Control system for a furfural refining unit receiving medium sour charge oil

Abstract

A solvent refining unit treats medium sour charge oil with a furfural solvent in a refining tower to yield raffinate and extract mix. The furfural is recovered from the raffinate and from the extract mix and returned to the refining tower. A system controlling the refining unit includes a gravity analyzer, a flash point temperature analyzer, a sulfur analyzer, a refractometer and viscosity analyzers; all analyzing the medium sour charge oil and providing corresponding signals, sensors sense the flow rates of the charge oil and the furfural flowing into the refining tower and the temperature of the extract mix and provide corresponding signals. One of the flow rates of the medium sour charge oil and the furfural flow rates is controlled in accordance with the signals from all the analyzers, the refractometer and all the sensors, while the other flow rate of the medium sour charge oil and the furfural flow rates is constant.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to control systems and methods in general and, more particularly, to control systems and methods for oil refining units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A furfural refining unit treats medium sour charge oil with a furfural solvent in a refining tower to yield raffinate and extract mix. The furfural is recovered from the raffinate and from the extract mix and returned to the refining tower. A system controlling the refining unit includes a gravity analyzer, a flash point temperature analyzer, a sulfur analyzer, a refractometer and viscosity analyzers. The analyzers analyze the medium sour charge oil and provide corresponding signals. Sensors sense the flow rates of the charge oil and the solvent flowing into the refining tower and the temperature of the extract-mix and provide corresponding signals. The flow rate of the medium sour charge oil or the furfural is controlled in accordance with the signals provided by all the sensors, the refractormeter and the analyzers while the other flow rate of the medium sour charge oil and the furfural flow rates is constant.

The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the detailed description which follows, taken together with the accompanying drawings wherein one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a solvent refining unit in partial schematic form and a control system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, in simple block diagram form.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the control means shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 through 14 are detailed block diagrams of the H computer, the K signal means, the H signal means, the KV computer, the VI signal means, the SUS computer, the SUS.sub.210 computer, the W computer, the VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O computer, the VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P computer, the A computer and the J computer, respectively, shown in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An extractor 1 in a solvent refining unit is receiving medium sour charge oil by way of a line 4 and furfural by way of a line 7 and providing raffinate to recovery by way of a line 10, and an extract mix to recovery by way of a line 14.

Medium sour charge oil is a charge oil having a sulfur content greater than a predetermined sulfur content and having a kinematic viscosity, corrected to a predetermined temperature, less than a first predetermined kinematic viscosity but equal to or less than a second predetermined kinematic viscosity. Preferably, the predetermined sulfur content is 1.0%, the predetermined temperature is 210.degree. F., and the first and second predetermined kinematic viscosities are 7.0 and 15.0, respectively. The temperature in extractor 1 is controlled by cooling water passing through a line 16. A gravity analyzer 20, flash point analyzer 22 and viscosity analyzers 23 and 24, a refractometer 26 and a sulfur analyzer 28 sample the charge oil in line 4 and provide signals API, FL, KV.sub.210, KV.sub.150 RI and S, respectively, corresponding to the API gravity, the flash point, the kinematic viscosity at 150.degree. F., the refractive index and sulfur content, respectively.

A flow transmitter 30 in line 4 provide a signal CHG corresponding to the flow rate of the charge oil in line 4. Another flow transmitter 33 in line 7 provides a signal SOLV corresponding to the furfural flow rate. A temperature sensor 38, sensing the temperature of the extract mix leaving extractor 1, provides a signal T corresponding to the sensed temperature. All signals hereinbefore mentioned are provided to control means 40.

Control means 40 provides signal C to a flow recorder controller 43. Recorder controller 43 receives signals CHG and C and provides a signal to a valve 48 to control the flow rate of the charge oil in line 4 in accordance with signals CHG and C so that the charge oil assumes a desired flow rate. Signal T is also provided to temperature controller 50. Temperature controller 50 provides a signal to a valve 51 to control the amount of cooling water entering extractor 1 and hence the temperature of the extract-mix in accordance with its set point position and signal T.

