Abstract: A system and method for reducing a vapor temperature in a packed distillation column. Liquid is collected from a packed section of the packed distillation column in a liquid collector disposed below the packed section. A super-heated vapor is distributed from a vapor feed disposed below the packed section such that the super-heated vapor contacts the liquid of the liquid collector and reduces a temperature of the super-heated vapor.

Abstract: A multiple pass, parallel flow downcomer tray for a mass transfer column and method for liquid-vapor contacting in a mass transfer column is provided. The multiple pass, parallel flow downcomer tray has at least four mass transfer decks configured to provide contact between an ascending vapor passing upward through apertures on the tray surface and a traversing liquid on the tray surface. The tray further includes a central downcomers disposed near a central axis of the tray and two or more peripheral downcomers disposed near the edge of the tray and spaced apart from the central axis, wherein at least two of the four mass transfer decks are configured to discharge the traversing liquid into the peripheral downcomers and two of the four mass transfer decks are configured to discharge the traversing liquid into the central downcomer.

Abstract: A structured packing arrangement for reducing vapor bypass in the gaps between the edges of structured packing elements or bricks and the packed distillation column wall is provided. The structured packing arrangement includes a high pressure drop shroud attached to portions of the perimeter of the structured packing elements and in the gap between the edge of the structured packing elements and the interior surface of the distillation column wall. The high pressure drop shroud urges the ascending vapor flowing at or near the edges of the structured packing elements to stay within the structured packing elements instead of escaping through the side of the structured packing toward the distillation column wall.

Abstract: A wiper band assembly suitable for use in packed distillation columns used in an air separation unit is provided. The wiper band assembly includes specially designed metal or metal alloy wiper tabs that are longer and thinner than conventional wiper tabs. The longer and thinner wiper tabs preferably have a thickness between about 0.05 mm and 0.25 mm and a length greater than about 50.0 mm. The physical dimensions and characteristics of the wiper tabs are selected to avoid permanent deformation during the installation process and provides continuous engagement with the interior surface of the packed column wall when the wiper tabs are exposed to pressure differentials typically seen in such packed distillation columns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost surge tank design for pressure swing adsorption plants that does not contain internal structures, achieves good mixing and is 15-20% less expensive than the conventional designs. The surge tank is characterized by having a first inlet located in the upper quadrant of said surge tank and a second inlet located in the lower quadrant of said surge tank, wherein said inlets configured to fluidly couple the interior of said surge tank with the exterior of said surge tank; and wherein said first and second inlets are tangentially configured to allow flow to enter said surge tank in diametrically opposite directions.

Abstract: A multiple pass, parallel flow downcomer tray for a mass transfer column and method for liquid-vapor contacting in a mass transfer column is provided. The multiple pass, parallel flow downcomer tray has at least four mass transfer decks configured to provide contact between an ascending vapor passing upward through apertures on the tray surface and a traversing liquid on the tray surface. The tray further includes a central downcomers disposed near a central axis of the tray and two or more peripheral downcomers disposed near the edge of the tray and spaced apart from the central axis, wherein at least two of the four mass transfer decks are configured to discharge the traversing liquid into the peripheral downcomers and two of the four mass transfer decks are configured to discharge the traversing liquid into the central downcomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost surge tank design for pressure swing adsorption plants that does not contain internal structures, achieves good mixing and is 15-20% less expensive than the conventional designs. The surge tank is characterized by having a first inlet located in the upper quadrant of said surge tank and a second inlet located in the lower quadrant of said surge tank, wherein said inlets configured to fluidly couple the interior of said surge tank with the exterior of said surge tank; and wherein said first and second inlets are tangentially configured to allow flow to enter said surge tank in diametrically opposite directions.