Abstract: A reaction with distillation column is provided with a plurality of discrete catalytic reaction containers. The containers contain a plurality of solid catalyst particles which form a catalytic reaction zone. The containers also comprise a liquid collection tray cover which defines a liquid accumulation zone immediately overlying the catalytic reaction zone. Overflow weirs are provided on the tray cover to allow for overflow of liquid on the tray cover. A member may be provided within the containers to create an open area within the catalytic reaction zone to facilitate entry of the liquid into the catalytic reaction zone. The containers can be individually positioned within the reactor to suit particular process requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A downflow heat exchanger, particularly applicable as the main condenser/reboiler of a double column cryogenic air separation plant, wherein liquid distribution for uniform flow is carried out above the vapor passages and the well distributed liquid is passed into the liquid passages, preferably angularly onto the bridge fins, and then down through the liquid passages cocurrently with vapor in adjacent vapor passages.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the distillation of liquids which is particularly suited for the removal of soluble impurities and insoluble and non-volatile particles of 10 microns to 0.2 micron or less in size. A substantially elongated distillation chamber having walls equipped with axially disposed concentric boiling rings spaced from the walls near the bottom, and a packing stop, packing redirector rings for condensed vapor, and a reflux condenser in the upper part of the distillation chamber provide, during distillation, a smooth convective upward flow of distilling liquid and vapor proximate the walls and boiling rings and a smooth convective downward flow of distilling liquid and vapor substantially centrally of the distillation chamber.

Abstract: A distillation system, particularly useful for the cryogenic distillation of feed air, employing a first column and a partitioned second column whereby three separate product streams may be withdrawn from the partitioned column.

Abstract: A distillation-reaction apparatus comprises at least one distillation-reaction zone (G,H) having, on a perforated support (5) permitting the passage of fluids at least one element of type J--container (3b) of volume Vt containing a volume Va of solid catalytic particles--and at least one element of type K--(4) of type K1 and/or (3a) of type K2--the element of type K2 being a container not containing solid catalytic particles, the elements having adequate mechanical characteristics to withstand the loading of the elements in the zone and the perforations of the support being sufficiently small to retain the said elements. The apparatus can be used for performing chemical reactions and the fractionation of the reaction mixture, e.g., for the synthesis of ethers from olefins and alcohols.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for decreasing the pressure drop in a column used for contacting at least one gaseous stream and at least one liquid stream, wherein a portion of the pressure drop across the column is caused by foam. The method comprises injecting a non-foamable liquid into the gaseous stream at a location, in an amount, and at a temperature which are sufficient to decrease the total pressure drop across the column.

Abstract: A method of feeding to a fractionator a feed mixture having a wide-boiling range vapor-liquid mixture is provided. Also, provided is a fractionator feed section adapted to receive a two phase feed mixture and has operational stability when fed a feed mixture which generates significant volume of vapor in the feed section.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously exchanging material and for exchanging heat, material change being effected between a gas phase and at least one liquid phase by contact and passage in opposite directions of the gas phase and of the at least one liquid phase and heat exchange being effected between a compartment (I) and another compartment (II). In compartment (I) a plurality of spacer plates defining material exchange passages are arranged and the material exchange is effected by causing the at least one liquid phase to flow over a substantially vertical or inclined wall of a corrugated spacer plate having perforations and by causing at least a fraction of the gas phase to traverse simultaneously said perforations in a substantially ascending direction to contact said at least one liquid phase. The heat exchange is effected by circulating a heat exchange fluid in the compartment (II) which has a common wall with the compartment (I).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating hydrocarbon gas containing carbonyl sulfide with hot aqueous absorbent at hydrolysis gas containing carbonyl sulfide hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide and formation of hydrolysis product gas, and for cooling the hydrolysis product gas with cool absorbent at cooling temperature, comprising (a) a hydrolysis section, (b) a cooling section; (c) a chimney tray positioned between the cooling section and the hydrolysis section; (d) a heater to heat the absorbent to form hot aqueous absorbent at hydrolysis reaction temperature; and, (e) a cooler to cool the absorbent withdrawn from the hydrolysis section to cool absorbent at cooling temperature.