The following equations are used in practicing the present invention for medium sour charge oil:

H.sub.210 =lnln(KV.sub.210 +C.sub.1) (1) where H.sub.210 is a viscosity H value for 210.degree. F. KV.sub.210 is the kinetic viscosity of the charge oil at 210.degree. F. and C.sub.1 is a constant having a preferred value of 0.6. H.sub.150 =lnln(KV.sub.150 +C.sub.1) (2) where H.sub.150 is a viscosity H value for 150.degree. F., and KV.sub.150 is the kinematic viscosity of the charge oil at 150.degree. F. k.sub.150 =[c.sub.2 -ln (T.sub.150 +C.sub.3 ]/C.sub.4 (3) where K.sub.150 is a constant needed for estimation of the kinematic viscosity at 100.degree. F., T.sub.150 is 150, and C.sub.2 through C.sub.4 are constants having preferred values of 6.5073, 460 and 0.17937, respectively. H.sub.100 =H.sub.210 +(H.sub.150 -H.sub.210)/K.sub.150 (4) where H.sub.100 is a viscosity H value for 100.degree. F. kv.sub.100 =exp [exp (H.sub.100)]-C.sub.1 (5) where KV.sub.100 is the kinematic viscosity of the charge oil at 100.degree. F. sus=c.sub.5 (kv.sub.210)+[c.sub.6 +c.sub.7 (kv.sub.210)]/[c.sub.8 +c.sub.9 (kv.sub.210)+c.sub.10 (kv.sub.210).sup.2 +c.sub.11 (kv.sub.210).sup.3 ](c.sub.12) (6) where SUS is the viscosity in Saybolt Universal Seconds and C.sub.5 through C.sub.12 are constants having preferred values of 4.6324, 1.0, 0.03264, 3930.2, 262.7, 23.97, 1.646 and 10.sup.-5, respectively. SUS.sub.210 =[C.sub.13 +C.sub.14 (C.sub.15 -C.sub.16)]SUS (7) where SUS.sub.210 is the viscosity in Saybolt Universal Seconds at 210.degree. F. and C.sub.13 through C.sub.16 are constants having preferred values of 1.0, 0.000061, 210 and 100, respectively. W=C.sub.43 -C.sub.44 API+C.sub.45 /KV.sub.210 -C.sub.46 S+C.sub.47 (API).sup.2 -C.sub.48 API/KV.sub.210 +C.sub.49 (S)(API), (8) where W is the percent wax in the charge oil, and C.sub.43 through C.sub.49 are constants having preferred values of 51.17 4.3135, 182.83, 5.2388, 0.101, 6.6106 and 0.19609, respectively. VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O =C.sub.50 -C.sub.51 RI+C.sub.52 (RI)(VI)+C.sub.53 (FL)(API)-C.sub.54 (W)(VI), (9) where C.sub.50 through C.sub.54 are constants having preferred values of 2306.54, 1601.786, 1.33706, 0.00945 and 0.20915, respectively. VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P =VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O +(Pour) [C.sub.21 -C.sub.22 ln SUS.sub.210 +C.sub.23 (ln SUS.sub.210).sup.2 ] (10) here VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P and Pour are the viscosity index of the dewaxed product at a predetermined temperature and the Pour Point of the dewaxed product, respectively, and C.sub.21 through C.sub.23 are constants having preferred values of 2.856, 1.18 and 0.126, respectively. .DELTA.VI=VI.sub.RO -V.sub.DWC.sbsb.O =VI.sub.RP -VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P (11) where VI.sub.RO and VI.sub.RP are the VI of the refined oil at 0.degree. F., and the predetermined temperature, respectively. A=C.sub.55 -C.sub.56 (API)+C.sub.57 (FL)(KV.sub.210), (12) where C.sub.55 through C.sub.57 are constants having preferred values of 860.683, 28.9516 and 0.02389, respectively. J={{-C.sub.62 +{(C.sub.62).sup.2 -4(-C.sub.63)[C.sub.64 .sqroot.T+C.sub.65 (.sqroot.T)(A)-C.sub.66 -.DELTA.VI]}.sup.1/2 }/2C.sub.63 }.sup.2 (13) where J is the furfural dosage and C.sub.62 through C.sub.66 are constants having preferred values of 4.5606, 0.085559, 1.8965 0.0062567 and 55.744, respectively. C=(SOLV) (100)/J (14) where C is the new charge oil flow rate.

