Exxon Research and Engineering Company

Raymond W Saunders

Joseph P Boyle

Duncan J Bristow

Howard R Lingley

Gordon C Camano

Randall S Lachine

Variations in the air outlet temperature of a vortex cooler which varies with the inlet temperature and pressure are maintained within precise limits by a thermocouple electrically connected to a feedback loop which controls the vortex inlet air pressure in response to the signal from the thermocouple. A pneumatic inlet air control valve, along with a microprocessor based transmitter/controller and an I/P Converter pneumatically connected to the vortex inlet air control valve comprise the feedback loop. This maintains the cold air outlet temperature of the cooler within one degree of the desired temperature, despite fluctuations in the inlet air pressure and temperature.

Critical temperature control with vortex cooling

The presence of carryunder in the extract phase recovered from a solvent extraction tower is an indication of unsatisfactory performance. The continuous analysis of the extract phase using a turbidity analyzer to detect the presence of two phases, indicating carryunder permits corrective measures to be taken in tower operation to reduce or eliminate carryunder.

Growing community of inventors

Petrolia, Canada

Raymond W Saunders