Method for the control of pitch operation

Abstract

A method for controlling the production of pitch and the like is disclosed comprising simultaneously measuring the viscosity and temperature of the pitch material from the production unit, comparing the measured value with a predetermined correlation of the viscosity and temperature for the pitch, and adjusting the parameters of the production operation in response to the comparison. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed comprising a means for withdrawing and returning a sample of the pitch material from the still, a chamber for holding the sample of the pitch material, the chamber having a means for heating and cooling the sample, a temperature sensing device and a viscosity measuring device located in the chamber, and a means for recording the temperature and viscosity values. Optionally and preferably, the apparatus has a means for comparing the measured viscosity-temperature correlation with the predetermined viscosity temperature correlation of the pitch material and adjusting the parameters of the production unit in response thereto.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.