Abstract: A desalinization device including a portable, spherical tank with conduits to introduce water to be converted into steam in the lower zone of the tank and guide structure to guide the steam into a condensate bowl within the tank where it is collected; the device also includes a conduit means to conduct cooling water to a cooling coil arranged in the condensate bowl to condense the steam; and within the conduits there is provided a Venturi arrangement in communication with the interior of the tank to reduce the pressure within the tank, hence lowering the boiling point of the water being heated; in a preferred embodiment Peltier devices are included as heat exchanging means in a heating and cooling circuit.

Abstract: A measurement of the pressure in a fractional distillation column is utilized to bias the desired external reflux flow rate which is determined by some conventional method. The bias is applied only when a pressure limitation is exceeded and the external reflux flow rate is reduced as a result of the bias which results in a reduction of column pressure.

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: A vapor distillation system sprays a mixture of liquids to be distilled into an evacuated vaporizer chamber. The low boiling point components of the mixture will be vaporized while the remainder of the mixture will collect at the bottom of the vaporizer chamber. The collected liquid is recirculated and heated. The recirculating liquid is discharged, and fresh mixture is introduced, as a function of the sensed temperature of the recirculating liquid. The vapor is transferred to a condenser chamber having a water spray head so that the chilled spray condenses the vapor. Both the condenser chamber and the vaporizer chamber have fluid level control systems.

Abstract: A quantity of tritium of less than 1 mol per hour is continuously withdrawn from the vaporization chamber of a low-temperature rectifying column by means of a withdrawal system.The withdrawal system consists basically of two parallel-connected vacuum tanks which are alternately connected to the vaporization chamber via a withdrawal line containing a control valve. During operation, one of the vacuum tanks is connected to the low-temperature rectifying column and filled with tritium. As soon as one of the vacuum tanks has been filled with tritium, emptying of the tank starts while the second vacuum tank is connected to the vaporization chamber and similarly filled and then emptied.

Abstract: A desired separation between sidedraw product streams withdrawn from a fractional distillation column is maintained by controlling the flow rate of the external reflux associated with a particular sidedraw product stream in response to the output signal from a temperature controller which is reset by an internal reflux controller. Such cascade control improves the stability of a fractionation process and provides for good control of the separation between sidedraw product streams.

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: In a fractional distillation process in which it is desired to maintain a desired ASTM end point temperature of the overhead liquid product withdrawn from the fractional distillation process, changes in the slope of the equilibrium flash vaporization boiling point line are utilized to determine the actual slope of the ASTM boiling point curve at any particular time. The actual ASTM end point temperature for the overhead liquid product is derived based on the actual slope of the ASTM boiling point curve thus determined. The actual ASTM end point temperature is utilized to control the fractional distillation process so as to maintain a desired ASTM end point temperature for the overhead liquid product withdrawn from the fractional distillation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating at least two vapor zones, one above the other, by vaporizing a fluid mixture having at least two compounds therein having different vaporizing temperatures. The apparatus includes a chamber with vaporizing means, and vapor condensing means. Condensate recovery means is provided for recovering the condensed vapor and the condensate recovery means is in flow communication with a separation device for receiving the condensate from the condensate recovery means. The flow communication between the condensate recovery means and the separation device is external of the chamber. The separation means revaporizes the liquid with the lower vaporizing temperature for return to the vapor zone in the upper portion of the chamber and separates as a liquid the fluid having a higher vaporizing temperature.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which it is desired to maintain a desired ASTM end point temperature of the overhead liquid product withdrawn from the fractional distillation process, changes in the heat removed by the fractional distillation process per unit of the feed are utilized to determine the equilibrium flash vaporization initial point and the equilibrium flash vaporization end point temperature for the overhead liquid product. The initial point temperature and end point temperature are then utilized to determine the actual slope of the equilibrium flash vaporization boiling point line. Changes in the slope of the equilibrium flash vaporization boiling point line are utilized to determine the actual slope of the ASTM boiling point curve at any particular time. The actual ASTM end point temperature for the overhead liquid product is derived based on the actual slope of the ASTM boiling point curve thus determined.

