Pure Hydrocarbons from Petroleum

Abstract

THISarticle describes the development and performance of screen-plate columns that have been used for generalpurpose hydrocarbon fractionations and in pilot-plant processes for separating pure hydrocarbons from petroleum* in the University of Texas laboratories during the past several years.Laboratory fractionating columns may be classified as packed, film-type, and plate-type. With the exceptions of Stedman embossed packing (I) and single-turn helices (4), high-efficiency film-type packings have been successful only in smaller sizes of laboratory columns. The efficiency of such columns is often sensitive to throughput and even to the operator's technique. These considerations led to the development of screen-tray columns having the desirable characteristic of relatively constant plate efficiency over a wide range of liquid and vapor velocities.Bruun developed a 1-inch (25-mm.) diameter, all-glass bubbletray column (£) that has found extensive use. Oldershaw reported comparable performance data on all-glass perforatedplate columns (ff).

Pure Hydrocarbons from Petroleum.

“…of liquid per minute) to 40% immediately below the flood point of 140 ml. per minute, as reported previously (5). Plate efficiency tests for Distex operation using same hydrocarbons in approximately 80 mole % aniline are summarized in Table I.…”

Distillation

“…Similar use of fractionation has been reported by the Bureau of Mines and others {83, 126, 147). Various complete fractionating columns have been developed or improved for general laboratory use {40, 52,61,66,69,85,90,98,113,131,136,141,143). Extensive application of precise fractionation has also occurred in the development of fluorine chemistry {11, 50, 104).…”

Simplified Wire-Screen Packing for Fractionating Columns

“…RECENT years, several efficient laboratory fractionating columns having wire-screen packing have been described (1)(2)(3)(4). Although these columns have high efficiency (as indicated by low height equivalent to a theoretical plate), their widespread use in routine work is severely limited by their high cost, which is due to the skill and precision required in their construction.…”