Abstract: Equipment for mixed phase reaction distillation, particularly equipment for mixed phase reaction distillation to produce MTBE. The equipment comprises a rectifying section I at the upper part, a reaction section II at the middle part, and a stripping section III at the lower part. The reaction section II comprises a plurality of superposed catalyst beds which are connected by at least one catalyst flow pipe disposed between each pair of adjacent catalyst beds, and a sealed cover at the top above the uppermost catalyst bed of the plurality of catalyst beds. The reaction section II further comprises at least one vapor passageway disposed at one side of the reaction section II, and at least one liquid passageway disposed at the other side of the reaction section II.

Abstract: A device for use in a fractional distillation column or a column used to perform catalytic distillation. One or more of the downcomers of a multiple downcomer type fractionation tray is employed as a liquid collection device to remove liquid from the column. Optionally this downcomer may contain an enclosed bed of catalyst, which may be replaced while the column is being used by catalyst addition and withdrawal lines extending outside of the column.

Abstract: Urea is formed by the synthesis of ammonia with carbon dioxide at high pressure and temperature in an internal space of reactors through which flow a liquid phase cocurrently with a gas phase. The reactors are divided into compartments to avoid excessive mixing of the entire liquid phase and to allow the intermittent redistribution of the gas in bubbles of a suitable size for increasing the exchange of heat and matter between the two phases. At each passage from one compartment to the next, the liquid phase and the gas phase are made to flow on separate routes and are distributed in each compartment with a continuous, permanent, and even flow.

Abstract: Process for obtaining purified hydrogen peroxide solutions, consisting in evaporating the crude aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing the impurities and feeding by means of the vapour phase produced the foot of a distillation column provided in its lower part with a zone for washing the vapour phase with a small flow of liquid which refluxes in the bottom of the column and which has the same composition as the purified aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution forming the product leaving the column, in drawing off this purified product at a column height such that the draw-off is carried out above the vapour phase washing zone and in collecting at the bottom of the column a residue consisting of the small flow of washing liquid which contains most of the impurities. The washing zone has a diameter which is greater than that of the remainder of the column.Distillation column for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method for the fractional distillation of a mixture of at least two compounds with different boiling points, a rising flow of vapor is brought into intimate contact with a descending flow of liquid obtained within a column (1) by the partial condensation of the flow of vapor itself by heat exchange with a cooled surface which extends through a filling (37).

Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and interconnecting catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers preferably extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation and fractionation tray is radially driven.

Abstract: An improved packed column distillation system, which may be particularly advantageous for use with cryogenic distillation such as the cryogenic distillation of air, wherein external heat is provided at the column wall, especially at a stripping section of the column, to vaporize liquid formed on the inner surface of the column wall resulting in improved separation efficiency with lower packed bed height.

Abstract: A distillation tray including a use with a distillation column tray and a heating chamber with each tray including a bottom pierced by a through hole and a rim surrounding the bottom and having at least one outside flank. The outside flank includes a plurality of relative projections regularly spaced apart along the rim and constituting undulations. The tray is applicable to metallurgy, and in particular to distilling metals such as zinc.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation system is provided having a first component which is a particulate catalyst useful for carrying out the desired chemical reaction and a second component which is a hollow geometric shape having openings through the outer surface to allow gas and liquid to pass therethrough. The two components are mixed to provide the desired open space and loaded into a distillation column reactor. The hollow geometric shapes provides the spacing, while the openings permit the gas and liquid to flow through, thus providing the requisite vapor liquid contact space and surfaces.

Abstract: A system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.

Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.

