US1320727A - adams - Google Patents

Description

I. H. ADAMS.

APPARATUS FOR .THE CONVERSION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

INVENTOR.

ROFUujOU Patented Nov. 4, 1919.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 29, I915.

WIIZSSgS,

.l. H. ADAMS.

APPARATUS FOR THE CONVERSION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS.

9 1'. 9 1 AI! V O N M n e t aw. P i M on 2 R A M D E L N W A C U P P A 2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

WITNESSES:

a earns nrrr rrron JOSEPH H. ADAMS,

OF FLATBUSH, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE TEXAS COMPANY, OF

HOUSTON, TEXAS, A CORPORATION OF TEXAS.

APPARATT J'S FOR THE CONVERSION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 4, rate,

Application filed March 29, 1915. Serial No. 17,699.

Description.

My invention relates broadly and primarily to an apparatus for converting high boiling point petroleum oils and distillates as Well as those of the aromatic series into more volatile products resembling lower boiling oils of the gasolene, benzin, naphtha type and larger yields-of benzol and other low specific gravity products of the aromatic group to augment the gradually diminishing' supply of the natural product, or that which is presently obtained from crude petroleum and coal tar by the commonly practised methods of fractional distillation, in

order to meet the increasing demand for these products.

It, is intended that this conversion apparatus shall be available for the transformation of oils and oily vapors of the hydrocarbon series and for all other conversion 7 the chamber to a temperature of suflicient intensity to crack and convert the same into oils'orpetroleum and coal tar oils and spirits different and possibly more valuable than the original untreated oil.

This invention is based on the facts that hydro-carbon oils and-vapors of oil d stillates can be successfully and commercially converted into those of lower specific gravity and boiling points, by means of properly applied intense heat and high vapor-pressure, without unduly transforming them into a large quantity of fixed gases as more fully set forth .in my co-pending applications 530,852, December 1, 1909, 618,011, March 30, 1911, and 879,907, December 31, 1914. The products produced. by the transformation difl'er in character from the original material and for certain purposes are more useful and more valuable.

This invention comprises an apparatus capable of being constructed at a moderate cost, and so desi edas to enable skilled workmen to readlly operate the same at a high rate of efficiency in lowering the boiling points of various grades of hydro-carbon oils.

Another object within the contemplation of this invention is to provide an apparatus capable ofsome variation in the'inode of operation, so. as to adapt the same to the treatment of different oils, where' simple and inexpensive parts and features can be arranged and correlated to render complete an organization or system of continuously converting hydro-carbon oils and oily vapors on a common basis, in an apparatus of practical and enduring nature, wherein the more valuable materials such as naphthas,

gasolenes, benzols and toluols of low specific gravities can be converted from oils of less value and higher boiling points.

Other objects. and advantages of my'in- .vention will beset forth hereinafter, and

the novel 'featuresthereof set forth in appended claims. Y

In order that this invention may be the more fully disclosed and otherwise made wholly comprehensible to: those skilled in the art, drawings typical of the many possible embodiments thereof have been appended hereto, as a part of this disclosure, and in such drawingslike characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views of 'whichz i Figure 1, is n elevation and partly sec 'tional drawing of the collective apparatus Jembodyin'g certain aspects of this invention wherein heat of intense temperature is applied to oil and oily vapors while under vapor pressure, and also showing details of the various parts, and which, for all puroses of description, will afi'orda clear and Well defined view of the several features comprising the converting apparatus and its correlated pumps. tanks and containers.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view at the top of a I the converted oil, and therefore the heating -furnace,sho.wn to illustrate a common form 4 of heater which may be adapted for this apparatus.

Fig. 3 shows more clearly a form of release pop valve. and oil vapor and liquid collector. j i Fig. 4 is a top view of the cracking chamber crown, tothe under, side of which the c rackingflplate is attached, and which is mounted over thefurnace or heater.

Fig.- 5 is a partialor' segmental plan of I the cracking plate or medium which, when brought to the proper and'required intense heat by means of the underlying furnace, brings about the desired conversion, as more fully set forthv in the following description, and

Fig. 6 is The reservoir tank, A.

Referringnow to Fig. l, the source of' supply A, can be somewhat elevated with I mitted. to the bottom of respect to the converter CD, so that the gr avitating' tendency of the oil may augment its flow into the converter under the influence of-the' contained weight of oil, or the ease with which it may be withdrawn and forced into the converter by means of pump 5.

