Abstract:
An improved control system for adjusting and controlling reaction zone severity in a continuous flow hydrocarbon conversion process, wherein a hydrocarbon charge stock is passed through a reaction zone at conversion conditions comprising elevated temperature and pressure, and the resulting product effluent is separated into a vapor phase and into a liquid phase comprising gasoline boiling range hydrocarbon constituents. A sample of liquid phase effluent is continuously passed without intervening depressurization from the phase separator into a hydrocarbon analyzer which measures the octane number of the liquid phase sample. The octane measurement is effected by an analyzer comprising a stabilized cool flame generator with a servo-positioned flame front which provides a real time output signal indicative of sample octane number. The analyzer output signal is received by a computer which is operatively responsive to said analyzer output signal, and which develops a computer output signal which is a function of sample octane number and severity of conversion conditions within the reaction zone. The control system provides improved operation in a hydrocarbon conversion process comprising a plurality of conversion zones whereby conversion conditions within each zone may be independently adjusted in a manner sufficient to maintain the octane number of the separator liquid phase at a constant predetermined level.