Abstract: A contact tray has a tray deck for receiving a liquid stream and a plurality of valves distributed across the tray deck through which vapor ascends for interacting with the liquid stream. Each valve includes an opening in the tray deck, wall segments that extend upwardly along opposite sides of the opening, and a valve body. The valve body has a trapezoidal valve cover positioned in covering relationship above and extending outwardly beyond the opening and legs that are attached to the valve cover at recesses located at opposite ends of the valve cover. A vent is positioned in one of the legs.

Abstract: A contact tray for use in a mass transfer column and having a tray deck for receiving a liquid stream and a plurality of valves distributed across the tray deck through which vapor ascends for interacting with the liquid stream. Each valve has an opening in the tray deck in the form of a central segment and extensions that extend outwardly from opposite ends of the central segment. The valves each include a valve body with a valve cover positioned in covering relationship above and extending outwardly beyond the opening and legs that are attached to the valve cover at recesses located at opposite ends of the valve cover. The legs extend downwardly through the extensions in the opening and include stops in portions of the legs positioned below the tray deck to permit limited vertical movement of the legs to allow the valve body to move between open and closed positions in response to ascending vapor pressure against an undersurface of the valve cover.

Abstract: A valve for one-way transfer of air from vacuum storage bags, including a body, a flat diaphragm made of a flexible material, and a holder for securing the diaphragm to the body; a central portion of the body includes an air passage; the diaphragm has a first position where the air passage is covered by a central portion of the diaphragm thus blocking air flow through the air passage, and a second position where the central portion of the diaphragm is reversibly moved away from the air passage thus allowing air flow through the air passage; the diaphragm is secured between the body and the holder, at its three or more distinct edge portions of the diaphragm. A vacuum storage bag equipped with the valve.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray apparatus includes a tray having a plurality of apertures for passage of fluid through the tray. The apertures are arranged in a first group of three adjacent rows extending substantially parallel to a main liquid flow path of the tray. Apertures of the middle row are offset along the main liquid flow path on the tray from adjacent apertures of the other two rows to form a triangular pattern of adjacent apertures across the three adjacent rows. The apertures have a length and a width, each length is oriented substantially parallel to its row and each width is oriented substantially perpendicular to its row. Centers of adjacent apertures within each row are separated by a first spacing which is equal to or between 2.5 and 4.5 times the average length of the apertures in that row. Adjacent rows are separated by a second spacing which is equal to or between 1.5 and 2.5 times the average width of the apertures of the adjacent rows.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray apparatus includes a tray having a plurality of apertures for passage of fluid through the tray. The apertures are arranged in a first group of three adjacent rows extending substantially parallel to a main liquid flow path of the tray. Apertures of the middle row are offset along the main liquid flow path on the tray from adjacent apertures of the other two rows to form a triangular pattern of adjacent apertures across the three adjacent rows. The apertures have a length and a width, each length is oriented substantially parallel to its row and each width is oriented substantially perpendicular to its row. Centers of adjacent apertures within each row are separated by a first spacing which is equal to or between 2.5 and 4.5 times the average length of the apertures in that row. Adjacent rows are separated by a second spacing which is equal to or between 1.5 and 2.5 times the average width of the apertures of the adjacent rows.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.

Abstract: An exchange device includes a plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of openings extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The top surface receives a liquid which flows in a flow direction over the top surface. A plurality of valves is disposed over the openings. Each valve includes a round lid coupled to the first, second, and third legs. The first leg is upstream of the second and third legs relative to the flow direction. The first leg has a width that is greater than the width of the second and third legs. In particular, a ratio of the width of the first leg to the width of the second leg is in a range of 1.6:1 to 2.6:1.

Abstract: A separation system can include one or more vapor-liquid contact trays. A vapor-liquid contact tray can include a set of panels. Two adjacent panels can be connected at a joint at overlapping edges of the panels. The first panel can include slots extending through the first panel proximal to a first offset bend. Tabs of the first panel can extend downward toward an underside of the first panel. The tabs can originate from an edge of the slots proximal to the deck and extend downward relative to a horizontal plane of the deck. The second panel can include a plurality of strips that have a second offset bend extending from a deck of the second panel extending through a slot and to underlie the first panel. A strip of the plurality of strips can define an opening through which a tab of the first panel can extend.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.

Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for producing a polyvinyl alcohol that can reduce energy consumption without deterioration in quality of the product polyvinyl alcohol. First, one or more vinyl esters are polymerized or a vinyl ester and other copolymerizable monomers are copolymerized to give a polyvinyl ester. Then, a raw saponification solution containing the polyvinyl ester and an organic solvent is fed through a channel 1 and a saponification catalyst-containing solution is introduced into the center of the channel. They are then mixed with static mixers 2 and the mixture 4 is subjected to saponification reaction, as it is placed on a belt 3.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for removing residual monomers and a method of producing a polyvinyl alcohol resin that can prevent drift of the organic solvent gas and residual of the polymerization solution on the trays and permits efficient removal of the unreacted monomers from the polymerization solution. An apparatus 1 for removing residual monomers having a column main body and valve trays 2 having multiple gas blowout ports each having openings only in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the polymerization solution 4 or openings directed downward in the flow direction of the polymerization solution, which are installed in multiple stages in the column main body is used in a monomer-removing step of removing monomers in a polymerization solution 4 by bringing an organic solvent gas, such as methanol gas, into contact with a polymerization solution 4 obtained from a polymerization reactor 3.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out a three-phase reaction of a liquid phase, a gaseous phase, and a catalyst over a fixed catalyst bed is disclosed. The liquid and gaseous phases are passed through the reactor via a mixing and distribution device positioned over the fixed catalyst bed. The mixing and distribution device includes a trough distributor for the liquid phase, having trough-shaped channels, outlet tubes in the trough-shaped channels for the liquid phase, a distributor plate below the trough distributor, and vertical nozzles, having one or more openings for the gaseous phase and one or more openings, arranged below the openings for the gaseous phase. For entry of the liquid phase, the nozzles are installed so that, at a predetermined liquid feed rate, the surface of the liquid on the distributor plate is below the openings for the gaseous phase and above the openings for the liquid phase.

Abstract: A column structure (1) for the containment of high surface area packing (5) and absorbent liquid reagent for the removal of a target gas from a gas stream having an elongate upright wall structure defining a perimeter comprising a closed simple polygon or closed simple curve; a support structure extending inwardly from the perimeter of the column towards the top thereof; and slung tensile members (16) attached to the wall structure of the top support structure and extending downwardly to support at least internal column structure within the walls of the column.

Abstract: The valve cover has a guide vane extending laterally and downwardly from the central portion towards and in spaced relation to the tray deck for deflecting a majority of the vapor passing upwardly through an orifice downward towards the tray deck. A de-entrainment device with a downwardly angled deflector in vertical alignment with an orifice in the tray deck may be integrated or not with the valve cover below the tray deck.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.

Abstract: The valve cover has a guide vane extending laterally and downwardly from the central portion towards and in spaced relation to the tray deck for deflecting a majority of the vapor passing upwardly through an orifice downward towards the tray deck. A de-entrainment device with a downwardly angled deflector in vertical alignment with an orifice in the tray deck may be integrated or not with the valve cover below the tray deck.

Abstract: A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second, lighter fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom. A plurality of valves disposed across a surface of the tray and mounted above a plurality of apertures on the surface of the tray, each valve of the plurality of valves comprising a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the heavier fluid flow in the first direction forming a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the lighter fluid flow therefrom and further comprising a first aperture in the first securement leg.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly and method for lighter fluid heavier fluid contact towers. The active area of the tray is constructed with valves having multiple lighter fluid discharge areas facilitating improved mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented in line with the heavier fluid flow with both legs and the valve top constructed with apertures wherein the heavier fluid may flow into engagement with the lighter fluid passing from beneath the tray up, through and out of the valve.

