US 4,621,062 A · Control of an isomerization process

Abstract

Control of an isomerization process is based on a known relationship between the octane number and temperature of a reaction at equilibrium; and a predetermined relationship between octane number and temperature of the reaction product of a reactor using a specific catalyst. In use, measurements of actual octane number and temperature are compared with the octane number and temperature of a reaction at equilibrium to determine if the reaction is at equilibrium. If the reaction is not at equilibrium, a control signal is developed to restore equilibrium. Thus control of an isomerization process is accomplished so as to substantially maximize the efficiency of the isomerization process both from a production standpoint and from an energy usage standpoint by maintaining the isomerization reaction at desired equilibrium conditions. Also, for a dual reactor system, the differential temperature between the two reactors is manipulated so as to maintain more favorable isomerization conditions in the tail reactor. Energy efficiency is improved by substantially minimizing the amount of heating fluid utilized to preheat the feed to the isomerization process.

Claims20

Dependent claims

In method for controlling an isomerization process comprising the steps of introducing a feed suitable for isomerization to a feed inlet of a first isomerization reactor, withdrawing a first reaction effluent from said first isomerization reactor, introducing said effluent as a feed to a second isomerization reactor, and withdrawing a second reaction effluent from said second isomerization reactor, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of:

establishing a first signal representative of the actual temperature of said second reaction effluent;
establishing a second signal representative of the actual octane number of said second reaction effluent;
establishing a third signal representative of the temperature of said second reaction effluent required to maintain the isomerization reaction in said second isomerization reactor at equilibrium in response to said first signal and said second signal;
and
manipulating the temperature of said second reaction effluent in response to said third signal.

2 more elements

In method for controlling an isomerization process comprising the steps of introducing a feed suitable for isomerization to the feed inlet of an isomerization reactor and withdrawing a reaction effluent from said isomerization reactor, wherein the improvement further comprises the steps of:

establishing a first signal representative of the actual temperature of said reaction effluent;
establishing a second signal representative of the actual octane number of said reaction effluent;
establishing a third signal representative of the temperature of said reaction effluent required to maintain the isomerization reaction in said isomerization reactor at equilibrium in response to said first signal and said second signal;
and
manipulating the temperature of said reaction effluent in response to said third signal.

2 more elements

Apparatus comprising:

a first isomerization reactor including a feed inlet and an effluent outlet;
a second isomerization reactor including a feed inlet and an effluent outlet;
means for providing a feed suitable for isomerization to said feed inlet within said first isomerization reactor;
means for withdrawing a first reaction effluent from said first isomerization reactor and for providing said first reaction effluent as a feed to said second isomerization reactor;
means for withdrawing a second reaction effluent from said second isomerization reactor;
means for establishing a first signal representative of the actual temperature of said second reaction effluent;
means for establishing a second signal representative of the actual octane numher of said second reaction effluent;
means for establishing a third signal representative of the temperature of said second reaction effluent required to maintain the isomerization reaction in said second isomerization reactor at equilibrium in response to said first signal and said second signal;
and
means for manipulating the temperature of said second reaction effluent in response to said third signal.

7 more elements

Apparatus comprising:

an isomerization reactor including a feed inlet and an effluent outlet;
means for providing a feed suitable for isomerization to said feed inlet of said isomerization reactor;
means for withdrawing a reaction effluent from said isomerization reactor;
means for establishing a first signal representative of the actual temperature of said reaction effluent;
means for establishing a second signal representative of the actual octane number of said reaction effluent;
means for establishing a third signal representative of the temperature of said reaction effluent required to maintain the isomerization reaction in said isomerization reactor at equilibrium in response to said first signal and said second signal;
and
means for manipulating the temperature of said reaction effluent in response to said third signal.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Control of an isomerization process

Life of this patent

Control of an isomerization process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20