US1764391A - Process of and apparatus for distilling and cracking hydrocarbon oils - Google Patents

Description

b. E. DAY

. PROCESS OF AXQAPPARA'I'US FOR DIsTILLi NG AND CRACKING" HYDRQCHRBON OILS 5 Sheets-Sheet Opiginal Filed Aug. 21.

thou W116 June 17, 1930. D. E.- DAY 1,764,391

PROCESS O1 AND APPARATUS FOR DISTILLJNG AND CRACKING HYDROCARBONOILS original Filed Aug. 21; 1922 5 Sheets-Sheet s June 17, 1939. D. E. DAY 1 ,1s4,391

PROCESS QF AN D A PPARATUS FOR DISTILLING AND CRACKING HYDROCARBON QILS Original Filed Aug. 21- 1922 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 D. E. DAY

Jung l7 PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING AND CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS Original Filed Aug. 21, 1922 SSheets-Sheet Patented June 17, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENr-o DAVID E, DAY, or LOS- ANeELEscALIronNIA- zenocnss or AND APPARATUS ron DISTILLING AND cnAoxINe HrDB/ocARBoN oILs Application filed August 21,1922, Serial No. 583,170. Renewed December 12, 1927.

This invention relates to a process and ap- 1 pipe assembly the outer pipes are nearer the paratus for heat treating hydrocarbon oils and pertains particularly to the distillation and cracking of heavy petroleum oils in such a way'that carbon incrustations within the apparatus may be avoided.

The invention is conducted in apparatus in which a plurality of parallel arranged pipes are so connected to each other and to a central 1o hollow shaft about which they are grouped and with which they rotate, that oil may be} introduced through the shaft and passed progressively through eachofthe pipes and finally discharged from an axially located discharge connection. During this operation heat is applied to the pipe arrangement in such a way that the pipes farthest from the center are subjected to the highest degree of heat, the temperature of which is sufficient 2 to effect cracking of the oil in the pipes.

One of the particular features of the presl ent invention relates to the process and apparatus by which'liquid oil is treated in a relatively thin stream'and at a very high speed by being passed through an exteriorly heated pipe which contains a spacing bar member extending lengthwisetherethrough,

thus increasing-the speed of a given cross section of oil as com 'ared to a cross section'of oil in a partorft does not extend;

One outstanding feature of the rocess and apparatus of this-Invention inclu es the high 1'- speed treatment of oil combined with the re- 'sults produced by having a freely movable abrading rod positioned within each ofthe pipes which rotate with the center shaft and revolve about it.

Another particular feature of the, present invention is directed to the particular treatment of the oil and the sequence in which it is passed through the apparatus, This sequence includes the introduction of the fresh or cold oil to a center axial pipe, the'passage of the cold oil from the central pipe to the outer pipes of a revoluble series of pipes, the f flowing of the oil from the outer pipes to and through the more centrally located pipes, and finally, the withdrawal of the oil from the o more central y located pipes. In this cycle e tube in which the rod of treatment, because in the revolution of the perature is carried through .the hottest tube 1 first and thehthrou h the relatively cooler tubes, the tendency eing to keep the oil in a constant temperature. Y g

Other features and advantages" are de scribed and claimed in the following specification and claims, and illustrated'in the accompanying drawings, in which vFigure lrepresents a side elevation of a partial sectiontaken'substantially centrally gand on the line1--1 of Fi ure 2through the lengthofthe apparatus, il ustrating the furnace and central pipe in section y t Figure 2 'iagan end View of the structure shown in Fig'iire l taken on the line 22 of" Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrow; I

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line'3'3 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrow;

A Figure 4 represents a sectional View, partly broken awa showing the position of a hollow rod wit in one of the pipes;

Figure 5 represents a cross sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 4; 5

' Figurefi shows'a modified arrangement in Y whiph a plurality of round, solid rods are use I y I Figure 7 represents a cross sectional view showing how a square rod may be used;

Figure 8 represents va portion of a twisted solid rod used within the treatment pipes;

Figure 9 represents a view similant'o that 95 of Figure 4 except that the rod within the tube is spacedcentrally from the tube walls;

FigurelO is across sectional view' taken on the line 10v10 of Figure 9;

pipe arrangement in which the diameter'of the pipes is progressively reduced from the inlet to the outlet for progressively increasing the speed of travel of the oil, the oil being led first through the inner pipes;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view in which pipes of the same size are used and rods are positioned only in the tubes near the outlet;

Figure 13'is a view similar to that of Figure 12, illustrating pipes of uniform size and progressively larger rods within the pipes from the inlet to the outlet; and

Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figures 12 and 13 illustrating uniform sized pipes and a progressive increase in the number of rods from the inlet to the outlet end.

