Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A high efficiency batch sulfuric acid reprocessor system that is capable of producing high purity acid through distillation. Methods of use are also provided. The distillation is monitored and controlled in accordance with temperatures of the system, in particular, the temperature of the column and the temperature of the vapor in a condensing chamber. A stream splitter enables the invention to selectively collect high purity product as well as remove waste or recycle condensate as reflux.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A method for the production of an industrial diluent which includes the steps of heating a liquid waste from a facility that manufactures coatings, inks, lacquers, adhesives, or dyes in a mixer-reactor to generate a vapor, flowing the vapor into a distillation column, distilling the vapor to form distillation components, and transferring each component to a tank designated for such component. The method may include the additional steps of mixing at least two of the components in a predetermined amount, and thoroughly mixing the liquid waste during the heating step. The heating step is preferably effected by applying heat substantially uniformly to the liquid waste.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a container for accommodating water to be treated and evaporating the water. Container is attached with water supply for supplying the water to be treated into the container. The water to be treated in container is heated by a heater. Vapor evaporated from the inside of container is cooled by a cooler. Distilled water output from cooler is irradiated with ultraviolet light by a ultraviolet light irradiator. An organic decomposed substance contained in the distilled water irradiated with the ultraviolet light is removed by organic decomposed substance removal device, and ultrapure water is obtained.

Abstract: In a distillation column, which for control purposes cannot tolerate the inherent dead time between analysis of consecutive samples in chromatograph analyzers, the chromatograph output is frequently corrected by inferring a dynamic correction based on the temperature change of a selected tray in the column. The dynamic correction applied to the distillation analyzer essentially eliminates the inherent dead time for obtaining a chromatograph analysis, and accordingly increased the rapidity of response of the column controls which rely on chromatograph analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: This invention involves a distillation process for operating a distillation purifying system. The system includes a section which creates a vacuum pressure that is transmitted throughout the system, a distillation/purification zone in which fluids to be distilled/purified are treated, and a collection zone in which the distilled/purified liquids are transferred. The distillation purifying process and system are effective for certain liquids, solutions, and the like and can be used for water treatment, petroleum processes, and bodily fluid treatment.

Abstract: A process for separating ethylbenzene and styrene by distillation is described. The process provides the advantages of a vapor compression/heat pump system, and is designed in such a manner that the energy applied is optimally utilized. The head pressure of the distillation column (1) is controlled in a simple manner, whereby a surprisingly stable column is achieved.

Abstract: A method of controlling concentrations in process technology operations--preferentially in thermal separation technology--using a non-linear, pressure-compensated temperature as control signal. The method can be used flexibly within a wide operating range.

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: A coolant recycling apparatus has a boiler and condenser for distilling a glycol and water from a used coolant. The glycol and water are recombined in a mixing tank to form a mixture having a desired ratio of water to glycol, and an inhibitor is added to the mixture to obtain a fresh coolant mixture ready for use in an engine cooling system. Contaminants in the used coolant are concentrated to form a sludge.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process which performs a binary or limited multicomponent separation, and in which it is desired to maintain composition set points for dual product streams, a computer is programmed for applying model based control. Multivariable, noninteracting control of the distillation process is achieved by utilizing a nonlinear model, which calculates process vapor and distillate flow rates required to maintain product set points. The model, which applies tray-to-tray calculation essentially derived from a McCabe-Thiele analysis, is periodically updated by adjusting tray efficiency based on steady state composition measurements to keep the model in pace with changing process conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A distillation system where a saline fluid (10) is pumped into a pressure vessel (14), through a counterflow heat exchanger (16) and heated to boiling. A salt free distillate (20) is separated from the saline fluid (10). The concentrate valve (24) and the distillate valve (26) restrict egress flow. The concentrate valve (24), the distillate valve (26) and the heater (18) are controlled by a computer control system (32) to attain and maintain a desired value of the Ewing Number. The Ewing Number is a dimensionless measure of performance defined as the heat of vaporization of the distillate (20) at standard atmospheric conditions times the distillate (20) mass flow divided by the system power input.

Abstract: A process for separating an aromatic from a mixture containing also nonaroma includes distilling off the nonaromatics from the top of the extractive distillation column as a top product, drawing the aromatic and selective solvent from the extractive distillation column and subsequently separating the selective solvent from the aromatic in a separator column. The extractive distillation column is provided with a separate top product distillation column for recovery of a selective solvent residue from the separated nonaromatics. The entry hydrocarbon mixture is heated prior to admission to the extractive distillation column by an indirect heat exchange with selective solvent drawn from the separator column and heated to a temperature of from 130.degree. to 150.degree. C.The heated entry hydrocarbon mixture is depressurized to form a liquid phase and a vapor phase and these phases are separately fed into the extractive distillation column, the vapor phase entry point being below the liquid phase entry point.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and having organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: A water distiller has a housing having an open interior area and a door that can be opened and closed to permit and block access into the interior area. A steam chamber is located in the interior area. The steam chamber includes a movable tray for holding water to be distilled. The tray seats against a fixed top where steam created in the chamber by heating the water in the tray is collected. By opening the door to the distiller, the tray can be unseated and removed for cleaning. After cleaning, the tray can be returned to the distiller and reseated against the top steam collecting portion by closing the door. In a preferred arrangement, the tray includes a chamber for holding a water soluble disinfectant for release during the distillation process.