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: A method for decreasing the external energy input to a fractionation system is disclosed. The method utilizes a compression zone communicating with either the overhead fraction or the bottoms fraction from a fractionation zone. The method is directed at regulating the rate of energy addition and/or removal to the fractionation zone by at least one of the fractions returned to the fractionation zone to maintain the separated fractions within the desired limits.

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 by 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 and also based on the relationship between a set point for the flow rate of the external reflux and a high limit for the flow rate of the external reflux. 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.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation system for distillation of any two-component liquid mixture where separation of the more volatile from the less volatile component is required. This system achieves a very high efficiency through the use of vapor compression in conjunction with three heat exchangers: a reboiler which condenses the hot vapors compressed by a vapor pump and uses the heat given up by the condensing vapor to boil bottoms liquid to produce vapor within the stripper, a distillate heat exchanger which recovers heat from the distillate stream, and a bottoms heat exchanger which recovers heat from the outgoing bottoms effluent. This particular component configuration and process results in an exceptionally stable and reliable operation requiring the continuous control of only one parameter, reboiler temperature, while fixing all other process variables.

Abstract: An evaporator apparatus (10) and method for converting a contaminated fluid including mostly water and water soluble substances into a vapor and a residue. Apparatus (10) includes a container (11) for retaining the fluid. A heat source (17) is utilized for supplying heat to evaporate the fluid. A flue assembly (18) positioned in the fluid conveys the heat from the heat source (17) through the fluid. A draft mechanism (20) draws off the resulting vapors as they are formed.

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 oprating 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: 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: 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: 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: This process separates less volatile contaminates from thermal power recovery systems utilizing a volatile working fluid in a cyclic closed system; such a system may comprise a reservoir, a pump, a heater, a separator, a throttle device, a turbine and a condenser. The purification can be accomplished during start-up, shut-down or periods of low power generation. The contaminant is separated from the working fluid in the separator in which the temperature and pressure correspond to a dew-point substantially above that of a sample of uncontaminated working fluid. To achieve this condition, the normal flow of liquid from the reservoir to the heater is reduced and the heater and throttle device are correspondingly adjusted. The condensed contaminant is removed from the separator while substantially all of the working fluid which has been vaporized is passed on through the throttle device to the turbine.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling liquid levels in different vessels, and the blending of different materials in the separation and purification of polymeric materials in solution, such as polyethylene in cyclohexane.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in a fluid handling system in which a working fluid passes through a rotor while undergoing a pressure change. A shaft extends longitudinally from and rotates with the rotor. A first seal surrounds the shaft in axially spaced relation to the rotor, and a lubricant having a minimum boiling point is injected into the first seal adjacent the shaft at a pressure sufficient to cause the lubricant to flow axially toward the rotor. A housing surrounds the rotor and shaft and defines a contact zone between the rotor and the first seal for receiving both lubricant and a contact fluid such as the working fluid or a seal buffer gas used to isolate the working fluid from the lubricant. The contact fluid has a maximum boiling point substantially less than the minimum boiling point of the lubricant.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided controlling the heat input of an extractive distillation column. The bottom of the column is heated with a major stream of thermal energy which is either slowly varying in time or controlled by the amount of starting material mixture and with a minor stream of thermal energy which is controlled by sensing the thermodynamic state in the upper half of the column during the process. The major stream can provide about 90 percent and the minor stream about 10 percent of the heat fed to the column. The minor stream can be controlled by the temperature at one point in the upper half of the column, by the temperature difference at two points in the upper half of the column or by gas chromatographic analysis of the extract material concentration near the top of the column. The process allows one to keep a low concentration of the extract material in the raffinate.

Abstract: In an alkylation process in which an acid regenerator is utilized to separate an acid catalyst from acid soluble oil contained in a spent acid catalyst stream, the heat input to the acid regenerator is manipulated based on the feed flow rate of the spent acid catalyst stream so as to maintain a substantially constant heat input per pound of feed flowing to the acid regenerator and the liquid level in the acid regenerator is manipulated so as to maintain the acid catalyst and acid soluble oil interface in the acid regenerator at a desired level. Such manipulation of the heat input to and the liquid level in the acid regenerator results in a substantially optimum separation of acid catalyst from acid soluble oil.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which first (light key) and second (heavy key) components contained in a feed stream are separated with the major portion of the light key component being removed in an overhead product stream and the major portion of the heavy key component being removed in a bottoms product stream, a signal which is responsive to the concentration of the light key component in the bottoms product stream is summed with a signal which is responsive to the concentration of the heavy key component in the overhead product stream to derive a signal which is utilized to manipulate the flow rate of the external reflux (sigma control). Also, the difference between a signal which is responsive to the concentration of the light key component in the bottoms product stream and a signal which is responsive to the concentration of the heavy key component in the overhead product stream is utilized to control the flow rate of the bottoms product stream (delta control).

Abstract: In a batch process in which reaction effluent is dumped from the reactor to a flash tank through a dump line which contains both a dump valve and a control valve, the control valve is manipulated in response to a signal which opens the control valve at a desired rate as a function of time or in response to a signal which is representative of the maximum opening of the control valve which can be maintained without exceeding a pressure limit in the flash tank whichever signal is representative of the lower opening of the control valve. In this manner, reaction effluent is withdrawn from the reactor at a substantially maximum rate without causing flashing across the dump valve and without exceeding a pressure limitation for the flash tank.

Abstract: A recycle water treatment system for separating oil vapor from steam recovering the oil and heat from the steam and destroys microorganisms and exotoxins which incorporates an inclined duct connected to a barometric condenser with a container for oil at the lower end of the condenser. Oil entrained in the steam is carried up the duct and over the barometric condenser. The steam heats the condenser water that is recovered while the entrained oil flows back down the duct into a recovery container. The condenser water-steam condensate mixture is maintained at about 180.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to destroy microorganisms and exotoxins.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distilling and evaporating of sea water so to produce pure fresh water on a large production basis; the apparatus including an evaporator having a baffle system of novel design therein so as to separate evaporated steam from non-evaporated water drops, a duct for conveying the evaporated steam to a condenser and a pure water supply tank; the evaporator being supplied by sea water.

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

Abstract: A method for decreasing the external energy input to a fractionation system is disclosed. The method utilizes a compression zone communicating with either the overhead fraction or the bottoms fraction from a fractionation zone. The method is directed at regulating the rate of energy addition and/or removal to the fractionation zone by at least one of the fractions returned to the fractionation zone to maintain the separated fractions within the desired limits.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which a heating fluid and waste heat stream are utilized to supply heat to a fractional distillation column and in which the heat supplied from the waste heat stream is not controllable, control of the liquid level in the fractional distillation column is accomplished by manipulating the flow rate of the heating fluid so as to maintain a desired liquid level until such time as the flow rate of the heating fluid becomes zero at which time the flow rate of the external reflux to the fractional distillation column is manipulated to maintain a desired liquid level in the fractional distillation column. A switching of control of the liquid level provides a means by which an uncontrollable heat input may be provided to the fractional distillation column without losing control of the liquid level in the fractional distillation column.

Abstract: An alcohol still having a boiler with a valve for maintaining the amount of liquor constant. The boiler mounts a distilling column having a temperature controlled inlet for liquor to be distilled which assists in maintaining the operation at a constant optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with heating and cooling systems in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling systems include means to vaporize the liquid and means to condense the vaporized liquid disposed within the container. Temperature or pressure sensing means in the cooling system is utilized to shut down the heating system when a preselected vapor level is exceeded.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparation and distillation of low-alcohol-content, fermentation products into high-alcohol-content, fuel-grade product using solar energy to carry out the fermentation and distillation. The apparatus includes a solar collector with reflectors, fermenting tanks, a distillation column, and temperature controls. The working fluid for the solar collector is isolated from the fluid being distilled.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation column in which at least a first component and a second component are at least partially separated with the first component being removed principally as an overhead product and the second component being removed principally as a bottoms product and in which the heat supplied to the fractional distillation column is used as the primary control for the overhead product composition with the flow rate of external reflux to the fractional distillation column being used to control the bottoms product composition, a comparison of the actual concentration of the second component in the overhead product to the desired concentration is utilized to bias the control signal which is utilized to manipulate the flow rate of the external reflux to the fractional distillation column.

