GB175666A - Improvements relating to stills - Google Patents

Abstract

175,666. Mather, P. Aug. 18, 1920. Column stills; progressive evaporators.-In the fractional distillation of crude or topped oils or other liquids, the liquid flows down a vertical cylindrical still through helically-arranged compartments formed between an outer furnace heated casing a and an inner vapour-receiving casing d. The compartments are formed by segmental supports h, Fig. 2, which form intermediate compartments having their exits 3 and inlet openings h<21> in the base, and which support plates c' forming the base of the compartments and shaped as shown in Fig. 1, so that the liquid will collect in the depressions c<2> and cover the outer wall. The vapours pass through openings e<1> to the central chamber which is divided into compartments which may be packed with vitrified clay &c. and which have separate discharge pipes f<1> - f<4>. Superheated steam or an inert gas may be passed into the vapour spaces through perforated pipes j' and into the residual oil through a pipe k. The residual oil is discharged through a rising pipe l<1> or a float-operated valve so as to maintain a definite level in the still. Adjustable flap valves may close some of the weir openings 3 so as to subdivide the vapour space. Discharge valves adapted to be opened simultaneously may be formed at the base of the depressions c<2>. The furnace setting is such as to apply the greatest heat to the base of the still.