Abstract: A continuous water distillation system has a steam chamber assembly and a condenser assembly for making steam and condensing the steam into purified water. An associated holding tank collects the purified water for dispensing upon user demand. The quantity of purified water is continuously sensed in the holding tank. A controller coordinates the operation of the steam chamber assembly and the purified water delivery mechanism to dispense purified water from the holding tank upon demand and automatically make and replenish the supply of purified water. In one arrangement, a first sensor continuously senses the purity of the water collected in the holding tank, while a second sensor continuously senses the purity of the water entering the steam chamber assembly. In another arrangement, the condenser assembly includes a cooling fan with a replaceable air filter, and the purified water dispenser includes an inline water filter.

Abstract: Controlled heating unit for extracting solvent from sludge by distillation, in particular for dry-cleaning machines, having a sludge tank with a flattened shape which is arranged at the base of a sealed box-like chamber and above which inlets for microwaves generated by a microwave source are present, a mixer for the sludge to be treated, at least one sludge temperature sensor which switches off the microwave source when the sludge reaches a temperature which is proximate to the degradation temperature of the solvent.

Abstract: An automated computer controlled synthesizing apparatus which includes a raw material, reagent and solvent supply unit, a reaction unit, a purification unit provided with HPLC and CPC, and a freeze-drying unit for freeze-drying a purified product supplied from the purification unit. The raw material, reagent and solvent supply unit includes a plurality of reservoirs for containing raw material, reagents and solvents; volumetric tubes and gas-liquid boundary sensors for the quantification of the raw materials, reagents and solvents from the reservoirs; flow-lines for supplying the raw material, reagent and solvent from the reservoirs towards subsequent steps; and solenoid valve assemblies disposed on the respective flow-lines for selectively closing and opening such respective flow-lines.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and including organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: Azeotropes of HF and 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and of HF and 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Process for the separation of hydrogen fluoride (HF), 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (FC-123), and/or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (FC-124) from mixtures containing them by controlling the molar ratio of HF/FC-123 in the mixture prior to subjecting the mixture to azeotropic distillation.

Abstract: A disposal device for photographic processing waste liquor which concentrates the photographic process waste liquor by evaporation. The disposal device has a gas detecting device for detecting gas which may be generated during the evaporation of the waste liquor and a control device for stopping the evaporation based on the detection of a concentration of a specific gas. The processing method for photographic waste liquor involves evaporating the waste liquor to concentrate it and detecting gases which are generated during the evaporation process. When the concentration of a specific gas reaches a certain level, the evaporation step is halted.

Abstract: A method is provided for the separation by extractive distillation of oxygenated impurities from a monoepoxide while avoiding epoxide loss, wherein lower glycol is used as extractive solvent in amounts so as to provide only up to about 0.3 mol % solvent in the vapor in the extractive distillation zone.

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: Diastereomers can be separated with good industrial success with the aid of extractive distillation. The separation process is characterized in that an auxiliary which changes the partial pressure of the various diastereomers to be separated to a different degree and thus allows easier separation of the diastereomers by distillation is added during the distillation. Using the present process diastereomic cis/trans-permetric acid methyl esters and mixtures of menthol and isomenthol can be separated with isolation of 99% pure product.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the concentration of a condensable vapor in the presence of at least one other condensable vapor, such as hydrogen peroxide and water vapors. The system includes generally a dew point sensor, a device for measuring at least one additional property of at least the other vapor such as relative humidity, and a microprocessor for fitting the dew point and additional property measurements into a modeled construct representative of the relationship between the vapors at a plurality of concentrations for each such vapor and at a plurality of corresponding dew point measurements. When used to determine the concentration of sterilant vapor in a sterilization system, the system also includes a sterilization chamber and an injector for injecting a measured quantity of the multicomponent condensable vapor into the chamber.

Abstract: A method for concentrating salt water. Salt water is separated from oil-water mixture which has been produced from a well. Salt water is introduced into a recirculating weir and mixed with more concentrated brine. Brine is recirculated through a thermal syphon apparatus. Recirculation includes passing brine, including some salt water, from weir into boiler vessel. Brine is heated within boiler vessel to a boiling temperature whereby brine, while boiling, generates steam which passes up out of weir. All of foregoing steps are performed at atmospheric pressure. The density of brine is sensed at a location in the lower vicinity of weir. Concentrated brine is released from lower vicinity when density at sensed temperature is at a level corresponding to a brine concentration near the precipitation of salt from solution. Salt water and brine is passed through a magnetic water treating unit. The concentrated brine, as released, is passed into a holding vessel.

