HF Alkylation reaction temperature control system

Claim 1

For a process for alkylating an isoparaffin with an olefinic feed stream, to produce a normally liquid alkylate product, wherein (1) said feed stream contains at least two olefinic hydrocarbons and is contacted in admixture with a hydrogen fluoride catalyst, in a reaction zone, and (2) at least a portion of the reaction zone effluent is recycled thereto, the control system, for regulating the temperature within said reaction zone, which comprises, in cooperative combination: a. conduit means for introducing a cooling medium into said reaction zone, and for removing it therefrom, said cooling medium indirectly contacting the reaction mixture within said zone; b. first flow-varying means for adjusting the flow of said cooling medium into said reaction zone; c. second flow-varying means for adjusting the flow of effluent recycled to said reaction zone; d. a first hydrocarbon analyzer receiving a sample of said olefinic feed stream and developing a first process output signal representative of a composition characteristic thereof; e. temperature-sensing means for sensing a reaction zone temperature and, in operative association therewith, temperature-indicating means developing a second process output signal representative of said temperature; f. a second hydrocarbon analyzer receiving a sample of said normally liquid alkylate product and developing a third process output signal representative of a composition characteristic of said sample; g. process signal-transmitting means through which said three process output signals are transmitted to computer/comparator means developing a computer output signal in response to, and as a function of said three process output signals; and, h. computer output signal-transmitting means through which said computer output signal is transmitted to said first and second flow-varying means.