The fluid oil may be supplied-to the container A, through the'pipe 1, while at the same time displaced air from the tank can escape through vent pipe 2, at the top-of the container.

For obvious reasons it is best to pre-lieat the oil before it is admitted'to the converter:

CD, so that the heat in that part of the apparatus may be conserved forthe more important function of cracking splitting the 'molecules of, and rapidly vaporizingsystem B, is provided'and' interposed between the source ofsupply and the cone verter, wherein the oil to be treated can be type, but preferably provides a continuously rising coil 15, contamed. within the hot oil receptacle 16, where the overflow hot oil from the dome D, supplied through pipes 24 and 25, can be utillzedv to heat the in---' coming cold-oil within the coil, orthe pipe.

coil 17, located in stack 50, can be arranged to utilize the waste heat from the furnace C, to pre-heat the inflowing hot oil to,.the converter GD. y

The oil to be so heated resses upwardly itspfio vubbles or vapor r se andreadlly'. es-

a partly sectional view of ,the liquid and vapor dome base showing the.

hat any cape and not form air locks to retard the flow or oil into the converter. work, and also-the correlated local parts of the heating and oil or oilyvapor cracking The oil converting receptacle, CD. The drawing shows' one of the many diverse forms which the converter CD, may assume, and such converter here shown tion of oi l quantities and temperatures, whlch are m part'regulated by the flow of oil through supply pipe 8, and precision valves, 9, and in part by the overflow of oil through pies 24 and 25, pre-heater tank 16, p1pe 2,

and into hot oil receiving tank 26.

A glass gage 28' is arranged on column 29, in order; to inspect the location of oil in that part of the system.

The furnace C, is provided and located under the liquid and vapor dome D, and cracking chamber 18, as a means of generat 'ing intense heat by known methods of gas,

fuel oil, "coal or electricity;' and this fur- 'nace 1s supported on legs or piers, if neces sary, so-that in the use of gas or fuel oil,

access can be more readily had to the feed valves and controllers which may be located in the underlying pipe system A pyrometer element 30, is arranged to extend through the walls of the furnace C,

in order that temperatures may be determined therein, which, in. this conversion I system, is a very important feature. A port 95, is located" in the'furnace wall, for inspection purposes, which'same is closed with a suitable fire brick plug, provided with a I handle:

Inasmuch as the vapors'rising into and filling the upper part offthe expansion dome may, at any time, be so rapidly evolved as 'to exert undue or spasmodlc pressure, I

havev placed a collecting trap tank 31,and release pop valve, 32, i n cl0se relation with the upper part of thedome, by means of "the,.pg)esi33 and 29, so that any undue or-"su den pressure above a given number of pounds necessary to carry on the process work underi normal conditions, will cause-the release pop 32 to act rapidly and tense temperatures to the heat enduring, or

5 more or less perfect conversion.

teams"? cracking plate 19, for the purpose of bringing about a mor or less complete conversion of oil. I

Preferablythis feature is operated by gas 5 or fuel oil, and comprises one or more jets 44, to which elements of combustion are fed through pipes 78 and 79, and thereafter forced into an inclosed furnace C, composed preferably of a metal shell, or container 45,

lined with fire'brick 46, and asbestos or magnesia fillin 47, which togetherare intended to retain X6 heat as long as possible, for the purpose of maintaining the plate 19, at the proper and uniform temperature for In the show form, this furnace C, with its intake pipes 44, and outlet or exhaust flue 48, passing through stack 50, is made up in circular form, and partially filled with a checker work of fire brick 46, to' properly heat the round vplate19, located at the top of the furnace in the form of a cap; and I while the design of heater may be varied to conform with the different styles of convert- 5 ers which could be made, this form .is well adapted for the economical use of gas andliquid fuels, to generate the required intense heat, and especially for operating in the oil and gas regions, where the fuel cost is low.

When operating on oils for the purpose of converting them, it is necessary to localize the heat so as to preventits spreadingin a lower degree of intensity than is necessary to effectually crack the oil, and to this end,

in the embodiment of the apparatus, 1 have provided a crown 49, to which the cracking plate 19, is 'made fast with bolts drawn against a gasket at its outer edge, and spaced 4o them so that only a thin layer or body of oil contained in the chamber 18, comes in close proximity to the intensely heated surface of the plate 19, which, as shown at Fig.5, is provided with slotted holes 51, having parallel edges radiating from the center of the plate, so that as expansion or contraction takes place in the plate 19, a means is pro vided to protect the crown 49.

