Patent ID: 8715467
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: B01D,B01J,C01B

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a flow of vapor from a vaporizer to a distillation system comprising a distillation tower that has an upper end, a lower end, and a vapor-liquid contact device, a reflux condenser disposed above the distillation tower and in fluid communication with the upper end of the distillation tower to condense the vapor into a condensate such that the condensate flows into the upper end of the distillation tower, and a reboiler disposed below the distillation tower and in fluid communication with the lower end of the distillation tower to heat the condensate, wherein the reflux condenser, the reboiler, and a vapor input to the distillation tower are electronically coupled to a flow controlling device for controlling a rate of introducing the vapor into the distillation system, said method comprising the steps of: A. introducing the vapor at a temperature of from 50° C. to 120° C. into the distillation tower; B. condensing the vapor in the reflux condenser to form the condensate; C. heating the condensate in the reboiler; and D. controlling a rate of introducing the vapor into the distillation tower with the flow controlling device as a function of an amount of condensate that flows from the reflux condenser into the upper end of the distillation tower and as a function of an amount of vapor formed from the reboiler to minimize a buildup of the condensate in the distillation tower.