Abstract: A fractionation tray for use in a process column. The fractionation tray is of a type where a first fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto the fractionation tray and across the fractionation tray in a first direction. A second fluid flows upwardly through the fractionation tray for interaction with the first fluid. The fractionation tray includes an upper tray section, a lower tray section that is operable to removably engage the upper tray section, a joint region which includes an area of overlap between the upper tray section and the lower tray section. The joint region allows passage of the second fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A divided exchange column includes a shell column having a first longitudinal axis, a cylindrical wall spaced apart from and surrounding the first longitudinal axis and defining a first interior space, a first divided wall column having a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and a second divided wall column having a third longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first and the second longitudinal axes, where the first divided wall column and the second divided wall column are positioned in the first interior space of the shell column.

Abstract: A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid interacts with a second, lighter fluid. A plurality of valves are disposed on a surface of the tray. Each valve of the plurality of valves includes a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the first, heavier fluid flow thereby forming a diverting baffle. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the second, lighter fluid flow therefrom. The at least one aperture is adapted to allow the second, lighter fluid to interact with the first, heavier fluid. Each valve includes a plurality of open side regions. Each valve is adapted to allow the second, lighter fluid to pass outwardly therefrom generally in a direction of the first heavier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve tray for mass transfer columns having a base plate, at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid outlet for forming a liquid flow having a direction of flow on the base plate, a plurality of gas entry orifices formed in the base plate and also a plurality of fixed valves covering the gas entry orifices, which fixed valves are formed in one piece with the base plate and in each case include a valve roof at a distance to the base plate and also a valve rear side and a valve front side, wherein between the base plate, the valve rear side, the valve front side and the valve roof of each fixed valve, at least one side gas outlet orifice is formed in each case. The side gas outlet orifices of the fixed valves can taper in the direction of flow of the liquid flow.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for removing residual monomers and a method of producing a polyvinyl alcohol resin that can prevent drift of the organic solvent gas and residual of the polymerization solution on the trays and permits efficient removal of the unreacted monomers from the polymerization solution. An apparatus 1 for removing residual monomers having a column main body and valve trays 2 having multiple gas blowout ports each having openings only in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the polymerization solution 4 or openings directed downward in the flow direction of the polymerization solution, which are installed in multiple stages in the column main body is used in a monomer-removing step of removing monomers in a polymerization solution 4 by bringing an organic solvent gas, such as methanol gas, into contact with a polymerization solution 4 obtained from a polymerization reactor 3.

Abstract: A mass-exchange contact device is proposed, comprising upper and lower flat ring-shaped trays attached to a column, a sleeve having windows with bottom edges in the plane of the lower tray, a barbotage unit having orifices in its sidewalls placed on the top sleeve, a movable double-acting valve including upper and lower plates connected with a rod. The barbotage unit includes an ascending limiter of valve's movement, the sleeve's bottom includes a descending limiter. Alternatively, the barbotage unit is made as a portion of the sleeve. Embodiments comprise a number of rows of the proposed devices situated one above the other, and separated by multi-layer packing fittings. The devices can be used in catalytic distillation columns, wherein the fittings are filled with catalytic material. Alternatively, the fitting is substituted with a grating supporting a catalytic granular layer. The proposed design improves device operation, reliability, durability, reduces its weight and costs.

Abstract: A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid interacts with a second, lighter fluid. A plurality of valves are disposed on a surface of the tray. Each valve of the plurality of valves includes a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the first, heavier fluid flow thereby forming a diverting baffle. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the second, lighter fluid flow therefrom. The at least one aperture is adapted to allow the second, lighter fluid to interact with the first, heavier fluid. Each valve includes a plurality of open side regions. Each valve is adapted to allow the second, lighter fluid to pass outwardly therefrom generally in a direction of the first heavier fluid.

Abstract: A mass-exchange contact device is proposed, comprising an upper tray, contact element including a barbotage unit configured as an inner cap with strips tangently bent out, a lower tray, a casing including a ring-shaped descending limiter, windows circumferentially disposed on the casing's walls (lower row), orifices circumferentially disposed on the casing's walls (upper row) above the windows, a double-acting valve composed of an upper and lower plates fixedly attached to a distance rod, and a cover bushing disposed coaxially to and around the upper region of casing embracing the contact element. Embodiments comprise a number of rows of the proposed devices situated one above the other, and separated by multi-layer packing fittings. In catalytic distillation columns, the fittings can be filled with catalytic material. Alternatively, the fitting is substituted with a grating that supports a catalytic granular layer. The device allows improving operation, reliability, durability, reducing its weight and costs.

Abstract: The valve cover has a pair of tabs at the ends that are inserted into end sections of an orifice in the tray deck. The tabs of the valve cover abut against the underside of the tray deck while a pair of sloped portions of the valve cover rest on the top side of the tray deck in order to hold the valve cover in place.

Abstract: The valve cover has a guide vane extending laterally and downwardly from the central portion towards and in spaced relation to the tray deck for deflecting a majority of the vapor passing upwardly through an orifice downward towards the tray deck. A de-entrainment device with a downwardly angled deflector in vertical alignment with an orifice in the tray deck may be integrated or not with the valve cover below the tray deck.

Abstract: The valve cover has a guide vane extending laterally and downwardly from the central portion towards and in spaced relation to the tray deck for deflecting a majority of the vapor passing upwardly through an orifice downward towards the tray deck. A de-entrainment device with a downwardly angled deflector in vertical alignment with an orifice in the tray deck may be integrated or not with the valve cover below the tray deck.

Abstract: A floating valve providing a parent-and-subsidiary flow-guided floating valve of low pressure drop, high throughput and highly flexible operation maintaining high efficiency within a wide range of gaseous load changes is disclosed. Furthermore, a parent-and-subsidiary flow-guided floating valve having at least two legs, wherein the body of the parent valve is a symmetrical plane figure with the central axis line as the symmetrical line, the central axis line to the overflow cofferdam along the direction in which the liquid flows is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inner tray, arranged inside a chamber, comprising a plurality of parallel beams (1), located in a common horizontal plane and fixed through their ends to the wall of the chamber, and, between said beams and supported thereby, rows of adjacent rectangular plates (2), completely covering the space between the beams. The invention is characterized in that the supporting edges (3) of the plates (2) through which the latter are supported on the beams (1), are folded downwards by two substantially right-angled folds, and in that each of the edges (4) of the plates (2), perpendicular to the beams (1) is folded so as to form a female part (4a) or a male part (4b) capable of being respectively nested in a male (4b) or female (4a) part formed by the folded edge of the adjacent plate. The invention also concerns a chamber containing such a tray.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to catalytic distillation column internals providing improved liquid reaction mixture and catalyst contacting for simultaneous catalytic reaction and separation of the reaction mixture. The invention is an improved catalytic distillation apparatus providing optimum balance of catalytic reaction and mass transfer steps, wherein distribution, mixing and feeding of liquid reaction mixture to the reaction zone and distillation section are better controlled and more uniformly applied. At least one catalyst bed is situated in at least one receiving pan of a distillation tray so that the tray performs the functions of both of the reaction section and the distillation section of the catalytic distillation column simultaneously within a stage.

Abstract: A mass-exchange contact device is proposed, comprising an upper tray, contact element including a barbotage unit configured as an inner cap with strips tangently bent out, a lower tray, a casing including a ring-shaped descending limiter, windows circumferentially disposed on the casing's walls (lower row), orifices circumferentially disposed on the casing's walls (upper row) above the windows, a double-acting valve composed of an upper and lower plates fixedly attached to a distance rod, and a cover bushing disposed coaxially to and around the upper region of casing embracing the contact element. Embodiments comprise a number of rows of the proposed devices situated one above the other, and separated by multi-layer packing fittings. In catalytic distillation columns, the fittings can be filled with catalytic material. Alternatively, the fitting is substituted with a grating that supports a catalytic granular layer. The device allows improving operation, reliability, durability, reducing its weight and costs.

Abstract: A mass-exchange contact device is proposed, comprising upper and lower flat ring-shaped trays attached to a column, a sleeve having windows with bottom edges in the plane of the lower tray, a barbotage unit having orifices in its sidewalls placed on the top sleeve, a movable double-acting valve including upper and lower plates connected with a rod. The barbotage unit includes an ascending limiter of valve's movement, the sleeve's bottom includes a descending limiter. Alternatively, the barbotage unit is made as a portion of the sleeve. Embodiments comprise a number of rows of the proposed devices situated one above the other, and separated by multi-layer packing fittings. The devices can be used in catalytic distillation columns, wherein the fittings are filled with catalytic material. Alternatively, the fitting is substituted with a grating supporting a catalytic granular layer. The proposed design improves device operation, reliability, durability, reduces its weight and costs.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray apparatus having a tray with a fluid infeed section and a fluid travel section together with downcomer which is in fluid communication with the fluid travel section of the tray. A redirecting baffle is positioned at an inlet opening of the downcomer and push valves are provided in the fluid travel section of the tray. The push valves are preferably arranged in one or more zones of high concentration of push valves relative to one or more bubbling aperture zones with a lower concentration of push valves or no push valves. The redirecting baffle is provided in the downcomer and extends above the tray to capture fluid flowing horizontally off of the tray (e.g., exiting from a weirless or weir interface) and into a preferably concave upper portion of the redirecting baffle for controlling and redirecting the high momentum flow into and through the downcomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for introducing gas into a fluidised bed reactor having at least one gas inlet pipe (2, 3) located underneath and/or above the fluidised bed for introducing gas into the fluidised bed, characterized in that the gas inlet pipe (2, 3) has gas-swirling means upstream of and/or at its mouth.

Abstract: The tray has an infusion field of infusion tab valves adjacent the inlet to dissipate the momentum of the liquid flowing across said infusion field. Each valve includes a vertically upstanding wall of a height to obstruct the flow of liquid and the valves are disposed in a staggered array. An adjacent bubbling area has openings for the passage of an ascending flow of vapor into contact with the liquid/vapor mixture flowing across the area. Each infusion tab valve may also have a push valve incorporated therein.

Abstract: The helical fractionating column according to the invention falls into the field of oil separation apparatus for the petroleum refining industry, which includes a column body (8), and is characterized in that the inside of the column body (8) is divided into three sections, the lower section being jet tray section, the middle section being packing section, and the upper section being floating valve section. The helical fractionating column has many advantages, such as having enhanced integrity of separation, decoloration and deodorization, simple structure, convenient manufacturing and maintenance, and low investment cost as well as high product quality etc. Thus, the present invention is worthy to be extended in the petroleum refining industry which uses waste plastics and rubbers as raw materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing urea are provided. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus for producing urea can include a first zone, which can include a first flow channel in fluid communication with a first tube disposed about a first end of a plurality of trays, a second flow channel in fluid communication with a second tube disposed about the first end of the trays and a second end of the trays, and a third flow channel in fluid communication with a third tube disposed about the first and second ends of the trays. The apparatus can include a second zone, which can include a fixed bed comprising one or more inert packing materials disposed therein to provide additional surface area. The apparatus can include a third zone, which can include a plurality of tubes disposed therein. The second zone can be disposed between the first and third zones.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for improved gas/liquid contact in a chemical process tower, resulting in better performance. The apparatus includes a tower having a series of tray decks and downcomers. Tray decks provide gas/liquid contact for mass transfer and the downcomers are required to clarify the liquid before entering the tray below. In this invention, the trays have at least one downcomer and one adjacent active sump. The sump has at least one row of apertures for bubbling vapor through liquid flowing therein, and is separated from the downcomer by a baffle. The clarified liquid at the bottom of the sump is sent to the downcomer. The liquid entering the next tray can be assured to divide evenly for multiple-downcomer applications. Gas/liquid contact is thereby enhanced through the installation of these apertures, and clarification of the liquid from bubbles is thereby improved through the addition of the active sump. Benefits to the tower operation include higher tray capacity and efficiency.

Abstract: A mass or heat transfer device is provided in the form of a tray with at least one movable or fixed valve covering an opening to prevent liquid flowing in the design flow direction to pass through the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower reactor and the use thereof for producing high-molecular weight polyesters, such as e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polynaphthalene terephthalate (PEN), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and/or polyesters of other dicarboxylic acids and diols including copolymers thereof. It thereby concerns a single-stage tower reactor.

Abstract: A mass-exchange contact device is proposed, comprising: upper and lower flat ring-shaped trays outwardly attached to a column, a sleeve including sidewalls attached to the trays and having windows made therein with bottom edges in the plane of the lower tray, a barbotage unit connected to the top of sleeve and having orifices in its sidewalls, a movable double-acting valve including two upper and lower plates attached to a rod axially disposed therebetween. The top of barbotage unit includes an ascending limiter of valve's movement, the bottom of sleeve includes a descending limiter of the valve's movement. In some embodiments, the barbotage unit is made as a portion of the sleeve. The height of windows preferably is equal to the height of valve. The proposed design significantly improves device operation for a cyclic mode, reliability, durability, reduces its weight and cost, extends its operational range for steam and liquid loads.

Abstract: The tray valve for a tray column includes an opening in a tray for a vapor passage and a valve body that is made to match the tray opening. The valve body consists of a top plate and vertically downwardly directed guide limbs arranged at the edge of the plate. The guide limbs have barbs for the anchoring of the valve body in the opening. The material and shape of the valve body are selected so that upon insertion of the valve body into the tray opening the top plate deforms in an arched manner while the guide limbs and barbs without deformation pass through the opening in a snap-fit manner. Weakened portions, in the form of grooves, slits or bores, can be provided in the top plate to facilitate upward arching of the top plate. Any deformation at the inserted valve body can be reversed, with the exception of a slight residual deformation, by an application of force onto the top plate.

Abstract: The valve for a contract tray employs an aperture in a deck that is of rectangular or trapezoidal shape with upstanding walls at the sides of the aperture. The valve body is disposed in the aperture with a cover above the aperture and legs that extend downwardly to interfit with at least the upstream end of the walls to block the liquid flow. The valve body may be fixed or movable. In the movable embodiment, the valve body is seated on the walls about the aperture to close the aperture. The ascending vapor lifts the valve to allow bubbling of the vapor in the liquid on the deck.

Abstract: The valve cover has a pair of tabs at the ends that are inserted into end sections of an orifice in the tray deck. The tabs of the valve cover abut against the underside of the tray deck while a pair of sloped portions of the valve cover rest on the top side of the tray deck in order to hold the valve cover in place.

Abstract: A mass or heat transfer device is provided in the form of a tray with at least one movable or fixed valve covering an opening to prevent liquid flowing in the design flow direction to pass through the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular reactor for carrying out catalytic gas-phase reactions, containing a catalyst tube bundle (8) that is traversed by the relevant reaction gas mixture, is filled with a catalyst, extends between two tube sheets (4, 148) and around which flows a heat transfer medium contained within a surrounding reactor jacket (6). The reactor also comprises gas entry and discharge hoods (2; 60) that cover the two tube sheets for supplying the relevant process gas to the catalyst tubes and for discharging the reacted process gas from the catalyst tubes. Together with all the parts that come into contact with the process gas mixture, the reactor is designed to have an appropriate strength for withstanding the deflagration and explosive pressures that are to be taken into account during its operation. The volume available to the process gas mixture prior to its entry into the catalyst tubes is restricted as much as possible in construction and flow engineering terms.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for improved gas/liquid contact in a chemical process tower, resulting in better performance. The apparatus comprises a tower having a series of tray decks and downcomers. Tray decks provide gas/liquid contact for mass transfer and the downcomers are required to clarify the liquid before entering the tray below. In this invention, the trays have at least one downcomer and one adjacent active sump. The sump has at least one row of apertures for bubbling vapor through liquid flowing therein, and is separated from the downcomer by a baffle. The clarified liquid at the bottom of the sump is sent to the downcomer. The liquid entering the next tray can be assured to divide evenly for multiple-downcomer applications. Gas/liquid contact is thereby enhanced through the installation of these apertures, and clarification of the liquid from bubbles is thereby improved through the addition of the active sump. Benefits to the tower operation include higher tray capacity and efficiency.