V A more comprehensive idea of this crowncan be had from Fig. 4, wherein three ports 52, and a number of oil supply pipes 53, are

definitely located to facilitate operation,

This drawing shows the radiating ribs 54,

which help to strengthen that part of the ap- 55 paratus.

The sight tubes 55, provide a meansof inspecting the condition of the cracking plate 19, or the molten metal 19, (Fig. 2) while the converter is in operation; and also affords a port through which pieces of metal or alloy can be placed withinchamber 18, preparatory to its becoming melted on plate 19. To protect plate 19, from burning out, or the destruction of oil over its surface, with a consequent deposit of carbon and the'more or less complete transformation of oil into fixed gases, with lar e commercial losses, I

point consistent with the required cracking temperature for the oils to be treated;

which, when brought to the proper degree of heat becomes a semifluid metal 19, (Fig. 2) flowing overt-he top surface of the plate 19, where it' may be seen through inspection sights 55, if there is clear oil in cracking employ a metal or a loy having a melting chamber 18, and remaining so during the process of conversion, when the furnace heat is maintained at the proper ,degree of intensity.

In this manner the oil does not come 1n direct contact with the plate 19,-but isafmethods of oil contact with the heat is Y largely a matter of-judicious oil converting practice over which no set rules can govern.

In order to prevent furious agitation within chamber 18, and dome I), while the converter is in operation, baflie plates 56, are

located within the neck pipe 20, and madefast to rod 57, which rod extends through cap 21, of dome D, and to which it is attached by means of lock nuts, then the joint is properly sealed with a gland or stufling box 80. j

The baflle' plates located in this manner will overcomeany undue geyser, action or oscillation of the oil while being subjected to the intense heat within chamber 18.

Owing-to the high temperatures employed in the conversion process, and the consequent volatlhzation of unconverted, OllS treated under ordinary atmospheric conditions, I

have, by a series of valves and collecting trap tanks, provided means for carrying on this .process under vapor pressure of several atmospheres, if found necessary, by setting release pop valves to operate at certain pressures, as indicated by gages 41 and 87, both for the release of vaporized oil from the top ofdome D, through valve 32 and tank 31, and liquid oil from the bottom of dome D, through pipe 24, valve 58, in tank 59, from which it flows through pipe 25, and

valve 62, and is collected in hot oil tank 26.

In this manner I am able to reduce the undesirable vaporization, without conversion, to a minimum, and as a consequence the oils and oilyvapors are, in a large proportion, cracked and otherwise convertedin character Without, however, transforming them into the undesirable olefins and ethylenes, which are offensive in odor and uneconomical for commercial purposes.

In addition to the intense heat and high vaporv pressure employed for the purpose of conversion, I also may use superheated steam forced into the body of oil or oily vapors cracking chamber 18.

through pipe 60, and small jets .or nozzles 61, and which are provided to inject steam with the oil at its point of entry intothe A valve regulates the supply of steam in proportion to the amount of'oxygen required to combine with a certain portion of carbon contained in the oil and which is cracked out ordinarily by the intense heat, and also to add hydrogen to the oilor oily vapors to assist in lowering the boiling point and inagency of steam, hydrogen will be added.

Some of the refuse will be deposited on the cracking plate 19, orthe molten metal 19, above it, and from which it can be removed from time to time by cooling the furnace, withdrawing the oil from the cracking chamber 18, and dome D, then opening ports 52', which are more clearly shownin Figs. 2 and 4, and with a narrow scraper, or long slicing chisel, clearing the surface of the plate or the metal.

.In Fig. 3, a detailed zdrawing shows a form of vapor or liquid trap tank and release pop valve wherein 59, is the container or tank provided with a tightly fitting cover 59, heldin place by means of bolts. A bottom plate 59", is provided and attached in a similar manner so as to make a perfectly tight inclosure.

The release pop valve 58, is arranged centrally on pipe 24, and the spring 58", can be regulated for various pressures by means of the rod and cross head 58', which projects through the cover 59, and is properly sealed by a gland or stuffing box. Oil or vapors escaping through the release pop valve 58, and collected within tank chamber 59, can be discharged through pipe 25 and valve 62.

This description applies also to pop valve 12', in tank 13, valve 32 in tank 31, and to valve 63 in tank 64.

tinuous, newly admitted oil to chamber 18, will in turn be cracked and changed n the apparatus into lighter and more volatile products, which will pass off in the form I of vapors through goose neck 34 and 35. These will enter the condenser head 37 of apparatus E, and be led down through the coil pipes 42, where condensation takes place, and the accumulated distillate will escape through valve 63, in trap tank 64, then pass off through pipes 65 and 72', intocollecting tank F, or it may be drawn off through pipe 66, and valve 67, or trapped in tank 90, then released through sight box 69, and collected in tank F.