Abstract: A reaction-distillation apparatus is provided comprising at least one reaction-distillation zone including at least one bed of solid elements disposed on a fluid-permeable perforated support having perforations small enough to retain the elements wherein the bed of solid elements includes loose solid catalytic particles and at least one receptacle, containing at least one distillation packing body, the external jacket of which is permeable to fluids and the impermeable to the solid catalytic particles and packing body. The apparatus can be used for carrying out chemical reaction and concomitant fractionation of the reaction mixture, for example, to synthesize ethers from olefins and alcohols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A method of feeding to a fractionator a feed mixture comprising a wide-boiling range vapor-liquid mixture is provided. Also, provided is a fractionator feed section adapted to receive a two phase feed mixture. Furthermore, this invention provides a fractionator that has operational stability when fed a feed mixture which generates significant volume of vapor in the feed section. A feed nozzle (112) may introduce a mixed liquid and gas feed downwardly between converging baffles (102,104) into a mixing zone (110) above a seal pan (106), and trough means (114,116) may introduce liquid reflux to the mixing zone.

Abstract: This column, of the type having a cross-undulating lining, includes means for returning liquid to the vicinity of the edges of the lining and liquid and gas distribution means which contribute to decrease substantially the height of the column. Application to plants for separating gases from air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a catalytic distillation process is provided which allows for maintaining a liquid level in selected portions of the catalyst bed. Three particular processes disclosed are the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether, tertiary butyl alcohol and cumene.

Abstract: A distillation tower (1) has a plurality of liquid sidestream lines (5, 6, 7) and a multi-stage sidestream stripper (13) which includes a respective stripping section (14, 15, 16) for each sidestream line housed in a common, upright, cylindrical shell (28) which allows vapor to pass freely from each stage to the one above. Partial vaporization of each sidestream is achieved by applying a vacuum to the top of the stripper shell (point 21) and/or introducing strip gas at the bottom (point 20). Because the vapor passes serially through the stripping sections from the bottom of the stripper (13) to the top, the need to supply strip gas separately to the stripping sections and/or apply vacuum individually is avoided. The separation between the sidestream products is improved by including, in each stage, a rectification zone (22, 23, 24) positioned above the stripping section.

Abstract: Method for the production of ultrapure sulfuric acid including distillation of sulfuric acid material for the removal of soluble impurities and insoluble and non-volatile particles of 10 microns to 0.2 micron or less in size. Reprocessing is also provided. Distillation takes place in a distillation chamber having walls which are provided with means within the chamber to provide smooth convective upward flow of distilling liquid and vapor proximate the walls and means for smooth convective downward flow substantially centrally of the distillation chamber. Redirection means and packing together with reflux means insure the washing of rising vapor and direct the condensing vapor substantially centrally of the distillation chamber. Ultrapure sulfuric acid is also provided having 5 or less particles per cubic centimeter of a size of 0.5 micron and larger and less than 10 ppb of any specific trace impurity such as cations.

Abstract: The performance of multiple downcomer type fractionation trays is stabilized against the effects of any rocking motion to which the surrounding column is subjected by the provision of vapor and liquid flow control baffles on the tray deck. One such baffle is perpendicular to the downcomers and extends upward. Vertical baffles are provided within and over the downcomers. A large number of bubble-promoting devices line the periphery of the tray.

Abstract: A fractional distillation column and method for its use are provided which employ n sets of trays, where n is an integer and n.gtoreq.2. An equivalent number n of separate liquid streams are passed generally downwardly through the column so that each liquid stream flows onto and between individual trays of its corresponding set of trays.

Abstract: A concurrent catalytic reaction with distillation structure involves a plurality of vapor permeable plates which are arranged in spaced apart relationship with a catalyst placed in the open space between two adjacent plates. The catalyst filled area presents a reaction zone where catalytic reaction can take place and the vapor permeable plates present a large surface area for vapor and liquid phase exchange. The invention also encompasses a process for concurrent catalytic reaction with distillation employing structure as aforedescribed and including the steps of feeding a liquid stream to a column employing such structure and directing the stream through the catalytic reaction zone while concurrently distilling a portion of the liquid to present a vapor stream which is directed in countercurrent relationship to the liquid stream flow.

