Patent GB-182828-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for distilling crude oil and other liquids
IPC: C10G7/00
Filed: 1921-01-11
Abstract: 182,828. Mather, P. Jan. 11, 1921. Film evaporators.-Relates to a modification of the heat-exchanger described in Specification 184,222, and particularly adapted as set out in Specification 182,287 for the preheating and partial evaporation of crude oil by the hot residues and the vapour fractions from a still such as is described in Specification 175,666. The heat-exchanger comprises tube nests 1, 2, 3, 4, each consisting of two sets of vertical series of four or other number of horizontal tubes b connected by horizontal end-tubes c to headers d, d<1>, d<2>, d<3>. The headers d<1>, d<3> are divided by horizontal partitions and headers d, d<2> by inclined partitions h<1>, so that the still residues and vapours pass through their respective nests and header compartments as through coils. Conveniently the lower nests 3, 4 are used for the still vapours, and the upper nests 1, 2 for the still residues. The headers d', d<3>, Fig. 6, are formed in separate upper and lower sections bolted together, and the tubes c on each side of each header are arranged in two vertical columns to economize space. The hot residue from the still is admitted to the lowest compartment of the upper section of each of the headers d<1>, d<3> by a pipe j and leaves the highest compartment through a pipe j<1>. The hot vapours enter the lowest compartment of each of the headers d<1>, d<3> by a pipe n, and leave the highest compartments of the lower sections by a pipe n<3>. In order to drain away vapours condensing in the nests 3, 4, the partitions h<2>, Fig. 4, in the lower sections of the headers d', d' are not made integral therewith, but are packed against the header walls by asbestos or the like, and each is formed as shown so that liquid may flow from the tubes b, c, and the header compartment down the central tube h<4> to a cup h<5> and over its edges to the suitably spaced-away flange h<2> in the lower compartment ; it is discharged from the lowest compartment by an outlet h<6>. The crude oil is admitted through inlets t<2> to transverse feed pipes t' and longitudinal spraying pipes t so that it descends in films over the tubes b until it escapes at the bottom through outlets sealed against vapour. Any vapours evolved escape by an outlet n<4>. Preferably plates t<4> with their lower edges serrated are provided to ensure the oil dripping directly above the tubes b, and studs t<8> or other adjusting devices are arranged to ensure the spraying pipes t being horizontal so that the feed from all the pipes is the same. Each pair of headers d, d<1> and d<2>, d<3>. and the corresponding tubes b, c is secured to a frame e, f, f<1> mounted on wheels e<1> running on rails g so as to be removed readily when the inlet and outlet fittings on the casing a of the exchanger are unscrewed and the side a<1> of the casing is removed. There may be provided plain or perforated pipes x so that the crude oil may be vaporized by steam or other fluid; lagging, cooling, or heating means on the casing to ensure any internal temperature: a baked clay or other lining to the casing to minimize chemical reaction; plain or corrugated roof and side plates u, v to prevent splashing of oil on the casing, to collect condensed vapours and lead them to gutters w, w<1>, w<2> running to a suitable receptacle; and outwardly bent portions v<3> on the side plates v to catch liquid dripping from the inlet and outlet joints.