US 11,058,969 B2 · System for removing thermal degradation products from heat transfer fluids

Abstract

A system and method removes thermal decomposition components from biphenol and/or diphenyl oxide heat-transfer fluids. Light, volatile decomposition components including benzene, water, hydrogen and phenol leave the system for vapor recovery, chemical adsorption or thermal decomposition. Dimerized and polymerized heavy components such as biphenyl phenyl ether, terphenyl and related isomers are concentrated and recovered. The system can be a continuous, semi-continuous or batch operation. Solar electric plants employing the system can use solar field fluids and heating to operate the system during generator operation hours. A wash system operating at or near atmospheric pressure concentrates heavy thermal decomposition components while allowing removal of light, volatile decomposition components for separation from the majority of the thermal fluid components. Temperature-controlled condensation of the majority of the thermal fluid components allows collection of the thermal fluid, while allowing light, volatile decomposition components to be removed prior to vent processing.

Claims8

Dependent claims

An industrial plant including:

A. A system configured for removing thermal degradation products from heat transfer fluids, said system comprising:
1. a wash column with reflux, said wash column generating vapor;
2. a first reboiler for heating said wash column;
3. a tempering condenser in contact with said vapor, said tempering condenser generating condensate;
4. a collection vessel in fluid communication with said tempering condenser;
and
5. a second reboiler in fluid communication with said collection vessel, said second reboiler for vaporizing light thermal decomposition components from said condensate;
B. Heat transfer fluid circulating within said system;
C. Degradation products within said heat transfer fluid;
and
D. Heavy components within said degradation products, wherein said heavy components include constituents selected from the group consisting of biphenyl phenyl ether, terphenyl, dimerized diphenyl oxide, dimerized biphenyl, isomers thereof and combinations thereof.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for removing thermal degradation products from heat transfer fluids

Life of this patent

System for removing thermal degradation products from heat transfer fluids

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8