Abstract: A draw-off device is disclosed for a vacuum distillation column in which device a layer of gutters is provided. A secondary wall is arranged in the gutters creating a heat-insulating layer to reduce the condensation of vapor passing along the outer walls of the gutters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passageways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in the zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of the beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of the zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of the zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with isobutene-containing hydrocarbons in a reaction zone having alternate beds of sulfonated resin catalyst and catalyst-free distillation zones wherein the zones also contain liquid redistribution plates.

Abstract: A multipass distillation or other column having substantially horizontal trays is constructed to equilibrate the liquid to vapor ratio on both sides of a downcomer, each side having the same area but a different shape, by adjusting the clearances under each side of said downcomer until the ratio of liquid passing to a first side to liquid passing to the other side is the same as the ratio of vapor passing to said first side as vapor passing to the other.

Abstract: A generally open support ring is mounted onto the internal surface of a distillation tower. The support ring includes a seat rim and a plurality of mechanical elements which secure the seat rim to the internal surface of the tower. The plurality of mechanical elements are attached to both the inner surface and the seat rim. Each mechanical element protrudes from the inner surface and is spaced apart from the other mechanical elements. The plurality of mechanical elements enable the seat rim to be mounted along a substantially horizontal plane around the internal surface of the tower. The support ring is adapted to support an open container of liquid thereon in such a manner that vapor below the support ring is in fluid communication with vapor above the support ring through a series of vent openings in the support ring.

Abstract: The deodorizing apparatus is used to treat organic liquids, such as edible oils or edible fats, in that they are stripped with water vapor under subatmospheric pressure and at temperatures from about 130.degree. to 260.degree. C. Free fatty acids and disturbing taste- and odor-imparting substances are thus removed. The liquid to be treated is passed through one or more treating stories and is agitated therein by rising water vapor. At least one of the treating stories comprises at least two concentric, open-topped annular passages having a common cylindrical wall, a vertical partition extending across the wall and an aperature in the wall adjacent the partition for allowing liquid flow between the passages. A plurality of circulating cylinders, which are adapted to be flown through in an upward direction, are arranged in each annular passage. Water vapor in the form of fine bubbles is passed through the circulating cylinders.

Abstract: The deodorizing apparatus is used to treat organic liquids, such as edible oils or edible fats, in that they are stripped with water vapor under subatmospheric pressure and at temperature from about 130.degree. to 260.degree. C. The liquid to be treated is passed through one or more treating levels and is agitated therein by rising water vapor. At least one of the treating levels contains numerous conical circulating ducts, which can be flown through in an upward direction and are provided with a water vapor inlet in their lower portion, which is narrower in cross-section. The cone angle of the circulating duct measured against the vertical may vary from 5.degree. to 20.degree. C.

Abstract: In a gas dehydration system utilizing glycol a condensate skimming reflux column separates and skims natural gas condensate off glycol by a settling tank-type reservoir having a syphon-type glycol outlet to a reflux section spaced a predetermined distance below a condensate outlet pipe.

Abstract: A process for removing volatile acids from aqueous solutions which involves steam stripping a volatile acid from an aqueous solution and contacting the vaporized acid with a reactable cation to form a salt of the acid. A preferred embodiment of apparatus comprises an elongated distillation column having therein a plurality of zones or stages wherein the volatile acid in the aqueous feed stream is vaporized by steam and then the vaporized acid is carried by the steam into a salt formation zone or stage to react with a reactable cation to form a salt of the acid.

Abstract: A method for removing the volatile constituents from gasoline and volatile organic chemicals from contaminated potable water when a fluid including gasoline-water mixture and when contaminated potable water is introduced into a vertical tower includes the steps of flowing the gasoline-water fluid and the water downward in a tower over and in contact with media trays stacked in courses in the tower. The media trays, either circular or square, fit closely within the tower inner wall, such trays are aluminum or molded plastic frames one inch by one inch angles one-eighth inch thick, with a plurality of one and one-half inch wide slats one-quarter of an inch thick on the top of the frame; the slats being spaced apart not less than one-half inch nor more than three-quarters of an inch.