Abstract: A process is described for recovering polyester-grade ethylene glycol from crude ethylene glycol containing at least one component which has a normal boiling point below that of ethylene glycol, and which can form a UV absorber in the presence of ethylene glycol which comprises supplying to an ethylene glycol distillation system, preferably comprising a fractional distillation zone having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion a crude ethylene glycol stream at a determined pH of less than about 7.

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: Cut point is controlled in a distillation process by monitoring the partial pressure in a stripper.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the preliminary determination of the efficiency of the trays of distillation and/or absorption columns in order to establish the actual tray number of the columns, as well as for those columns the tray number of which was determined thereby. Each column section of different geometry or load is loaded with a set of trays (12) with air water system consisting at least of two trays having identical geometry (13,13a) and one air distributor (14). On the basis of the recognition that each set of trays (12) may be regarded as a cascade consisting of mixers which include series-connected mixers formed from the trays (13,13a), the liquid content of which is mixed by ascending vapor, or gas, in this case by air.

Abstract: A problem has been identified which made it difficult, if not impossible, for the prior art to operate a reboiler in the mist flow regime. The invention which overcomes this problem is to provide a chamber to establish equilibrium between the vapor portion and the liquid portion of the reboiler effluent prior to introducing equilibrated vapor into the bottom of the distillation column. The invention is particularly useful for minimizing degradation of thermally sensitive materials.

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 present invention provides a process for distillation of styrenes which can be stably operated without loss of energy saving effect, by leading a part or all of low boiling point component vapor from the top to a compressor to use as a heat source for a reboiler and returning the low boiling point components condensed in the reboiler or a mixture of the condensate and a part of the uncondensed vapor to a recycling line of a distillation column.

Abstract: Method of operation for a continuous countercurrent extraction zone, to which a charge mixture stream and a solvent stream are continuously supplied and from which an extract stream and a raffinate stream are continuously withdrawn. In one embodiment, the method comprises establishing a recycle stream consisting of a portion of the light phase stream withdrawn from the column, combining the recycle stream with the charge mixture stream, and controlling the streams flowing to and from the column. The combined feed stream to the extraction zone is controlled at a constant flow rate and recycle flow has preference over charge mixture flow, thereby causing charge stream flow to vary inversely with recycle flow. An important feature of the invention resides in adjustment of composition of this total combined feed stream to the extraction zone in order to deal with fluctuations in other parameters.

Abstract: A conventional cross-flow or paired-stage multi-stage flash evaporator plant is provided with duct means for collecting distillate from collection trays in the successive evaporator units in the plant. Distillate from individual units is diverted to a bypass flow path from the duct means when it is detected to be contaminated with brine.

Abstract: A pure water tank for distillation equipment comprises a casing on a water tank proper and a communicating pipe via which interiors of the casing and tank proper communicate each other. Water in the casing prevents air from entering into the pure water tank through a condenser when generation of steam is halted.

Abstract: A solar crystallizer and a process for producing solar salt adaptable for use in climates heretofore believed unfavorable for solar salt production. The invention employs a solar crystallizer defining a shallow pond of salt solution the level of which is carefully monitored and controlled by withdrawing unsaturated solution from the upper stratum of the pond such as produced from rainfall and introducing substantially saturated brine into the pond at a lower stratum overlying the salt crop on the bottom thereof providing a continuous protective saturated brine layer and enhancing the efficiency of water evaporation by a comparatively shallow depth.

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 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: 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 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 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: The concentration buildup of contaminants methylacetylene and propadiene in a propylene/propane fractionation column is prevented by controlling the injection of propane from a source external from the feedstream into the inlet stream to the column in response to the measured propane content of the feedstream downstream of the point of propane injection, the measured methylacetylene content of the bottoms product from the column, or the measured methylacetylene content of a sample from a tray of the column.

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: A solar desalination system in which fresh water is derived from sea water by focussing solar ray energy from a collecting reflector onto an evaporator tube located at substantially the focal apex of the reflector. The reflector/evaporator tube assembly is mounted on a horizontal open grid platform which may support a plurality of parallel reflector/evaporator tube assemblies. The reflectors may serve as pontoons to support the desalination system unit on a body of sea water. The solar heat generated vapor is condensed in condenser tubes immersed in the sea water. Intermittently sea water concentrate is withdrawn from the evaporator tubes. Velocity of the vapor passing from the evaporator tubes to the condensers may be utilized for generating power.

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 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).