Atmospheric distillation apparatus and method
AssigneeAD Systems S.A.S.
InventorsMartial LÉPINAY, Bruno GALLIOT
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for distillation testing of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary to reach the initial boiling point (IBP) and ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints, and regardless of sample composition. This monitors the sample by the camera during different heating phases of the test to obtain visual images of the sample and a computer analyzes image data observed to regulate the optimal distillation process.
Claims16
A testing apparatus for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure, the testing apparatus comprising:
- a flask having a round bottom, a neck portion and a top opening;
- a stopper for covering the top opening of the flask;
- a heating element in thermal communication with the flask bottom for heating the flask;
- a temperature sensor traversing the stopper;
- a condenser connected to the flask at one end of the condenser;
- a cooling source surrounding the condenser;
- a receiver in communication with the condenser for receiving distillate from the condenser;
- a sensor for monitoring of a level and/or amount of the distillate collected in the receiver during a distillation test,
- a camera positioned to monitor behavior of the liquid sample within the flask to obtain image data of the liquid sample, preferably of the liquid sample and vapors emitted from the liquid sample, during the distillation test, and
- an image analysis system to control the heating element based on analysis of the image data.
A method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure using a testing apparatus of any preceding claim, preferably at defined conditions by a standard test method (for example ASTM D86-20b), said method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a group of products to be analyzed as the liquid sample;
- regulating temperatures of the condenser and receiver;
- introducing a predefined quantity of the liquid sample to the automatic distillation assembly flask;
- initiating testing with an initiating trigger;
- heating the flask containing the liquid sample with the heating;
- monitoring behavior of the liquid sample within the flask with the camera to obtain the image data of the liquid sample, preferably of the liquid sample and vapors emitted from the liquid sample, during a distillation test,
- analyzing the image data in the image analysis system;
- detecting initial boiling of said liquid sample with the image analysis system;
- measuring with the temperature sensor the temperature of vapors in the flask;
- adjusting the heating by controlling the heating element based on the analyzing of the image data;
- measuring a recovered volume of a distillate, produced from the liquid sample, that is received in the receiver;
- and
- stop heating when an end point of the distillation is reached.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.