Abstract: A vapor-and-liquid contact structure for distillation, fractionation, rectification, absorption, and the refining, in a column, of various liquid materials such as petroleum, chemical, and alcohol solutions wherein provision is made for the inclusion of vertically-spaced bubble plate chambers, having respective liquid and vapor contact devices, to accommodate contact of counter-current flows of reflux liquid and vapors. A downcomer, including slanted ramps, is disposed outside of the vapor conduit-defining interior, and defines an elongate downcomer structure for liquid flow. Accordingly, descending reflux liquid flow is kept outside of primary vapor flow, with secondary vapor evolving from descending reflux being conducted circuitously back into the primary vapor flow for ascent to the next-above contact device. Plate efficiency is enhanced through maximum plate-area effective use and unidirectional liquid-flow over such plates.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with isobutene-containing hydrocarbons in a reaction zone comprising alternate beds of sulfonated resin catalyst and catalyst-free distillation zones, said zones also comprising liquid redistribution plates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passage-ways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in said zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of said beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of said zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of said zone.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for more uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds is composed of a box-pipe distributor, for the delivery of liquid to a pan distributor having a deck and risers postioned on the deck, with ells contained in the risers. The ells direct liquid axially through the risers so that gas/liquid interaction is minimized. The pan distributor also includes a plurality of holes positioned about the risers and a set of wall-ells about the periphery of the pan for more completely and uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds positioned beneath the liquid distribution device.

Abstract: A distributor system for use in multiple bed, downflow reactors which provides improved distribution across the reactor and improved vapor/liquid contact and distribution. The system comprises a collection tray arranged below the first catalyst bed in the reactor, a first, rough distributor tray which is arranged below the collection tray and which is fed from the collection tray by means of spillways in the tray and a mixing chamber beneath the spillways. The first distributor tray provides for separate vapor and liquid flow by means of apertures in the tray or downward flow of liquid and vapor chimneys for downward flow of vapor. After the first distributor tray, a second, final distributor tray is provided with downcomers for flow of liquid and vapor onto the lower catalyst bed. Each downcomer comprises an open-topped tube with a side aperture for entry of liquid into the tube, vapor entering through the open top of the tube.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for the repurification of ultrapure liquids. An oxidant solution comprising ultrapure sulfuric acid, peroxydisulfuric acid, and ultrapure water is continuously withdrawn from a process after use. The withdrawn oxidant is reprocessed continuously by contacting with alumina to remove fluoride ions. Water is continuously separated or stripped from the oxidant solution by heating the solution and bubbling an inert gas therethrough causing the water to vaporize from the solution. The separated oxidant is continuously distilled and condensed to form a purified stream of sulfuric acid. The major portion of this stream is continuously returned to the process. The remaining minor portion is continuously cooled, subjected to analysis for purity, and diluted with ultrapure water. The diluted sulfuric acid is further cooled prior to electrochemical treatment in the anode compartment of an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A circular section column with helical liquid flow is divided by a vertical wall 10 into two gas and vapor tight sectors A and B, each sector housing a series of trays.The trays disposed are designated respectively 1a, 2a and 3a for sector A and 1b, 2b and 3b for sector B.The distance D separating each two successive half trays of a given series is constant.On the other hand, the half-trays of one series are each staggered in the axial direction of the column with respect to the half-trays of the other series by a spacing d which is less than half the distance D.This arrangement allows a greater number of half-trays to be housed in a column of a given height, or the height of a column for a given number of trays to be decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating a more volatile substance from a liquid in which it is dissolved by vacuum means. The apparatus has a perforated inner casing having a plurality of sub-stages which contain packing material to provide a tortuous path of interstices for the liquid to flow through; an outer casing surrounds the inner casing to define an evacuating space between the outer and inner casing and vacuum means to create a vacuum in the evacuating space which communicates with the sub-stages through the perforations in the inner casing. The vacuum means also acts to pull off the more volatile substance.