Referring in detail to the figures of the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts in the different figures. The furnace structure of suitable concrete, brick, or other building material is indicated at 1. A fire box 2 having an opening 3 is shown in the lower part of the furnace 1, and a stack, not shown, may

, lead from the upper portion of the furnace at one end thereof.

Extending lengthwise through the furnace are a plurality. of pipes connected together to form a rotatable pipe still, the details of which will now be described. A centrally 'located horizontal pipe or tube 4 is journaled at opposite ends of the furnace in the supporting bearings 5 which are cooled or lubricated by cooling liquid or oil in a channel 5 formed in the upper portion of the bearing 5. The bearing is mounted atthe upper end of supporting legs or braces 6, which in turn have a base portion 7 mountedat one end on a masonry support 8 and secured thereby by fastening screws or bolts 9, and at the opposite end adjacent the furnace door opening the bearing 5 is supported on girders 10 which bridge the space opposite the furnace opening 3. The bearing is provided with a suitable bushing of cast iron encircling the pipe 4 as indicated at 11, and the bushing is preferably keyed to the pipe 4. l r

In the particular arrangement of still illustrated, twenty-nine pipes are grouped about the central pipe 4. These pipes are numbered consecutively from 12 to 40, and the particular sequence of their connection may be understood from an inspection of Figures 2 and 3' which show one arrangement of inlet and Outlet connection in which the oil is first led to the outer pipes and then taken oif from the inner ones. In Figures 11-14, inclusive, a different arrangement of connection is provided by which oil is led first to the inner pipes and then taken off from the outer pipe. These pipes 1240, inclusive, are positioned and fixed in parallel relation and are grouped around the central pipe 4 and have their ends connected by return bend portions 41 in such a manner that the pipes are connected in series. the hollow central pipe 4 being in, ported .1 easer site ends of the furnace, and near the ends of the pipes, are spacing plates 42 which have a circular periphery and through which the individual pipes project and have a relatively tight connection. The purpose of these spacing plates 42 is also to prevent the escape of heat and heating gases from the furnace and to confine the heat and the heating gases to the space immediately about the group of pipes 1240. To further provide for a tight fit at the periphery of the plates 42 a complementary stationary annular plate 48 is mounted at each end of the furnace and in close, but spaced relation to the plates 42. The plates 42 have anintimately projecting flange 42 which is adapted to move in a channel shaped extension 43 continued from the plate 43. Thus in the rotary movement of the group of pipes and the plates 42, the tortuous passage provided between the parts 42 and 43 limits the escape of the heating gases from the furnace. The plates 42 are preferably welded to the exterior of the pipe 4 or otherwise braced so as to move with the pipe 4 during the rotation of the pipes with and about the pipe 4 as an axis. The pipes 12-40, inclusive, are illustrated as having flanges 44 at their ends to which may be secured by bolts, not illustrated, the corresponding flanges of the end bend portions 41. In order to make possible a compactassembly, and also provide space for the flanges 44, the pipes 1240 are positioned in staggered endwise relation so that next adjacent pipes project alternately further from the plates 42 on the opposite ends of the-rotatable assembly.

The particular apparatus and the manner of introducing and leading oif the oil treated will now be described. An intake pipe for fresh oil is indicated at.45, and it will be noted that this pipe is slightly olf center with respect to the center of the pipe 4. An outlet pipe for oil which has been treated is indicated at 46, and this pipe is illustrated as in alignment with the center of the pipe 4. Both of these pipes 45 and46 are illustrated as screw threaded in a stufling box structure having a stationary block member 47, which in turn has cylindrical sleeves 47 and 47 providing an annular space therebetween. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide an oil tight fit against the movable portion of the still, as will be shown. The pipe 4, at one side of the bearing 5, has a plate 48, having a cylindrical flange 48 projecting therefrom which is adapted to lit in the space between the sleeves 47'" and 47". A springheld annular clamping flange 49 fits over the i outer-end edge portion of the plate 48 and has a central opening 49 throughwhich a cen-v tral extension 48. projects from the plate 48 and is coupledonto the central pipe 4 at 48.

The flange 49 is secured tothe plate 47 by bolts 50 which haveheads 51, nuts 51, and springs 52, which latter are held and moved in openings 53 formed in the rear of the flange 49. In practice a series of the spring held bolts 50 are positioned around the margin of the plate 48 and the flange 49 to yieldably hold the plate 48. and the block member 47 in engagement. The position of the flange 48 between the sleeves 47' 'and 47 serves to assist in centering the partsand to provide an oil tight seal. Packing material 54 is pro vided between 47 a and 47 b at the inner end of 'the space to assist in preventing the leakage of oil, and oil vents are indicatedat 54 fhroughthe block 47. A similar arrangement of concentric flanges is provided to maintain an oil tight but rotatable connection between the oil inlet passage and the oiloutlet passage as will now bedescribed. The

oil outlet pipe 46 terminates at the centerof theblock 47. An inner oil outlet pipe' 55 is positioned centrally within and spaced from the pipe '4, and extends therethrough from a point on the still side, of one bearing and terminates near the inner end of the pipe 46 and in. alignment therewith. The opposite and still-end of'the pipe 553's connected to the pipes of the still, as willbe described herein after. The block 47 has a second set of concentric flanges corresponding to the flanges 47 and 47 and indicated at 47 for the inner flange, and 47 for the outer flange, and both of them sel'vingto provide an annular space openin g within the flange 47.

thercbetween. Fitted into this space is a cylindrical'flange 56 which closely encircles the pipe 55 and is fixed to it by clamping screws 57. The extreme outer end of the pipe 55 is closely rotatably fitted into the,central The inner end of the part 56 has a plurality of spaced fingers 58 projecting alongthe pipe 55 and serving to space the inner end of the flange 56 from the next adjacent/face of the part 48 so that fresh oil may pass between the fingers 58 from the pipe 45 inwardly and along the exterior of the outlet pipe 55. The space between the flanges47 and 47 is also provided with packing material 54 and similar openings leading thereto through the block 47 are indicated at 54?. This description'applies to the stufling box end of the apparatus.

The end of the apparatus opposite to the stufiing box is used for access to the fire box through the doorway 3. The end of the central pipe 4, farthest removed from the stuffing box, is provided witha cover-plate or cap 4", to tightly close that end of the pipe and prevent oil from leaking. The cap 4 .-:erves also for inspection and cleaning of the interior of the pipe-4. I Between the plate 42 and the end bearing near the cap 4 is a lead 0a pipe4 'extending-from the central pipe 4 to the pipe 12, the first of, the series of the pipes 12-40, inclusive, located in the outer group of pipes. The last pipeofthisi series,

'40, is illustrated as one ofatheiinner group of pipes and is positioned between the center and the pipe12.; The end of the pipe 40 next.

adjacent the stuffing box is connected-to the outlet pipe 55by a pipe 55 which extends centrally toward the central pipe 4 between the plate 42 and the bearing, pro ects through the pipe 4, and is continued within the pipe 4 as the pipe 55.

A sprocket wheelfor applying power to revolve the still is'indicated at 59 on the central pipe 4 and is located between the stufling.

box and the adjacent bearing] 7 Scraping means or'scouring means is pro-- .vided for the interior ofeach of the pipes 12-40, inclusive, and also, ifdesirable, for the interior of the central pipe 4, rods 60 which extend lengthwise" of the pipes and which are'inserted from the ends of the pipes when the bends 41 are removed? These rods I 60 have preferably across sectional area at least as great as half the cross sectional area of the bore of the pipes. The rods normally rest on the inner lower surface of the pipes and are adapted to slide and roll around the inner surface of the pipes as the latter are revolved about the pipe 4 as an axis. In this 1 movement the rods serve as abrading ele- 'ments and grind away any carbon which may be deposited on the inner surfaces of the eed of the oil as it flows through the pipes, is invention having shown that :a given cross section of oil flows much more swiftly pipes. The rods serve also to increase the s (7 through theportion of the pipe containing the rod than through a portion of the pipe, such as the end portions or a'similar section without a rod, in which no spacing member is positioned. The rod, in addition to increasing the speed of the oilfserves to reduce the thickness of the body of oil to be heated in any given cross section of oil in the part of the pipe not containingthe rod. This relatively thin body of oil is accordingly much more readily and quickly heated, and because of its increased speed, reduces to a minimum the, formation of carbon on the inner surface of the pipes, .the speed serving arrangement inwhich a plurality of rods,

three in this view, are used. A plurality of rods may serve particularly eificiently in certain instances because the tumbling action of the rods is multiplied and the removal of carbon is thus made more positive. Figure 7 l shows a form of square rod, and Figure 8 shows a fragmentary view of a twisted ar- -.;-}..rangement of solid-rod, which, because of ratus will now be described.

" 'T'its cutting edges, has' been found particularly efiicient for scouring out carbon formations. Figure 9 shows the rod positioned centrally within one of the tubes and spaced from the walls of the tubes by spacing lugs 63 which may be secured to the rod before insertion in the pipe. This. arrangement may be desirable where the invention is conducted particularly for the high speed feature of the invention, and in cases where there seems no need for the abrading action of the rod within the pipe or tube, such as would be the case if the rod was freely movable. Figure 9 and Figure 10, which latter is a cross sectional view of the structureshown in Figure 9, illustrate the same type of hollow spacing rod as is shownin Figure 4. Figures 11-14, inclusive, illustrate a modified arrangement for the intake'and outlet connection by which the oil is led first through the inner series of pipes and progressively through the next outer ones. Claims to this particular sequence of Figures 11-14 are presented in my copending application, Serial No. 583,169, filed August 21, 1922.

The operation of the process and the appa- Oil is introduced through the pipe 45, through the stuffing box, and through the length of the central pipe which is thus kept full of cold Oll. The oil is then led through the pipe 4 from which it passes into the pipe 12, from which latter it is conducted into the next adjacent pipej13, and so on through each of the pipes of the series 12-40, inclusive, being introduced into, one end of the pipe and discharged from the opposite end, and being reintroduced in a similar manner into an adjacent pipe. In this manner the oil is moved progressively through each of the pipes in series, first in one direction through the length of the still and then in the opposite direction in the next adjacent pipe. In the arrangement shown in Figures 2 and 3 tl1e oil is first passed. through the group of pipes most distant from the center pipe 4 and then through the pipes more closely grouped about the center pipe. The particular sequence of connecting the pipes forms apart of this present invention,- and the invention includes the idea of heating the, outer group of pipes more intensely by having the outer group closest to the source of heat in the lower part of the furnace. After the oil has been subjected in-the assembly of pipes to temperature conditions which are at least suilicient to effect cracking conditions within the pipes, the oil is led back from the pipe 40 into the discharge pipe 55 located g vithin pipe 4: and discharged through the plp'e 46.

n the passage through the pipe 55, within the pipe, 4, the oil serves to, slightly preheat the incoming oil in the annular space immediately surrounding the pipe 55. The apparatus which thus provides for a flow of cold oil through the length of the center pipe 4 is particularly eflicient because the oil serves to keep the material of the pipe fairly cool and to prevent it from overheating andweakening. There is considerable weight on the pipe 4: due to the structure of the pipe assembly carried by it, and the long extent of the pipe 4 within the furnace structure makes 7 it particularly desirable to have the pipe .filled with cold oil rather than the previously heated oil. The reason for this is apparent because it is-well known that metal, such as a shaft, at a high temperature, is much more apt to become deformed under strain than the same shaft at normal temperatures. Ac-

co'rdingly, because they hollow shaft supports all of the weight of the retort, it is very essential to keep'the shaft as cold as possible.

There is another reason why the oil is initially introduced into thecentral shaft and first passed throughthe length of this shaft.

This involves one of the important features of the invention which is based on the fact that the velocity of the oil within thepipe system is increased progressively as it passes through the system. The reasons for this treatment and the arrangement of apparatus which makes the process possible are described. The cross sectional area of the central hollowshaft 4 is greater than the crosssectional area of any of the surroundingv pipes of the system, and thus the velocity of the oil passing through the shaft is less than the velocity of the oil passing through the individual pipes; Thus if the oil after crackof a fluid which may be a liquid, or a vapor,

or a combination of the two, but which in any case carries carbon with it mechanically, the velocity of this liquid determines the amount of carbon which may be mechanically carried. Thus a fluid with a high velocit will transport more mechanically carrie carbon than a fluid with a low velocity. It follows that when a fluid travelling at a high velocity, and carrying the maximum amount of carbon possible at that velocity, is slowed down and its velocity decreased, some of this .carbon will drop out and deposit on the walls fluid increased as the amount of crackingincreased, or in other words, as the amount of carbon to be carried increased. To increase the velocity of a fluid it is necessary to either increase the volume of fluid flowing through a pipe or series of pipes of constant cross section, or to progressively decrease the cross section of the pipes for a constant' volume of fluid. It is evident that in the,

heat treatment of an oil in a pipe still of uniform pipe size, the first method of increasing the velocity is conductedautomatically, the Volume of the oil constantly increas-v ing on account of expansion due to heating and partial vaporizat on. To increase th s effect would involve progressively decreasing the net cross sectional area of the pipes, the oil passing from large to smaller passages progressively. Net cross sectional area may be defined as the total cross sectional area of,

a tube minus the total cross sectional area of any restriction or the sum of the cross sectional areas of any restrictions. A restriction may be due to a decrease in the bore of the tube or to the presence of a rod or rods or other obstruction Within the bore of the "tube. This effect may be produced by a Variet of constructions, such as by progressive y decreasing the, size of the pi es in a rotatable still containing no rods, or y using rods in the group of pipes next adjacent the outlet, or by using rodsof progressively increased size in the tubes from the'inlet to the outlet, or by increasing the number of rods progressively from the inlet to the outlet.

11 the present apparatus, as illustrated in Figs..1-3 inclusive, the center shaft 4 has a larger cross sectional area than the cross sectional area of the pipes of the still which are grouped about the center shaft. The difference in cross sectional area is accentuated by the presence in the smaller pipes 12 40, in-

. elusive, of rods. In the passage of oil through the systeimit moves relatively slowly through the large bore of the center shaft 4 and increases speed as it passes through thesmaller bore of the pipes 1240. It will be observed that only the straight portions of the center shaft 4 and the pipes 1240 inclusive, lies within the heating space and between the plates 42 of the furnace. Accordingly, the chief portion of any carbon which would tend to deposit would be along that heated portion in the straight portions of the pipes,and substantially no ca'rbonwo uld tend to collect within the-bends joining the pipes because thevbends are located outside of the furnace structure. Referring to Figs 11-l4 inclusive, arrangementsof'pipe's and tubes are shown by which the net cross sectional area of the tubes may be decreased progrese sive'ly from the inlet to theoutlet end. In the structure shown in these figures the oil is led first to the inner series and thence through the outer pipe. Fig. 11 shows diagrammatically the arrangement of the tubes of the stillin which the diameter of the pipes used is progressively reduced from the inlet tothe outlet. The central axial pipe 4 has around it three successive rows of pipes and the pipes next adjacent the center pipe are slightly larger than those of the intermedi ate group, and the pipes of the intermediate group are slightly smaller than the first mentioned group and slightly larger than those of the outer series. Thus, the center shaft may have a diameter of 12 inches, the next adjacent group may be 8 inches in diameter, the next group or intermediate group may be 6 inches in diameter, and the outer row may be 4 inches in diameter. In this diagrammatic representation, the-last member of the outer group indicated at 40 is intended to be directly connected to the outlet 'pipe,

as indicated at 55 in dotted lines, The first or receiving pipe of the series is indicated at 12. Oil flows from the center pi e l-t0 the pipe 12, and progressively throug the pipes of the inner group of pipes, to andthrou h the intermediate group of pipes and firmly to and through the outer series. In this arrangement, the ends 'of'the. pipes -may be. connected by return bend portions in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1-, 2 and 3,211-

though the particular direction of the re turn bends might be slightly diife'rent. Referring to. Fig. 12, the reduction in the net cross sectional area'isefi'ected by using pipes of a uniforin'size and by using rods withi the pipes of the outer series, that is, in the pipes next adjacent the outlet. In this case,

if the centralshaft has adiameter of 12 inches, the pipes of the still may have a diameter of 4 inches, and the rods in the outer group of pipes may have a diameter of 1% inches. In Fig. 13, a. reduction is efiected by using pipes'of a uniform size and increasing the size of the reds progressively from the inner series to the outer series. Thus, if the central shaft has adiameter of 12-inches, each of the pipes may be 4 .inches in diameter. Rods 1 inch in diameter may be used in the inner group, of pipes, rods 1 inches in diameter in the intermediate group, and rods 2 inches in diameter in the outer group. In

Fig. 14, the reduction in the net cross sectional area is obtained by using a progressively increasing number of rods in pi es of uniform size. Thus, if the central shaft is 12 inches, the 'pipes may have a diameter of 4 inches. In the inner group, a single rod having a diameter of 1 inch each is used. In the outer group, three rods of 1 inch each are used.

In this invention, where reference is made.

and to the use 0 a freely movable rod wit in such pipes.

Claims directed to the passage of thecold oil from the center shaft first through the inner pipes and thence to the outer :pipes and the final return from the outer pipes are resented in m copending application, erial 452,797, filed May 15, 1930.

I claim:

1. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises forcing liquid oil to be treated at high speed into and in one .direction through a tube mounted to revolve about a given center and moving the oil at relatively increasedspeed as compared to the prior rate of speed as it passes lengthwise of a rod freely movably located in said tube and extending lengthwise thereof, subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly to the exterior of the tube sufiicient to effect cracking conditions therein, the increased speed of movement of the oil in the region of the rod aiding to prevent deposit of carbon.

2. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing the oil to be treated under pressure and at high speed into and in one direction through a tube mounted for rotation about a given center and having in a portion thereof a freely movable rod extending lengthwise of the tube, passing the oil between the rod and the interior of the tube at a speed greater than the speed of the oil in that portion of the tube not containing the rod, the increased speed of movement of the oil in the region of the rod aiding to prevent deposit of carbon.

3. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprises forcing liquid oil to be treated at high speed into a tube mounted to revolve about a given center in one direction through it, moving the oil at relatively increased speed as compared to the prior rate of speed as it passes lengthwise of a rod freely movable in the tube and extending lengthwise thereof and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applieddirectly to the exterior of the tube s'uflicient to efiect volatilization conditions therein, the increased speed of movement of the oil in the region of the rod aiding to prevent deposit of carbon.

4.'The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils'which comprises introducing the oil to be treated under pressure and at high speed into and in one direction through a tube mounted for rotation about a given center and having in a portion thereof a freely movable rod extending lengthwise of the tube, passing the oil between the rod and the interior of the tube at a speed greater than the speed of the oil in that portion of the tube not containing the rod, the increased speedof movement of the oil in the region gf the rod aiding to prevent deposit of car- 5. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing oil to be treated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mountedto rotate about a center, passing the oil progressively from the outermembcrs farthest removed from the center to the centrally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly to the exterior of' the pipes sufficient to effect cracking conditions within at least some of the pipes.

6.' The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boiling hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing oil to be treated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mounted to rotate about a center, passing the voil progressively from the outer members farthest removed from the center to the centrally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly to the exterior of the pipes sufficient to effect cracking conditions within at least some of the pipes, the heat being applied more intensely to the outer pipes than to the pipes positioned centrally.

7. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boiling hydro carbon oils which comprises introducing oil t9,be treated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mountedto rotate about acenter and having a freely movable rod positioned in each pipe, passing the oil progressively from the outer members farthest-removed from the center to the centrally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly I nected in series and mounted to rotate about a center and havin a freely movable rod positioned in each pipe, passing the oil progressively from the outer'members farthest removed from the-center to the centrally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly to the exterior of the pipes sulficient to eifect cracking: conditions withinat least some of the pipes.

9. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing the oil to be treated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mounted to rotate about a'center, passing the oil progressivel from the outer members farthest remove trally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applied directly to the exterior of the ipes suflicie'nt to the efl'ect volatilization wit 1n at least some of the pipes. 10. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing the oil to be treated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mounted to rotateabout a center, passing the oil progressively from the outer members farthest removed from the center to 'the centrally.

, of the pipes.

trally located pipes, and subjecting the oil to a heat treatment applieddirectly to the exterior of the pipes sufficient to effect volatilization within at least some of the pipes,

the heat being applied more intensely to the outer pipes than to the pipes positioned cen- 11. The process of heat treating hydrocarbon oils which comprises introducing the oil to be treated first into the outer members of a plurality of pipes connected in series and mounted to rotate about a center and having a freely movable rod positioned in each pipe,

passing the oil progressively from the outer;

members farthest removed from the center to the centrally located pipes, and sub'ecting the oil to a heat treatment applie die the pipes sufiicient to effect volatilization within at least some o'f the pipes 13. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable axle tubular throughout its length, a pipe extending parallel to said axle and in communication with the interior of said axle and revoluble about it, a rod within said pipe and from the center to the cen-' ed in each of said extending lengthwise thereof, and means for introducing material-to said pipe through said axle, said rod having a cross sectional area at least as great as onehalf the bore of the pipe.

14. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocar a plurality of mounted to rotate about a fixed axis, and a freely movable bon oil material comprising plpes connected in series an rod in each of said pipes extending lengthwise thereof, each rod having a cross sec tional area at least as great as one half the bore of the pipe.

- 15. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarv bon oil material comprising a rotatable axle tubular throughout its length,.a pipe extending parallel to said axle and in communication with the interior of said axle and revoluble about it, afreelymovable rod within said pipe and extending lengthwise thereof, and means for introducing material to said pipe through said axle, said rod having a.

cross sectional areaat least as half the bore of the pipe.

16. The process of producing low boiling hydrocarbon oils from high boilinghydrocarbon oils which comprises forcingliquid great as one ,oil to be treated at high speed into and in 7 one direction through a tube mounted to revolve about a (given center and having therein a rod exten ing'lengthwi'se of the tube and spaced from the wall thereof, moving the oil at relatively increased speed as it passes the rod, and as compared to the speed before reachin'gthe rod, and subjecting theoil to a heat treatment'applied directly to, the exterior of the tubesuflicient to effect cracking conditions therein.

17. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a plurality of substantially arallel pipes mounted to rotate about a xed' axis, a plurality of pipe bends each 'connecting with 'the adjacent ends of pairs of pipes to be connected, and arod re'movably mounted in each of said pipes and extending lengthwise thereof and spaced independently of said pipe bends.

. 18.' Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oils comprising a plurality 'of substahtiallyvparallel pipes connected in series and mounted to rotate about a fixed axis, a plurality'. of pipe bends each ,ponnecting with the adjacent ends of pairs of pipes to be connected, and a straight rod 'removably mountipes and extending lengthwise thereof and spaced from the inentlyof saidibends, each of said rods having a cross sectional area at least as great as. one-half the cross sectional area of the pipe in which it is positioned.

19. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable 1101-" from the inner wall thereof and supported ner wall thereof and supported independlow axle, a first-pipe extending parallel to third pipe.

said hollow axle and revoluble about it,'a second pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated, a third pipe extending from said hollow axle to'said first pipe and providing communication for oil between said hollow axle and said first pipe, and a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said first pipe andhaving both of its opposite end walls located between said third pipe and said second pipe.

20. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a first pipe extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, a second pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to He treated, a third ipe extending from said hollow axle to sai first pipe and providing communication for oil between said hollow axle and said first pipe, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a point between said second pipe andsaid third pipe, and a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said low axle, a first pipe extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, .a second pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated, a third pipe extending from said hollow axle to said first pipe and providing communication for oil between said hollow-axle and said first pipe, a bearing supportingsaid. hollow axle at a point between said second pipe and the plane of revolution of said first pipe, a fur nace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said first pipe and located between said bearing and said third pipe, and a discharge pipe 'for hot oil in ported communication with said first pipe and revoluble therewith and extending centrally toward said hollow axle, into it, and thence centrally therethrough and in spaced relation from the walls thereof and'past said bearing.

24. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil'material comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a plurality of pipes connected in series and extending parallel to said holfirst pipe and having both of its opposite end low axle and revoluble about it, an inlet pipe walls located between said bearing and said 21. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a first pipe extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, a second pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated, a third pipe extending from said hollow axle to said first pipe and providing communication for oil between said hollow axle and said first pipe, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a point between said second pipe and the plane of revolution of said first pipe, and a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said'first pipe and having both of its opposite end walls located between said bearing and said third pipe.

22. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a first pipe extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, a second. pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated, a third i extending from said hollow axle to saiffii st pipe and providing communication for oil between said hollow axle and said first pipe, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a oint between said second pipeand said thir ipe, a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said first pipe and located between saidbea-ring and said third pipe, and a'discharge pipe for hot oil in ported communication with said first pipe and revoluble therewith and extending centrally toward said hollow axle, into it, and thence centrally therethrough and in spaced relation from the walls thereof and past said bearing. a

23. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable holconnected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil tobe treated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axle to said plurality of'pipes and providing communication for oil between said hollow axle and said plurality of pipes, and a furnace embracing aportion of said hollow axle and said plurality'of pipes and having both of its opposite end walls located between said inlet pipe and said intermediate pi e.

25. Apparatus for heat treating iiydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a plurality of pipes connected in series and extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, an inlet pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduction of oil to be treated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axle to said plurality of pipes and providing communication for oil between said hollow axle and said plurality of pipes, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a point betweensaid inlet pipe and said intermediate pipe, and a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said plurality of pipes and having both of its opposite end walls located between said 2 bearing and-said intermediate pipe.

26. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable hollow axle, a plurality of pipes connected in series and extending parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble about it, an inlet pipe connected to said hollow axle for the introduc tion of oil to be treated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axle to said plurality of pipes and providing communication, for oil-between said hollow axle and said plurality of pipes, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a point between said inlet pipe andithe plane of revolution of said plurality of pipes, and a furnace embracing a rality 0 portion of said hollow axle and said'plurality of pipes and having-both of its opposite end walls located between said bearing and said intermediate ipe. 27. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocarbon oil material comprising a rotatable hol plurality of pipes, a bearing supporting said hollow axle at a point between said inlet pipe and said intermediate pipe, a furnace embracing a portion of said hollow axle and said plurality of pipes and located between said caring and said intermediate pipe, and a discharge pipe for hot oil connected to and in ported communication with said luralit of pipes and revoluble therewith and exten ing centrally towards said hollow axle, into it, and thence centrally therethrough and in spaced relation from the walls thereof and past said bearing.

28. Apparatus for heat treating hydrocar bon oil material comprising a rotatable holj series and extendin .said hollow axle and said low axle, a plurality of pipes connected in parallel to said hollow axle and revoluble a out it, an inlet pipe connected to said hollow axle forthe tion of oil to betreated, an intermediate pipe extending from said hollow axleto said plurality of pipesand providing communication for oilbetween said hollow axle and said lurality of pipes, a bearing supporting said 01- low axle at a point between said inlet pipe and the plane of revolution of said plurality of pipes, a furnace embracing a portion of plurality of pipes and located between said bearing and said intermediate pipe, oil connected to and in ported communication with said plurality of pipes and revolublc therewith and extending centrally tov wards said hollow axle,-into it, and thence centrally therethrough and in spaced relation from the walls thereof and past said bearing.

29. Apparatus for heating hydrocarbon oilscomprising a furnace,a rotatable pipe assembly comprising a plurality of pipes connected in series and within said furnace, said assembly having an initial heating chamber and a final outlet pipe, the net cross sectional capacity of said initial heating chamber being greater than the cross sectional. capacity of t e general average of all of the pipes of said system between said initial treatment chamber and said outlet pipe.

In testimony'whereof I alfix my signature. 4 DAVID E. DAY,

parallel to said hollow introducand a discharge'pipe for hot-

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