A column 68, on which glass gages 7 O and 71, are located, is mounted in close proximity to tank 43 of condensing apparatus'E, in order to accurately record the height of accumulated oil in the lower part of coil pipes 42, or if trapped in tank 90, the glass gage 90, will indicate the height of oil therein.

Release valves 39 and 40, are mounted near the top of this column, which is connected to condenser head 37, by means of pipe 38, as safety devices, in emergency, to relieve excessive pressure.

Collecting tank, F.

Distillates which are withdrawn from condensing apparatus E, can be accumulated in a suitable containing device such as collecting tank F, into which they can flow through pipe 72' and be withdrawn from the tank by means of pump 74 and pipe 73.

It ma here be stated, that since this process of 011 conversion depends upon subjecting the oil or oily vapors to very high tem-- peratures considerably above their vaporizing or boiling points, and since this heat cannot be applied without volatilizing in unconverted form, certain portions of the original oil or oily vapors which condense in the upper part of'dome D, the trap tank 31, and pipe 33 provision is made for the oil to be returned to the converter or supply system through pipes 75, and collecting chamber 76, pipes 29, 77 and 78', which latter takes into the neck pipe 20.

Inasmuch as the precise degree of temperature at which the plate 19, is maintained in practice, will largely depend upon and be varied by the gravity and boiling point of the oilsto be treated, and other conditions, it will be sufficient to state that the temperature of the plate will be maintained at a cracking temperature of suflicient intensity to bring about the desired conversion of oil or oily vapors while under heavy vapor pressure throughout the system from the source of supply through to the end of or beyond the condenser and liquid traps.

There are various parts of apparatus not asgyet described, but which will be more fully enumerated in the several hereinafter mama? modes of operation; and while the above de-' scribed apparatus may be modified greatly and yet be well adapted to carryout my process, I have designed and constructed the converter so that it may be operated in the following manner.

Mode of operation (atmospheria) When converting very low boiling point oils and vapors, or those above 65 B. under atmospheric conditions, and with only a light vapor pressure in the system, oil is admitted to container A, through pipe 1, the displaced air passing out through pipe 2, at the top, until a sufficient quantity of oil is stored for progressive work. 1

v The system is then supplied with oil through valves 3 and 4, pipes 7 and 8, passing valves 9, and entering coils 15, of preheater B, interposed between the oil supply tank A, and converter CD.

The oil circulating through these coils, is heated by the overflow hot oil from dome D, contained within the tank 16, then passes through coil 17, in stack 50, where it receives an additional heating by means of the waste heat from furnace C, and is then passed through pipe 53, into cracking chamber 18, of the converter C-D, where a portion of it is brought into contact with the intense cracking heat maintained in plate 19.

' 'The oil is'held at a uniform surface level in dome D, as indicated by a dotted line X, for the purpose of supplying weight to hold the body of oil down against cracking plate 19, and also to provide a medium for the partial arrest of lip-flowing converted andvolatilized vapors, which are rapidly evolved by subjecting the oil to intensely high temperatures.

As the vapors rise through pipe neck 20, to escape into the dome D, an lntense agitation is carried on within this pipe, and

which would cause undue and undesirable. agitation over the surface of oil at line X,

if it were not checked by the perforated bafile plates 56, located within this neck.

As the oil rapidly becomes heated and volatilized, and would expand to unreasonable bounds if confined in the dome D, for any prolonged length of time, the overflow pipes 7 5, are provided to carry off the surplus unconverted oil, which flows down through them, into connecting chamber 76,

and out through pipe'24 and valve 81, sight box 82, pipe 25, and into pre-heater tank 16,

from which it overflows at the top into pipe I 27, and is accumulated in tank 26, from base plate 96 (Fig. 6), and are located within the lower part of dome D, as to very efiectually help in the evaporation of vapors which, having been generated in cracking chamber 18, rise through the oil in neck pipe 20, and that containedin the lower part of dome D, where they partially condense.

