GB701100A - Improvements in and relating to oil cracking and volatilization apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0701100/III/1> <PICT:0701100/III/2> An apparatus for cracking oils comprises a chamber containing a source of electrical discharge such as arc discharge electrodes, means to circulate the oil in the chamber, and electric immersion heaters or other heating means for heating the oil prior to electrification. Fig. 1 is a side view and Fig. 2 an end view of a rectangular tank 1 which contains six rows of rod-like electric heating elements 3, disposed in pairs, at three different heights. Secured through the side walls of the chamber, intermediate the pairs of heating elements 3, are arc discharge electrodes 6. Three vertical shafts 12 are mounted in the chamber. The upper ends of these vertical shafts carry bevel wheels 11 which mesh with bevel wheels 10 journalled on horizontal shaft 8. The lower ends of vertical shafts 12 have conical oil throwers 14 mounted thereon, the outer surfaces of these throwers being provided with a series of oppositely opposed oil cups 15. Oil is fed into the chamber through inlet 2. Power is supplied to heating elements 3 until the oil has been raised to 120 DEG -130 DEG F. An electric motor (not shown), preferably reversible, connected to pulley 9, is switched on, thus causing shafts 12 to rotate whereby cups 15 circulate the oil. Power is supplied to electrodes 6. The vapours formed by the cracking, pass out of the chamber through outlets 16. Three float switches 19, each of which controls the supply of current to two corresponding rows of heaters 3, are mounted on the side walls of the chamber; the arrangement being such that as the level of oil in the chamber descends, so the float switch above the level of oil will cut out its associated heaters. The temperature of the chamber is not allowed to rise above 400 DEG F. The inner surface of the chamber is preferably lined with porcelain.