Abstract:
The strength of acid in an alkylation unit is controlled by a system using a signal corresponding to the anticipated demand on the acid by the reaction of olefin and isoparaffin in the presence of the acid. The reaction weakens the acid so that it is necessary to replace some of the weakened acid with fresh acid to maintain a desired acid strength. The control system includes apparatus sampling the olefin and isoparaffin entering the alkylation unit which provides a signal corresponding to the percent volume of acid degrading constituents formed during alkylation. A water analyzer samples the olefin and isoparaffin and provides a signal corresponding to their water content. Signals corresponding to sensed flow rates of fresh and discharged acid entering and leaving, respectively, the alkylation unit and of the olefin and isosparaffin are provided by sensors. A control circuit using analog computers develop the control signal in accordance with the signals from the sensors, the volume signal and the signal from the analyzer and equations hereinafter disclosed. The control signal ils applied to a flow recorder controller which controls the flow rate of the fresh acid entering the alkylation unit so as to maintain the desired acid strength.