The heat of the contained oil within the dome D, drives them into vapor form again, and a certain portion is driven ofi from the surface of the oil at X. The action takes place so rapidly within the dome, however, that some of the converted unvolatilized oils would be carried away in an ordinary single pipe drain, and to prevent this undesirable condition, the series of stand pipes 7 5, are so arranged on the base plate 96, and located at the bottom of dome D, as to make ample provision for the escape of such.

cracked, converted and vaporized, rises'to -J.

the top of dome D, and passes out through pipes 33 and 29, through valve 36, and goose neck pipe 35, to condenser E, where, in the pipe coils 42, immersed in cold water, the vapors are reduced to condensate or distil--- lates which pass out through pipe 66, valves 67, sight box 64, and pipe 72, into collecting tank F, from which the oil may be withdrawn through pipe 73, by means of pump 74, and delivered as required, through discharge pipe 85. Y

An important feature of pre-heater B, is the expansion tank'91, located above it, and also the vent pipe 86 above it, through which air and gases maypass to avoid vacuum or pressure within the tank 16, and which would interrupt the proper flow of hot oil through the apparatus.

Another feature of importance embodied in this system is the series of water and sedi ment traps 88, 89 and 90, located at principal discharge points, so that any foreign matter or substances contained in the oil may precipitate out and not interfere with theperfect operation of" the process.

Mode of operation (partial pressure.)

If a light or medium vapor pressure of not more than two or three atmospheres, or about 50 pounds to the square inch above that of the atmosphere, is required in a part of the conversion system, when operating on low boiling point oils or oily Vapors, the valve 36, in goose neck pipe 35, of the vapor line is closed, also valve 81, in pipe 24, of the hot oil overflow, under dome D, valve 77 in and pop valve 58, in tank 59.

The release pop valve 12, in tank 13, is

, set by. means of the .stem 12, to record a required pressure on the gage 11, and .the-

pump 5, is operated to withdraw oil from the container A, and force it'through plpe 10, against a vapor pressure greater than that which is maintained in the converter dome D, and at which pressure it will be released through pop valve 12, collected in trap tank 13, and by gravity flow, returned to container A, through pipe 14.

When this supply system under pressure, is in operation, oilis admitted through pipe 8, and precision valves 9, into, the pre-heater coils 15 and 17, and to the cracking chamber 18, by means of pipe 53, and oil inlet 53', (Fig. 2).

As the heat from plate 19, expands the oil into vapors and volatilizes the same, the converted vaporsv evolved therefrom are checked by valve 32, and the overflow hot oil by pop valve 58.

By the proper adjustment of these valves with the stems 32 and 58', any required vapor pressure can be had within the con-- tainer D, according to the nature and gravity of the oil to be operatedupon'and if such vapor pressure. should be required at 50'pounds, as registered on gage 87, then the pop valve. 12, should be set to resist a greater pressure, and the pump 5, operated to deliver oil at higher pressure into the system than that of the vapor pressure resistance it will meet with in the cracking chamber 18, and dome D, against which the oil is forced by pump5.

As a means instrumental in observing these pressures, gages 11 and 87, are provided in order to properly set tliec'ontrolling springs or weights of the pop valves in the oil and vapor discharge trap tanks 31 and 59. I

Oil which is withdrawn from container A, and delivered into cracking chamber 18, by means of pump 5, is driven off in part through dome D,"i n the form of vapors, and the balance in partially or-wholly unconverted hot oil and condensed oily vapors.

That certain portion of oil which, havin come in more or less contact with the heats plate 19, and becomes vaporized and cracked, rises through neck 20, and body of oil contained in the lower part of dome D, and

expanding into the upper part of the dome,

is driven oil through pipes 33 and 29, pop' valves 32, trap tank 31, and goose neck pipe 34,. then condensed under vapor presthe condensate or sure in the coils of a paratus E, from which istillate flows through pipe 66, valves 67, sight69, and pipe 72,

Mode of operation, (high vapor presswe.)

When operating under high vapor pressure brought about by the expansion, vaporization and retention of oil and oily vapors in dome D, due to the applied heat to plate 19, as in a steam boiler, and it is desirable to place the entire system under high vapor pressure for the purpose of converting high boiling point hydro-carbons by the' application of intense heat and pressure above that of the atmosphere, valve 4, in p1pe7, is closed, and the release pop valve 12, in tank 13, is set against a pressure sufficient for the pump 5, to deliver oil into the chamber 18.

The pop valve in tank 59, is opened wide, the valve 62, in pipe 25, and valve 81, 1n pipe 24 is closed.

Pop valve 32, in tank 31, and valve 36 in pipe 35, are both opened wide to allow a passage of vapors in free communication with the condensing apparatus E.

Pop valve 63 in tank 64, is set against a vapor pressure by means of stem 63 and recision valves 67 are closed, while valve 7 in pipe 77 is opened, thus effectually sealing the system from pump 5, or source of supply, to the pipes 65 and 72, atthe end of the condensing apparatus E, which 0011- stitutes the discharge'outlets for the condensate.

Valves 3 and 6, are then opened and pum 5, is operated to augment the flow of 01 into the converter C-D, where the method of oil circulation and vapor collection, with the system under high vapor pressure, is the same as heretofore described when operating under atmospheric or partial and light vapor pressures.

In the discharge of ever, through pipe 241 and pop valve 58,

the accumu ation of oi is registered in the through valve 62, as it may be required, to

keep the oil at a uniform surface level at l m, in dome D, and not to flood the tra tank 59. Inlike manner, the accumulate condensate in the lower part of coils 42, of condensing apparatus E, can be seen in glass assays? gages 70 and 71, located on column 68, and by means of pop valve 63, in tank 64, or by opening precision valves 67, in pipe 66, the oil in the lower part of the condensing coils 42, may be kept at a desired level. Distillates can also be accumulated under high vapor pressure in-ru'nning tank 90, on which glass gage 90 is located, and released through valve' and pipe '72 into tank F.

The sight boxes 82 and 69, are provided as a means of inspecting the discharge of oils from the system, and together with the glass gages and pressure registering'gages, they form an importantpart of the visible registry methods for determining the proper speed and flow of oil through the system.-

Gases Which may be present in the distillate, or fixed gases made in the process of conversion, can escape through pipe 93 and valve 94, leading out from trap tank 64, or through pipe 93 in trap tank 90.

As the condensate collected in tank F, is of a complex nature, composed of converted and some partially converted original oil, it may be withdrawn and treated by any of the common methods of fractional distillation or topping, and the residue returned to the container A, if desired, for re-tratment as before. i

'From the foregoing disclosures, it is apparent that I have succeeded in formulating an apparatus and method of operation which is well suited to my process of oil and oily vapor conversion, and which is readily adapted to theseveral objects in view, and that, as a result, I have made it'possible with this apparatus,.to convert inexpensive available hydro-carbon oils into products of greater commercial value, as well as to increase the yield of petroleum and aromatic oils to meet market conditions.

As many changes could be made in the above described construction and methods of operation, and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limited sense. I 1

It is also to be understood that the language used in the following claims is intended to cover all of the genericend specific features of this invention, and all statements of the scope of the invention which,

tion of the oil relatively separate and distinct from the mainbody of the oil, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a local cracking and converting temperature, means for introducing superheated steam into said oil at the point where the cracking temperature is applied, and means for collecting and condensing the generated vapors.

2. In a deviceof the class described, the combination with a container for a body of oil embodying means for maintaining the lower portion of the oil relatively separate and distinct from the main body of the oil above, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a local cracking and con-- verting temperature, means for maintaining vapor pressure on said 011 during the cracklng operation, and means forcollectlng and condensing the generated vapors under pressure.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination with a container for a body of oil embodying means for maintaining the. lower portion of the oil relatively separate and distinct from the main body of the oil above, of means for subjecting said separate oil embodying means for maintaining a portion of the 011 relatively separate and distinct from the main body of the oil, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a local cracking and converting temperature, means for continuously introducing oil into said body of oil at the point where the cracking temperature is applied, means for maintaining a predetermined vapor pressure on said body of oil, and means for condensing the generated vapors.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a container for a body of oil embodying means for maintaining the lower portion of the oil relatively separate and distinct from the main .body of the oil above, of means for subjecting said separate portion of oil to a' local cracking and converting temperature, means for continuously introducing oil and superheated steam into said body of oil at the point where the cracking temperature is applied, means for maintaining a predetermined vapor pressure on said body of oil, and means for condensing the generated vapors 6. In a device of the class described, the combination with means for. confining a 4 body of oil, of means for subjecting a por-' tionof said on below the surface to a local cracking and converting temperature, means for continuously introducing oil into said body of oil at the point where the cracking temperature is applied, means for main taininga predetermined vapor pressure onsaid body of oil, means for automatically drawing ofi' any surplus unconverted oil to maintain said body at a .subs tantiallycon stan-t level, and-means for condensing the generated vapors under vapor pressure. v -7. 'Ina device of the class described, the

combinationwith means for confining, a

bodyof oil, of; means for subjecting a lim-flited portion or said oil at the lower part of said body to a local cracking temperature, ,means for continuously supplying preheated oil to said limited portion of oil where the cracking temperature is applied, means. for drawing of]? oil from the upper portion of said body to maintain the level; and means for condensing thevapors of the converted .oil 'l a 8-, In adevice of the class described, the

combination with means for confining a body of oil, of means for subjecting a limited portion of said oil'at the lower part of.

said'body to a local cracking temperature,

means for continuously supplying preheatedoil and vsuperheated steam to said limited portion of oil where the cracking temperature is applied, means'for drawin oil oil from the upper portion of 'said' ody to maintain the level, and means for condens-- ing the. vapors of the converted oil.

combination with .a container for a body of oil embodyin means for. maintaining a fiat shallow portlon of the oil at the bottom,

- relatively, separate and. distinct, of means condensing the generating vapors under portion of oil-to a local crac 5'5 verting temperature, means for continuv into said body of oil at the'point where the cracking temperature is applied, means for maintaining a predetermined vapor sure, on 'saidbodyof oil, means for con 611$- 9. In a device of the class described, the

.for subjectin said flat shallow portion of O to a (mac ing temperature, means for ma ntaimng'vapor pressure onth 1 d ing the'cracking operatiomand means for pressure.

a 10. In a device ofltheclassdescribed, the

combination with'a containerlfor a body of oil embodying means forv maintaining lower portion of the. oilrelatively se arate and distinct from the main body-of t e oil above, of means for subjectingnsaid 'se arate ng an conously, introducing oil and superheated steam resing the generated vapors, and means for maintaining a predetermined pressure on said'vapors during condensation.

11; In a device of the class' described, the. combination with a converter; means. forthe Supplying -to. said converter under pressure, means for heating the oil in'said converter to a cracking temperature, a 0on denser connected to said converter, an adjustable automatic pressure control valvein said connection'between said converter and said condenser, an outlet from said condenseraand an adjnstable'automatic pressure control valve in said outlet.

- 12. In a device of the class described, the combination with a converter comprising a an upper expansion dome of greater capacity, and a-connecting pipe or neck, of means for supplying oil and superheated steam to 7 said cracking-chamber, means for applying lower cracking chamberof limited capacity,

intense heat" to said crackingl chamber to convert the oil therein, me nsfor'maintain-- mg a substantially constan 011 level in send dome, and means for removing and condensing the vapors passing into said dome.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with 'a' converter comprising a lower crackingchamber of limited capacity, an; upper expanslon dome. of greater capac 'ity,vand a connecting pipe'or neck, of means for supplying oiland k-superheated steam to said 'cracking'chamber, at a point where the cracking temperature is applied, means for applying intense heat to said cracking chamber to convert the oil therein, means for maintaining a substantially constant-oil 7 level in said'dome, and means for removing and condensing under self-generated vapor pressure the vapors passinginto said dome;

I 14; Ina device of the class described, the; combination with a converter comprising athin horizontalccracking chamber having a flat bottom plate adapted to be raised to a;

high temperature and a central neck extendcrackingchamber.

-15; In a device "of the, class described, the

combination witha thin horizontal cracking "mg upwardly, an oil and vapor-1' dome-or re ceptacle into the bottom of whichsaid neck leads, and means for supplying oil to said chamber having aflat bottom plate, means below saidplate for heating it to a temperature sufiicient to crack or convert oil in contact with it, a central neck leading upwardly 'from saidoracking chamber, an oil and vapor dome above said chamber into the bottomof which said neck leadsfand means for introducing. oilandlsuperheated steam "introducing oil and superheated steam into 4 for introducin said cracking chamber through the top, means for drawing ofl vapors from the upper portion of saidv dome, and means for drawing 0% oil from said donieto maintain the level therein. 9

17. In a device of the class described, the combination with athin horizontal'cracking chamber having a flat bottom plate,'-means wardly from said crackin chamber, an oiland vapor dome above sai chamber into. the bottom of whichsaid neck leads, means for introducin oil' into said cracking chamber through t e top, means for drawin off vapors from the upper portion of said ome, means for drawing oil? oil from said dome to maintain the leveltherein, and means in said neck and dome to prevent the vapors rising up into said dome from unduly agitating the 01 therein.

18. In a device of the class described, the combination with a thin horizontal cracking chamber havin a flat bottom plate, means below said p ate for heating it to a temperature sufficient to crack or convert oil in contact with it, a central neck leading upwardly from said cracking chamber, an

oil and vapor dome above said chamber into the bottom of which said neck'leads,'means oil and steam into said cracking cham er through the top, means for drawin ofi' vapors from the upper portion of said dome, and a series of draw ofi pipes extendin 'from'the bottom up into said dome to the esired oil level.

