Control of a fractional distillation process
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.
- Assignee:
- Phillips Petroleum Co
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4377443
- OSTI ID:
- 6273842
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 5 Apr 1982; Other Information: PAT-APPL-365202
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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