US3844898A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fractionation apparatus having plural, integral and concentric fractionating units
Assignee: Universal Oil Products Co
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Filing: 1973-01-02
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-01-02
Abstract
Abstract Insertion of about one half of a small diameter distillation column through the bottom of a larger diameter column permits the fractionation of a feed stream fed to the small column into three distinct high purity streams within one vessel. An annular space between the two columns functions as a stripping section which produces a pure stream of intermediate boiling range material. Open communication between the columns at the top of the small column eliminates the requirement of having a separate reflux system for the small column.
Inventors
- 👤 Graff R De
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:28
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D3/00; B01D3/14; B01D3/141; B01D3/143; B01D3/146; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S203/00; Y10S203/09; Y10S203/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A fractionation apparatus capable of producing four pure component streams which comprises: a. a lower first, a second intermediate and an upper, third fractionation unit, each of said units being cylindrical in cross-sectional configuration, each of said fractionation units having an upper rectification section and a lower stripping section, the said lower first unit being of less diameter than the second intermediate unit and extending concentrically into said second intermediate unit a substantial distance, said second intermediate unit extending concentrically into said upper, third fractionation unit a substantial distance, whereby a first annular chamber is provided between said first and second units and a second annular chamber is provided between said second and third units, each of said annular chambers having a series of fractionation trays therein; b. means to introduce a feed stream to the apparatus at a point located between the top and bottom of said lower first fractionation unit; c. reboiler means located near the bottom of the stripping section of each of said fractionation units; d. means to provide external reflux to the rectification section of the upper third fractionation unit; e. means to remove a product stream from the bottom of each of said stripping sections; and f. means to remove a product stream from the top of the rectification section of the third fractionation unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
A fractionation apparatus capable of producing four pure component streams which comprises: a. a lower first, a second intermediate and an upper, third fractionation unit, each of said units being cylindrical in cross-sectional configuration, each of said fractionation units having an upper rectification section and a lower stripping section, the said lower first unit being of less diameter than the second intermediate unit and extending concentrically into said second intermediate unit a substantial distance, said second intermediate unit extending concentrically into said upper, third fractionation unit a substantial distance, whereby a first annular chamber is provided between said first and second units and a second annular chamber is provided between said second and third units, each of said annular chambers having a series of fractionation trays therein; b. means to introduce a feed stream to the apparatus at a point located between the top and bottom of said lower first fractionation unit; c. reboiler means located near the bottom of the stripping section of each of said fractionation units; d. means to provide external reflux to the rectification section of the upper third fractionation unit; e. means to remove a product stream from the bottom of each of said stripping sections; and f. means to remove a product stream from the top of the rectification section of the third fractionation unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rectification and stripping sections of said lower first fractionation unit have the same cross-sectional area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rectification and stripping sections of said upper, third fractionation unit have the same outer diameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rectification section of said upper, third fractionation unit has substantially the same cross-sectional area as the stripping section of the next lower unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, a reboiler means is located near the bottom of each unit and a reflux system is located on the uppermost unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each stripping section has a reboiler means and each rectification section has a reflux system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantial distance of extension of said lower first unit into said intermediate unit and said substantial distance of extension of said second intermediate unit into said upper, third unit is in the amount of about one half the height of said lower first unit and said second intermediate unit respectively.
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) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |