Detection of distillation column flooding

Abstract

A method comprises sensing a differential pressure signal [64, 74], filtering the differential pressure signal [66, 76], generating a flooding indicator as a function of the filtered differential pressure signal, and indicating the onset of flooding [70, 80]. The differential pressure signal is sensed along a distillation flow path [16]. The filtered differential pressure signal is responsive to a phase inversion along the flow path, and the flooding indicator is responsive to an onset of a flooding condition, based on the phase inversion. The onset of the flooding condition is indicated based on a change in the flooding indicator.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to fluid processing, and in particular to distillation processes for the separation of different volatile fluids. In particular, the invention relates to the detection of flooding conditions in distillation columns. Background technique [0002] Distillation and related processes are used to separate the different components of a fluid mixture. By heating the mixture to the boiling point, and based on differences in boiling point temperature, liquid point and air pressure, products with relatively higher or lower volatility are extracted. [0003] Distillation equipment and techniques vary by application. For example in alcoholic beverage production and other processes, distillation equipment is typically referred to as a still. In a simple batch still, a fermented product, such as mash, is boiled in a one-way process to produce a distillate with mixed components, including both water and alcohol, oil, and oth...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When left unchecked, flooding can also cause runaway conditions that can disrupt the entire distillation process, resulting in product loss and system downtime

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