Referring now to FIG. 2, signal KV.sub.210 is provided to an H computer 50 in control means 40, while signal KV.sub.150 is applied to an H computer 50A. It should be noted that elements having a number and a letter suffix are similar in construction and operation as to those elements having the same numeric designation without a suffix. All elements in FIG. 2, except elements whose operation is obvious, will be disclosed in detail hereinafter.

Computers 50 and 50A provide signals E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 corresponding to H.sub.210 and H.sub.150, respectively, in equations 1 and 2, respectively, to H signal means 53. K signal means 55 provides a signal E.sub.3 corresponding to the term K.sub.150 in equation 3 to H signal means 53. H signal means 53 provides a signal E.sub.4 corresponding to the term H.sub.100 in equation 4 to a KV computer 60 which provides a signal E.sub.5 corresponding to the term KV.sub.100 in accordance with signal E.sub.4 and equation 5 as hereinafter explained.

Signals E.sub.5 and KV.sub.210 are applied to VI signal means 63 which provides a signal E.sub.6 corresponding to the viscosity index.

An SUS computer 65 receives signal KV.sub.210 and provides a signal E.sub.7 corresponding to the term SUS in accordance with the received signals and equation 6 as hereinafter explained.

An SUS 210 computer 68 receives a signal E.sub.7 and applies signal E.sub.8 corresponding to the term SUS.sub.210 in accordance with the received signal and equation 7 as hereinafter explained.

A W computer 69 receives signals KV.sub.210, S and API and provides a signal E.sub.9 corresponding to the term W in equation 8 in accordance with the received signals and equation 8 as hereinafter explained.

A VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O computer 70 receives signal RI, E.sub.9, API, FL and E.sub.6 and provides a signal E.sub.10 corresponding to the term VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O in accordance with the received signals and equation 9 as hereinafter explained.

A VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P computer 72 receives signals E.sub.8 and E.sub.10 and provides a signal E.sub.11 corresponding to the term VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P in accordance with the received signals and equation 10. Subtracting means 76 performs the function of equation 11 by subtracting signal E.sub.11 from a direct current voltage V.sub.9, corresponding to the term VI.sub.RP, to provide a signal E.sub.12 corresponding to the term .DELTA.VI in equation 11.

An A computer 79 receives signals KV.sub.210, API and FL and provides a signal A corresponding to the term A in equation 12, in accordance with the received signals and equation 12 as hereinafter explained.

A J computer 80 receives signals T, E.sub.12 and A and provide a signal E.sub.13 corresponding to the term J in accordance with the received signals and equation 13 as hereinafter explained to a divider 83.

Signal SOLV is provided to a multiplier 82 where it is multiplied by a direct current voltage V.sub.2 corresponding to a value of 100 to provide a signal corresponding to the term (SOLV) (100) in equation 14. The product signal is applied to divider 83 where it is divided by signal E.sub.13 to provide signal C corresponding to the desired new charge oil flow rate.

It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that if the charge oil flow rate was maintained constant and the furfural flow rate varied, equation 14 would be rewritten as

SO=(J)(CHG)/100 (15) where SO is the new furfural flow rate. Control means 40 would be modified accordingly.

Referring now to FIG. 3, H computer 50 includes summing means 112 receiving signal KV.sub.210 and summing it with a direct current voltage C.sub.1 to provide a signal corresponding to the term [KV.sub.210 +C.sub.1 ] shown in equation 1. The signal from summing means 112 is applied to a natural logarithm function generator 113 which provides a signal corresponding to the natural log of the sum signal which is then applied to another natural log function generator 113A which in turn provides signal E.sub.1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, K signal means 55 includes summing means 114 summing direct current voltage T.sub.150 and C.sub.3 to provide a signal corresponding to the term [T.sub.150 +C.sub.3 ] which is provided to a natural log function generator 113B which in turn provides a signal corresponding to the natural log of the sum signal from summing means 114. Subtracting means 115 subtracts the signal provided by function generator 113B from a direct current voltage C.sub.2 to provide a signal corresponding to the numerator of equation 3. A divider 116 divides the signal from subtracting means 115 with a direct current voltage C.sub.4 to provide signal E.sub.3.