Abstract: Flow of lean oil to an absorption section of an absorber is controlled responsive to pressure drop at least a portion of said absorption section. Flow of lean oil can be maximized, short of flooding, responsive to said pressure differential. Apparatus is also described.

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: Control of multiple distillation columns for producing anhydrous alcohol suitable for blending with gasoline to produce gasohol. The distillation process involves production of a first-stage distillate containing a predetermined amount of water, followed by azeotropic distillation in the presence of a hydrocarbon entrainer to strip the distillate of its water content, leaving anhydrous alcohol as a bottom product. Tight controls are present during first-stage distillate production to hold its proof at an optimum value derived at through material balance calculations to minimize energy consumption for the overall system. Control over the dehydrating stage is accomplished by a combination of ratio control to regulate and maintain the proper proportion of the entrainer and temperature control to regulate within the column the actual inventory of entrainer.

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: The waste water output of an RO unit in a distillation system is conveyed to a still's condenser cooling coil to minimize water requirements of the system. A portion of the heated water fron the condenser, in one embodiment, is circulated to the RO unit inlet, where a temperature mixing valve maintains an optimum temperature for the RO inlet water by mixing feed water and condenser output water in the desired proportions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

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

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 vapor generating device including a housing having an open top and closed bottom with a cleaning solvent therein. The housing is provided with first heat means in the bottom thereof to boil the solvent and cooling means in the top thereof to condense the solvent and prevent the solvent from escaping from the housing. A second heat means is provided in the bottom of the housing operable whenever a change in energy requirement within the housing is necessary. The vapor generating device is particularly useful as a cleaning device.

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: This invention relates to an improved apparatus and process for controlling heat input to a fractionation tower so that a proper energy balance is maintained. The apparatus and method for controlling a fractionation tower and process wherein feed and heat flow into the tower and feed is distilled and separated into distillate and bottoms, said distillate flowing from the tower through an overhead line into a condenser where it is allowed to condense before it is drawn off as product with a portion of this product being returned to the tower as reflux, and said bottoms being allowed to at least partially collect in the tower thereby establishing a liquid level which is allowed to fluctuate within predetermined limits, which method comprises generating and using the signal:Q.sub.I =Kp(K.sub.R +K.sub.D -K.sub.F)whereQ.sub.I is the heat required by the fractionation tower;Kp is the pressure controller output signal;K.sub.R is the reflux flow rate signal;K.sub.D is the distillate flow rate signal;K.sub.

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: Apparatus for purifying liquid including a container for the liquid, means for heating the liquid when in the container to vaporize the liquid, means for cooling the vapor to form a condensate and a collector for collecting the condensate, the heating means comprising a condenser of a refrigerant circulatory systems and the cooling means comprising an evaporator of the system so that refrigerant liquified in the condenser gives off heat to heat the said liquid and evaporation of the liquid in the evaporator causes heat to be absorbed from the vapor thereby cooling the vapor to for the condensate.

Abstract: The portable water distiller is constructed to distill water placed within a housing and to dispense it directly into a separate storage vessel or to a distilled water space in the housing. In the latter case, the distillers are provided with a flexible impermeable partition which may be in the form of a bag and which divides the interior of the housing into a raw water space and a distilled water space. A boiler is disposed within the raw water space in order to vaporize the water and a compact radiator and fan assembly is mounted on top of the housing in order to condense the vapor into distilled water for delivery to the distilled water space within the housing. A heater-thermostat shut-off means is also provided for turning off the heater when the supply of water is too low.