19. In a device of the class described, the combination with a converter including a thin horizontal cracking chamber having a flat bottom plate, means below said plate for subjecting it to high heat, means for supplying oil and steam to said chamber through the top, and a metal in said chamber on said plate having ing point 0 the oil to be treated.

20. In a device of the class described, the combination with a converter including a. vapor dome, of a condenser, a pipe connection between the vapor space of said dome and said condenser controlled by a manually operable valve, a second pipe connection from the vapor space of said dome o said condenser, an automatic pressure regulating valve in said second connection, and

means for controlling the discharge from said condenser.

21. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a converter, including a vapor dome of a condenser, a pipe connection betweenthe vapor space of said dome and said condenser controlled by a manually operable valve,'a second pipe connection from the vapor space of said dome to 3, fusing point below the crack:

said condenser, an automatic pressure-regulating valve in said second connection, an outlet at the bottom of the condenser controlled by a manually operable valvefand a second outlet from the bottom of said condenser having therein =an adjustable, automatic pressure regulatin valve. 2 Y

22. apparatus of t e nature disclosed, comprising in combination an oil supply v tank and preheat'er, a converting chamber connected therewith and means for supply-- ing and regulating the entry oi unconverted liquids and oils to same, anJ.overlying inclosed expansion dome for the collection of partly or wholly converted oily vaporsuin the upper part and unconverted oil in the lower part of said dome, means fort with drawal and condensation of said'wapors';

under vapor pressure, means to withdraw unconverted hot liquid oil from the lower part of said dome through a circumferentially arranged series of over-flow pipes attached to the bottom of said dome, means for utilizing said hot overflow oil in said preheater to heat incoming cold oil before .enteringsaid converting chamber and means 'for returmng said oil with newly admitted oil to the action of JIitGllSB'hGfit in-said con vertin chamber and vapor. dome.

23. n a device of the'class described, the combination with an oil converting chamber, of an expansion dome above said chamber andin communication therewith, means for drawing off converted vapors fromthe upper part of said dome, and a series'of overflow pipes projecting into said dome at the bottom to withdraw surplusunconverted oil and maintain its level..-

, 24. In a device of the :class described, the combination with an oil converting chamber, of an expansion dome above sald chamber and in communication therewith, a circumferentially arranged collecting chamber below said dome, means for withdrawing' converted vapors from the upper part of said dome, and a series of circumferentially arranged overflow pro3ecting upward y into said dome and gommunicating with said collecting chamer.

' 25. In a device of the class described, the

combination with an oil converter adapted to be raised to acracking temperature,

means for supplyingoil to said converter,

pipes for unconverted oil an expansion dome overlying said converter I and in communication therewith, means for withdrawlng converted vapors from said dome, means for permitting the overflow of hot unconverted oil in'said dome to main-- tain the level therein and means for im arting heat from said overflowing hot oil to the oil being supplied to the converter to preheat thesame. I I

26. In a device of the class described, the

combinationcwith an oil converter'adapted dome, means for permittingthe overflow of hot unconverted oil in said dome-to main? tain the level therein, means for imparting heat from said ovetflowinghotoil to the'cil being supplied to the converter to the same, and means for returning said overflowing oilto the converter with fresh oil.

27. In a device of the class described the combination with a thin horizontal crac chamber having a flat bottom plate; means below said plate for heating it to a temperature suficient to crack or convert oil [in contact with it, a central neck leading upwardly from said crackin chamber, an ,oil

and vapor dome above sai chamber into the bottom of which said neck leads, and means preheat fol-introducing oil into said cracking chamw' r. 28. In a device of the class described, the

I combination with a thin horizontal crack- ,ing chamber having a-fiatbottom plate, .means below said; plate for heating it to a a itemperatur'e s'uflicient to crack or convert oil in contact with it, 'a' central neck leading upwardly" from said cracking chamber, an oil and vapor dome above said chamber into the bottom of which said 'neck' leads, and

means-for introducing oil into said crackin chamber, a collecting chamber around said neck below said dome and overflow pipes extending. from said collecting-chamher-into said dome and terminating at the desired oil level/therein.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

' JOSEPH H. ADAMS. Witnesses;

JOEL S. DE SELDING, A. ;QAPSTIQK.

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