Referring now to FIG. 5, H signal means 53 includes subtracting means 117 which subtracts signal E.sub.1 from signal E.sub.2 to provide a signal corresponding to the term H.sub.150 -H.sub.210, in equation 4, to a divider 118. Divider 118 divides the signal from subtracting means 117 by signal E.sub.3. Divider 114 provides a signal which is summed with signal E.sub.1 by summing means 119 to provide signal E.sub.4 corresponding to H.sub.100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a direct current voltage V.sub.3 is applied to a logarithmic amplifier 120 in KV computer 60. Direct current voltage V.sub.3 corresponds to the mathematical constant e. The output from amplifier 120 is applied to a multiplier 122 where it is multiplied with signal E.sub.4. The product signal from multiplier 122 is applied to an antilog circuit 125 which provides a signal corresponding to the term exp (H.sub.100) in equation 5. The signal from circuit 125 is multiplied with the output from logarithmic amplifier 120 by a multiplier 127 which provides a signal to antilog circuit 125A. Circuit 125A is provided to subtracting means 128 which subtracts a direct current voltage C.sub.1 from the signal from circuit 125A to provide signal E.sub.5.

Referring now to FIG. 7, VI signal means 63 is essentially memory means which is addressed by signals E.sub.5, corresponding to KV.sub.100, and signal KV.sub.210. In this regard, a comparator 130 and comparator 130A represent a plurality of comparators which receive signal E.sub.5 and compare signal E.sub.5 to reference voltages, represented by voltages R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, so as to decode signal E.sub.5. Similarly, comparators 130B and 130C represent a plurality of comparators receiving signal KV.sub.210 which compare signal KV.sub.210 with reference voltages RA and RB so as to decode signal KV.sub.210. The outputs from comparators 130 and 130B are applied to an AND gate 133 whose output controls a switch 135. Thus, should comparators 130 and 130B provide a high output, AND gate 133 is enabled and causes switch 135 to be rendered conductive to pass a direct current voltage V.sub.A corresponding to a predetermined value, as signal E.sub.6 which corresponds to VI. Similarly, the outputs of comparators 130 and 130C control an AND gate 133A which in turn controls a switch 135A to pass or to block a direct current voltage V.sub.B. Similarly, another AND gate 133B is controlled by the outputs from comparators 130A and 130B to control a switch 135B so as to pass or block a direct current voltage V.sub.C. Again, an AND gate 133C is controlled by the outputs from comparators 130A and 130C to control a switch 135C to pass or to block a direct current voltage V.sub.D. The outputs of switches 135 through 135C are tied together so as to provide a common output.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the SUS computer 65 includes multipliers 136, 137 and 138 multiplying signal KV.sub.210 with direct current voltages C.sub.9, C.sub.7 and C.sub.5, respectively, to provide signals corresponding to the terms C.sub.9 (KV.sub.210), C.sub.7 (KV.sub.210) and C.sub.5 (KV.sub.210), respectively, in equation 6. A multiplier 139 effectively squares signal KV.sub.210 to provide a signal to multipliers 140, 141. Multiplier 140 multiplies the signal from multiplier 139 with a direct current voltage C.sub.10 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.10 (KV.sub.210).sup.2 in equation 6. Multiplier 141 multiplies the signal from multiplier 139 with signal KV.sub.210 to provide a signal corresponding to (KV.sub.210).sup.3. A multiplier 142 multiplies the signal from multiplier 141 with a direct current voltage C.sub.11 to provice a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.11 (KV.sub.210).sup.3 in equation 6. Summing means 143 sums the signals from multipliers 136, 140 and 142 with a direct current voltage C.sub.8 to provide a signal to a multiplier 144 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.12. The signal from multiplier 137 is summed with a direct current voltage C.sub.6 by summing means 145 to provide a signal corresponding to the term [C.sub.6 +C.sub.7 (KV.sub.210)]. A divider 146 divides the signal provided by summing means 145 with the signal provided by multiplier 144 to provide a signal which is summed with the signal from multiplier 138 by summing means 147 to provide signal E.sub.7.

