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US3830698A
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Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature in a fractionation column
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1971-12-30
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Granted: 1974-08-20
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Expires: 1991-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A plurality of temperature sensing probes are positioned within a separating column at specific spaced-apart locations throughout the column for obtaining a temperature measurement related to the column''s compositional behavior and automatically controlling the operation of the column in response to computation of the plural temperature measurement.
Inventors
- 👤 L Kleiss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:52
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D3/00; B01D3/42; B01D3/4211; B01D3/4238; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S203/00; Y10S203/19
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the column contains a plurality of trays vertically spaced from one another and wherein the first temperature-sensing element is at a higher elevation than the uppermost tray of the column and the second temperature-sensing element is at a lower elevation than the lowermost tray of the column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each temperature-sensing element comprises a thermocouple positioned within the column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second means comprises a controller having a set point representative of the temperature desired to be maintained at the controlling location and causes the means to supply heat to be urged toward a position of delivering more heat in response to computing a signal lower than the set point and toward a position for delivering less heat in response to computing a signal higher than the set point.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
154 words
The method of controlling the operation of a fractionation column, comprising: measuring the temperature within the upper portion of the column and establishing a first signal representative thereof; measuring the temperature within the lower portion of the column and establishing a second signal representative thereof; measuring the temperatures at three locations in the middle portion of the column and establishing a third, fourth and fifth signals, respectively, representative thereof, the locations being equally spaced from one another vertically; adding the first and second signals and establishing a sixth signal representative of the sum; adding the third, fourth and fifth signals and establishing a seventh signal representative of the sum; subtracting the sixth signal from the seventh signal and establishing an eighth signal representative of the difference; supplying heat to the lower portion of the column; and controlling the rate at which the heat is supplied to the column in response to the eighth signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the column contains a plurality of trays vertically spaced from one another, and wherein the measurement which establishes the first signal is made at a location above the uppermost tray in the column and the measurement which establishes the second signal is made at a location below the lowermost tray in the column.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-19 | 1978-02-18 | 1978-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-19 | 1982-02-18 | 1982-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-19 | 1986-02-18 | 1986-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |