degraded heat transfer oil (1) to obtain a cooled oil (12); a distillation column (3) which separates the heavy components (4) and a vapour (15) of light components (7) plus oil from the cooled heat transfer oil (12); and a rectifier (6) which separates the light components (7) and the regenerated oil (17) from the vapour (15). The method comprises the cooling of the degenerated heat transfer oil (1) in the air-cooled cooler (2), the separation of the heavy components (4) in the distillation column (3), and the separation of the light components (7) and the regenerated oil (17) in the rectifier (6).

Abstract: A method of operating an assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution including a source for the contaminated solvent solution at a level and a recycling assembly including a reservoir module and a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a reservoir and the recycler module includes a controller and a distillation assembly including a distiller having a conduit and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve includes a tube. The method includes connecting the conduit to the source below the level; connecting the pressure relief valve tube to the source; pumping solvent into the reservoir, distiller and conduit to an operational level; and selecting a duty cycle of the controller to regulate a rest period after the controller operation of a distillation cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for preparing racemic or optically active menthol in pure or enriched form by distillatively separating menthol from substance mixtures which comprise essentially menthol and diastereomers thereof. This distillatiive separation is performed in a dividing wall column with 50 to 300 theoretical plates and one or more side draw points at an absolute operating pressure of 5 to 500 mbar.

Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.

Abstract: A water purification system having an oil and vapor separation subsystem for removing many heavy duty and toxic contaminants from the water. The subsystem removes volatile vapors from the feed water, heats the feed water, and by imparting a swirling vortex action to the heated water, the oils are separated from the water. The water separated from the oil is pumped by a high pressure pump through a helical coil that is heated to a high temperature by the burner. The high temperature, hot water is then fed to an expansion nozzle in an expansion chamber to flash the hot water into steam. The steam is passed through a condenser which converts the steam to purified water.

Abstract: Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens in a standardized distillation apparatus containing a heater, a distillation flask, a collecting cylinder and control and regulation means, characterized in that: the specimen is introduced into the distillation flask; this flask is positioned in the distillation apparatus; the specimen to be analysed is classified in a group defined by the standard selected; the distillation is started, with the amount of condensate collected in the collecting cylinder, the temperature of the evaporated vapor, the temperature of the liquid specimen present in the flask, together with an operating parameter of the heater, being constantly measured; and the measured values are sent to the control and regulating means that in return control the operating parameter of the heater so as to obtain, directly and automatically, distillation parameters in accordance with a standard.

Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distillation apparatus for NMP for regenerating a spent NMP recovered from a step of producing an electrode for lithium ion batteries which is capable of purifying the NMP in a simple and safe manner irrespective of variation in concentration of water in a raw material or throughput, and is suitable for conducting an automatic operation on-site.

Abstract: A treatment system for a watery material that includes: a dewatering tank in which liquefied matter of a material that is gaseous at a normal temperature and a normal pressure is contacted with the watery material and the watery material is separated into the resultant watery material and a liquid phase that contains an aqueous component from the watery material; an evaporator that vaporizes the material that is gaseous at a normal temperature and a normal pressure from the liquid phase; a separator that separates a gas of the material thus vaporized from effluent water; a condenser that condenses the gas into liquefied matter, two or more external heat sources selected from atmosphere, sewage, warm effluent water, and ground water; an external heat temperature detector that detects temperatures of external heats of the external heat sources; and an external heat supply destination controlling unit.

Abstract: A method comprises sensing a differential pressure signal, filtering the differential pressure signal, generating a flooding indicator as a function of the filtered differential pressure signal, and indicating the onset of flooding. The differential pressure signal is sensed along a distillation flow path. The filtered differential pressure signal is responsive to a phase inversion along the flow path, and the flooding indicator is responsive to an onset of a flooding condition, based on the phase inversion. The onset of the flooding condition is indicated based on a change in the flooding indicator.