Referring now to FIG. 9, SUS.sub.210 computer 68 includes subtracting means 148 which subtracts a direct current voltage. C.sub.16 from another direct current voltage C.sub.15 to provide a signal corresponding to the term (C.sub.15 -C.sub.16) in equation 7. The signal from subtracting means 148 is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.14 by a multiplier 149 to provide a product signal which is summed with another direct current voltage C.sub.13 by summing means 150. Summing means 150 provides a signal corresponding to the term [C.sub.13 +C.sub.14 (C.sub.15 -C.sub.16 ] in equation 7. The signal from summing means 150 is multiplied with signal E.sub.7 by a multiplier 152 to provide signal E.sub.8.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown W computer 69 having multipliers 155, 156 and 157 receiving signal API. Multiplier 155 multiplies signal API with signal S to provide a product signal to another multiplier 160 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.49 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.49 (S) (API) in equation 8. Multiplier 156 effectively squares signal API and provides a signal to another multiplier 163 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.47 to provide a signal corresponding to the term (C.sub.47) (API).sup.2. Multiplier 157 multiplies signal API with a direct current voltage C.sub.44 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.44 (API). A divider 166 divides signal API with signal KV.sub.210 to provide another signal to a multiplier 168 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.48 which in turn provides a signal corresponding to the term [C.sub.48 (API)/(KV.sub.210)] in equation 8. A divider 170 divides a direct current voltage C.sub.45 with signal KV.sub.210 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.45 /(KV.sub.210). A multiplier 173 multiplies signal S with a direct current voltage C.sub.46. Summing means 175 sums a direct current voltage C.sub.43 with the signals provided by multipliers 160, 163 and divider 170. Other summing means 176 sums the signals provided by multipliers 157, 168 and 173. Subtracting means 179 subtracts the signal provided by summing means 176 from the signal provided by summing means 175 to provide signal E.sub.9.

Referring now to FIG. 11, VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O computer 70 includes a multiplier 180 receiving signals E.sub.6, E.sub.9 and providing a product signal to another multiplier 182 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.54. Multiplier 182 provides a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.54 (W) (VI) in equation 9. Another multiplier 185 multiplies signal RI with a direct current voltage C.sub.51 to provide a signal corresponding to the term (C.sub.51) (RI). Summing means 188 sums the signals from multipliers 182, 185.

A multiplier 190 multiplies signals E.sub.6 and RI to provide a product signal to another multiplier 193 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.52. Multiplier 193 provides a product signal to summing means 198. Another multiplier 200 multiplies signals FL and API to provide a product signal to a multiplier 202 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.53. Multiplier 322 provides a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.53 (FL)(API) in equation 9 to summing means 198 where it is summed with the signal from multiplier 315 and a direct current voltage C.sub.50 to provide a sum signal. Subtracting means 205 subtracts the sum signal provided by summing means 188 from the signal provided by summing means 198 to provide signal E.sub.10.

VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P computer 72 shown in FIG. 12, includes a natural logarithm function generator 200 receiving signal E.sub.8 and providing a signal corresponding to the term lnSUS.sub.210 to multipliers 201 and 202. Multiplier 201 multiplies the signal from function generator 200 with a direct current voltage C.sub.22 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.22 ln SUS.sub.210 in equation 10. Multiplier 202 effectively squares the signal from function generator 200 to provide a signal that is multiplied with the direct current voltage C.sub.23 by a multiplier 205. Multiplier 205 provides a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.23 (ln SUS.sub.210).sup.2 in equation 10. Subtracting means 206 subtracts the signals provided by multiplier 201 from the signal provided by multiplier 205. Summing means 207 sums the signal from subtracting means 206 with a direct current voltage C.sub.21. A multiplier 208 multiplies the sum signals from summing means 207 with a direct current voltage POUR to provide a signal which is summed with signal E.sub.9 by summing means 210 which provides signal E.sub. 11.

Referring now to FIG. 13, A computer 79 includes a multiplier 212 multiplying signal API with a direct current voltage C.sub.56 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.56 (API) in equation 12. Another multiplier 213 multiplies signals FL and KV.sub.210 to provide a product signal to a multiplier 215 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.57. Multiplier 215 provides a product signal corresponding to the term C.sub.57 (FL)(KV.sub.210) in equation 12 to summing means 218. Summing means 218 sums the signal provided by multiplier 215 with a direct current voltage C.sub.55 to provide a sum signal. Subtracting means 220 subtracts the signal provided by multiplier 212 from the sum signal provided by summing means 218 to provide signal A.

Referring now to FIG. 14, J computer 80 includes a square root circuit 228 receiving signal T to provide a signal to multipliers 230 and 231. Multiplier 230 multiplies the signal from square root circuit 228 with a direct current voltage C.sub.64 to provide a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.64 .sqroot.T in equation 13. Multiplier 231 multiplies the signal from square root circuit 228 with signal A to provide a signal to another multiplier 233 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage C.sub.65. Multiplier 233 provides a signal corresponding to the term C.sub.65 (.sqroot.T)(A) in equation 13. Summing means 235 sums the signals from multipliers 230, 233 to provide a sum signal to subtracting means 237. Summing means 240 sums signal E.sub.19 with a direct current voltage C.sub.66 to provide a signal which is subtracted from the signal provided by summing means 235 by subtracting means 237. A multiplier 242 multiplies direct current voltages C.sub.63 and V.sub.4 to provide a signal to another multiplier 243 where it is multiplied with the signal provided by subtracting means 237. A multiplier 245 effectively squares direct current voltage C.sub.62 and provides it to summing means 247. Subtracting means 247 subtracts the signal provided by multiplier 243 from the signal provided by multiplier 245 and provides a signal to a square root circuit 249. Subtracting means 250 subtracts voltage C.sub.62 from the signal provided by square root circuit 249 to provide a signal to a divider 251. A multiplier 252 multiplies voltages C.sub.63 and V.sub.23 to provide a signal to divider 251 which divides it into the signal from subtracting means 250. The signal provided by divider 251 is effectively squared by multiplier 254 to provide signal E.sub.13.

The present invention is hereinbefore described controls a furfural refining unit receiving medium sour charge oil to achieve a desired charge oil flow rate for a constant furfural flow rate. It is also within the scope of the present invention, as hereinbefore described, to control the furfural flow rate while the medium sour charge oil flow is maintained at a constant rate.

Claims

1. A control system for a furfural refining unit receiving medium sour charge oil and furfural one of which is maintained at a fixed flow rate while the flow rate of the other is controlled by the control system, treats the received medium sour charge oil with the received furfural to yield extract mix and raffiniate, comprising gravity analyzer means for sampling the medium sour charge oil and providing a signal API corresponding to the API gravity of the medium sour charge oil, flash point analyzer means for sampling the medium sour charge oil and providing a signal FL corresponding to the flash point temperature of the medium sour charge oil, viscosity analyzer means for sampling the medium sour charge oil and providing signals KV.sub.150 and KV.sub.210 corresponding to the kinematic viscosities, corrected to 150.degree. F. and 210.degree. F., respectively, sulfur analyzer for sampling the medium sour charge oil and providing a signal S corresponding to the sulfur content of the medium sour charge oil, a refractometer samples the medium sour charge oil and provides a signal RI corresponding to the refractive index of the medium sour charge oil, flow rate sensing means for sensing the flow rates of the medium sour charge oil and of the furfural and providing signals CHG and SOLV, corresponding to the medium sour charge oil flow rate and the solvent flow rate, respectively, temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the extract mix and providing a corresponding signal T, A signal means connected to the gravity analyzer means, to the flash point temperature analyzer means and to viscosity analyzer means and receiving direct current voltages C.sub.55 through C.sub.56 for providing a signal A in accordance with signals API, FL, and KV.sub.210, voltages C.sub.55 through C.sub.57 and the following equation:

A=C.sub.55 -C.sub.56 (API)+C.sub.57 (FL)(KV.sub.210),

where C.sub.55 through C.sub.57 are constants, means for providing a .DELTA.VI signal corresponding to a change in viscosity index, J signal means connected to the A, .DELTA.VI signal means, to the temperature sensing means, to all the analyzer means and to the refractometer and receiving direct current voltages C.sub.62 through C.sub.66 for providing a signal J in accordance with signals S, KV.sub.210, KV.sub.150, API, RI, .DELTA.VI and T, voltages C.sub.62 through C.sub.66 and the following equation:

J={{-C.sub.62 +{(C.sub.62).sup.2 -4(-C.sub.63)[C.sub.64 .sqroot.T+C.sub.65 (.sqroot.T)(A)-C.sub.66 -.DELTA.VI]}.sup.1/2 }/2C.sub.63 }.sup.2,

and control means connected to the J signal means and to the flow rate sensing means for providing a control signal in accordance with the J signal and one of the sensed flow rate signals, and apparatus means connected to the control means for controlling the one flow rate of the medium sour charge oil and furfural flow rates in accordance with the control signal.

2. A system as described in claim 1 in which the .DELTA.VI signal means includes VI signal means connected to the viscosity analyzer means for providing a signal VI corresponding to the viscosity index of the medium sour charge oil in accordance with viscosity signals KV.sub.150 and KV.sub.210 ; SUS.sub.210 signal means connected to the viscosity analyzer means for providing a signal SUS.sub.210 corresponding to the medium sour charge oil viscosity in Saybolt Universal Seconds corrected to 210.degree. F.; W signal means connected to the viscosity analyzer means, to the gravity analyzer means and to the sulfur analyzer means for providing a signal W corresponding to the wax content of the medium sour charge oil in accordance with signals KV.sub.210, API and S; .DELTA.VI network means connected to the gravity analyzer means, to the flash point temperature analyzer means, to the refractometer, to the VI signal means, to the W signal means, to the J signal means and to the SUS.sub.210 signal means and receiving voltage VI.sub.RP for providing signal .DELTA.VI to the J signal means in accordance with signals VI, W, API, FL, RI, SUS.sub.210 and voltage VI.sub.RP.

3. A system as described in claim 2 in which the SUS.sub.210 signal means includes SUS signal means connected to the viscosity analyzer means, and receiving direct current voltages C.sub.5 through C.sub.12 for providing a signal SUS corresponding to an interim factor SUS in accordance with signal KV.sub.210, voltages C.sub.5 through C.sub.12 and the following equation:

SUS=C.sub.5 (KV.sub.210)+[C.sub.6 +C.sub.7 (KV.sub.210)]/[C.sub.8 +C.sub.9 (KV.sub.210)+C.sub.10 (KV.sub.210).sup.2 +C.sub.11 (KV.sub.210).sup.3 ](C.sub.12),

where C.sub.5 through C.sub.12 are constants; and SUS.sub.210 network means connected to the SUS signal means and to the .DELTA.VI signal means and receiving direct current voltages C.sub.13 through C.sub.16 for providing signal SUS.sub.210 to the .DELTA.VI signal means in accordance with signal SUS, voltages C.sub.13 through C.sub.16 and the following equation:

SUS.sub.210 =[C.sub.13 +C.sub.14 (C.sub.15 -C.sub.16)]SUS,

where C.sub.13 through C.sub.16 are constants.

4. A system as described in claim 3 in which the W signal means further receives direct current voltages C.sub.43 through C.sub.49 and provides signal W in accordance with signals API, KV.sub.210 and S, voltages C.sub.43 through C.sub.49, and the following equation:

W=C.sub.43 -C.sub.44 API+C.sub.45 /KV.sub.210 -C.sub.46 S+C.sub.47 (API).sup.2 -C.sub.48 (API)/KV.sub.210 +C.sub.49 (S)(API),

where C.sub.43 through C.sub.49 are constants.

