Patent ID: 7771664

Claim:
A batch reaction system comprising: a reaction vessel containing a process fluid; a plurality of heat transfer elements having a passageway therethrough for the passage of heat transfer fluid, said plurality of elements disposed about and in contact with a surface of said reaction vessel to provide a heat transfer surface between the process fluid and each of said plurality of elements; at least one sensor that detects a change of temperature of said heat transfer fluid that enters and exits said plurality of heat transfer elements; a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid passing through said heat transfer elements; wherein heat generated or absorbed by the process fluid in the reaction vessel is calculated from said change of temperature of the heat transfer fluid and a flow rate of said heat transfer fluid; a valve system in fluid communication each of with said plurality of elements; wherein said valve system acts to progressively provide or prevent access of heat transfer fluid to the plurality of heat transfer elements in cascade fashion and thereby control the number of heat transfer elements in effective heat transfer contact with the reaction vessel.