5. A system as described in claim 4 in which the VI signal means includes K signal means receiving direct current voltages C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4 and T.sub.150 for providing a signal K.sub.150 corresponding to the kinematic viscosity of the charge oil corrected to 150.degree. F. in accordance with voltages C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4 and T.sub.150, and the following equation:

K.sub.150 =[C.sub.2 -ln (T.sub.150 +C.sub.3)]/C.sub.4,

where C.sub.2 through C.sub.4 are constants, and T.sub.150 corresponds to a temperature of 150.degree. F.; H.sub.150 signal means connected to the viscosity analyzer means and receiving a direct current voltage C.sub.1 for providing a signal H.sub.150 corresponding to a viscosity H value for 150.degree. F. in accordance with signal KV.sub.150 and voltage C.sub.1 in the following equation:

H.sub.150 =lnln (KV.sub.150 +C.sub.1),

where C.sub.1 is a constant; H.sub.210 signal means connected to the viscosity analyzer means and receiving voltage C.sub.1 for providing signal H.sub.210 corresponding to a viscosity H value for 210.degree. F. in accordance with signal KV.sub.210, voltage C.sub.1 and the following equation:

H.sub.210 =lnln (KV.sub.210 +C.sub.1),

H.sub.100 signal means connected to the K signal means, to the H.sub.150 signal means and the H.sub.210 signal means for providing a signal H.sub.100 corresponding to a viscosity H value for 100.degree. F., in accordance with signals H.sub.150, H.sub.210 and K.sub.150 and the following equation:

H.sub.100 =H.sub.210 +(H.sub.150 -H.sub.210)/K.sub.150,

Kv.sub.100 signal means connected to the H.sub.100 signal means and receiving voltage C.sub.1 for providing a signal KV.sub.100 corresponding to a kinematic viscosity for the charge oil corrected to 100.degree. F. in accordance with signal H.sub.100, voltage C.sub.1, and the following equation:

KV.sub.100 =exp [exp (H.sub.100)]-C.sub.1,

and VI memory means connected to the KV.sub.100 signal means and to the viscosity analyzer means having a plurality of signals stored therein, corresponding to different viscosity indexes and controlled by signals KV.sub.100 and KV.sub.210 to select a stored signal and providing the selected stored signal as signal VI.

6. A system as described in claim 5 in which the .DELTA.VI network means includes a VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O signal means connected to the gravity analyzer means, the flash point temperature analyzer means, the refractometer, the VI signal means and the W signal means, and receives direct current voltages C.sub.50 through C.sub.54 and provides a signal VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O in accordance with signals RI, VI, FL, W and API, voltages C.sub.50 through C.sub.54 and the following equation:

VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O =C.sub.50 -C.sub.51 RI+C.sub.52 (RI)(VI)+C.sub.53 (FL)(API)-C.sub.54 (W)(VI),

where C.sub.50 through C.sub.54 are constants; a VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P signal means connected to the VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O signal means and to the SUS.sub.210 signal means for providing a VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P signal in accordance with signals SUS.sub.210 and VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.O, voltages C.sub.21 through C.sub.23 and Pour, and the following equation:

VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P =VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P +(Pour)[C.sub.21 -C.sub.22 ln SUS.sub.210 +C.sub.23 (ln SUS.sub.210).sup.2 ],

and subtracting means connected to the J signal means and to the VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P signal means and receiving voltage VI.sub.RP for subtracting signal VI.sub.DWC.sbsb.P from voltage VI.sub.RP to provide the .DELTA.VI signal to the J signal means.

7. A system as described in claim 6 in which flow rate of the medium sour charge oil is controlled and the flow of the furfural is maintained at a constant rate and the control means receives signal SOLV from the flow rate sensing means, the J signal from the J signal means and a direct current voltage corresponding to a value of 100 and provides a signal C to the apparatus means corresponding to a new medium sour charge oil flow rate in accordance with the selected J signal, signal SOLV and the received voltage and the following equation:

C=(SOLV)(100)/J,

so as to cause the apparatus means to change the medium sour charge oil flow to the new flow rate.

8. A system as described in claim 6 in which the controlled flow rate is the furfural flow rate and the flow of the medium sour charge oil is maintained constant, and the control means is connected to the sensing means, to the J signal means and receives a direct current voltage corresponding to the value of 100 for providing a signal SO corresponding to a new furfural flow rate in accordance with signals CHG and the J signal and the received voltage, and the following equation:

SO=(CHG)(J)/100,

so as to cause the furfural flow to change to the new flow rate.