Abstract: An improved catalyst assembly for vapor/liquid contact towers. Catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions is secured substantially in the liquid phase of the tower, such as in the lower portion thereof for improving mass transfer efficiency. Unlike previous process tower assemblies, wherein distillation in conjunction with chemical reaction occurs in the vapor phase or in a mixed phase, the present invention substantially confines the reaction step to the liquid phase. In this manner, the reaction is less obstructive to vapor flow within the tower, promoting better mixing and diffusion of the feed components.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for deentrainment and mass transfer in a chemical process tower. The apparatus comprises a structured packing layer assembled with a second type of packing layer disposed adjacent the underside of a process tower tray. The dual layer assembly reduces liquid entrainment in ascending vapor flow and provides an additional region for mass transfer.

Abstract: A method for recovering carboxylic acids from a dilute aqueous solution thereof having a concentration below about ten percent (10%) by weight, which includes passing the dilute acid solution through a reverse osmosis separator, thereby producing a permeate substantially free of acid and a retentate having an acid concentration above about ten percent (10%) by weight. The retentate is contacted with a liquid extractant for acids to produce an acid-rich extractate and an acid-free raffinate. The acid is then recovered from the acid-rich extractate.

Abstract: An improved catalyst assembly for vapor/liquid contact towers. Catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions is secured substantially in the liquid phase of the tower, such as in the lower portion thereof for improving mass transfer efficiency. Unlike previous process tower assemblies, wherein distillation in conjunction with chemical reaction occurs in the vapor phase or in a mixed phase, the present invention substantially confines the reaction step to the liquid phase. In this manner, the reaction is less obstructive to vapor flow within the tower, promoting better mixing and diffusion of the feed components.

Abstract: A downcomer-tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers with enlarged effective active areas. The downcomers are constructed with support baffles enabling intermediate areas of the downcomer-tray to be supported therefrom and outer areas of the downcomer-tray to be supported by an active tower support ring. An active bridge may be used between end-to-end downcomers for maximizing the active area of the associated tray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for recovering acetic acid from an acetic acid/water waste stream which includes a dehydration column into which the stream is fed and a liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering acetic acid from the condensate of the overhead stream of the dehydration column. Optionally, low pressure and/or high pressure absorber systems are provided to process vapor and/or liquid streams associated with the recovery system and/or the plant in which the acetic acid is used to further the recovery of acetic acid and reduce atmospheric pollution.

Abstract: A method for recovering carboxylic acids from a dilute aqueous solution thereof having a concentration below about ten percent (10%) by weight, which includes passing the dilute acid solution through a reverse osmosis separator, thereby producing a permeate substantially free of acid and a retentate having an acid concentration above about ten percent (10%) by weight. The retentate is contacted with a liquid extractant for acids to produce an acid-rich extractate and an acid-free raffinate. The acid is then recovered from the acid-rich extractate.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The downcomer is formed with generally semi-conical walls forming a vapor tunnel relative to the discharge region therebeneath. The discharge region is also constructed with a trough and a plurality of venting chambers upstanding therefrom for improving mass transfer efficiency. The venting chambers reduce fluid pressure to vent excess vapor from the underlying tray. The vented vapor is selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the downcomer and allowed to pass through the vapor tunnel. In this manner both entrained liquid and entrained gas can be effectively released to facilitate a stabilized vapor-liquid flow configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for recovering acetic acid from an acetic acid/water waste stream which includes a dehydration column into which the stream is fed and a liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering acetic acid from the condensate of the overhead stream of the dehydration column. Optionally, low pressure and/or high pressure absorber systems are provided to process vapor and/or liquid streams associated with the recovery system and/or the plant in which the acetic acid is used to further the recovery of acetic acid and reduce atmospheric pollution.

Abstract: Benzene and other aromatics are separated from a stream of mixed hydrocarbons containing both aromatics and non-aromatics by extractive distillation with a solvent system containing dimethyl sulfoxide and optionally a co-solvent, preferably water, followed by distillation stripping of the aromatics from the enriched solvent system, and recycle of the lean solvent system to the extractive distillation step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering carboxylic acids having from one to ten carbon atoms, and particularly formic acid, acetic acid and mixtures of formic and acetic acids, from aqueous solutions, in which the aqueous solution is contacted with solvent consisting essentially of mixed trialkylphosphine oxides in counter-current liquid-liquid extraction flow in a contacting step to thereby transfer the acids from the aqueous solution to the solvent, thus producing a raffinate relatively low in acid content and a rich solvent. The rich solvent is preferably dehydrated to separate water therefrom and yield a dehydrated rich solvent. The dehydrated rich solvent then has the acids stripped from it and the resulting lean solvent is then returned to the liquid-liquid extraction step, while the separated acids are split into their constituent components in a distillation operation.

Abstract: Improved catalyst assemblies for vapor/liquid contact towers. Bundles of catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions are disposed substantially in the vapor phase of the tower, such as beneath trays therein for improving mass transfer efficiency. Unlike previous assemblies, wherein distillation in conjunction with chemical reaction occurs in the liquid phase or in a mixed phase, the present invention substantially confines the reaction step to the vapor phase. In this manner, the reaction is less obstructive to fluid flow within the tower, promoting better mixing and diffusion of the feed components in the vapor phase. In addition, less turbulence is created and the handling of vapors generated from an exothermic reaction is facilitated.

Abstract: A detention cell locking system affording improved securement and reliability in the locking network of multiple detention cell doors. Mechanical actuation linkages are interconnected for motion responsive to either select manual, mechanical, or electrical signals actuating a DC motor drive. The locking mechanism incorporates an elongate toggle plate mounted to a carriage plate and a pair of cell door support rollers forming part of a mechanical locking system. The toggle plate assembly on the carriage plate permits a turning moment to be generated for lost motion actuation which effects locking and unlocking of the detention cell doors. A control network determines the length of time that the DC motor is electrically actuated and disengages the power to the motor during manual mechanical actuation.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The region of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with a raised, perforated region for facilitating vapor passage therethrough and improving mass transfer efficiency. The downcomer includes a series of grouped discharge orifices disposed above either the perforated inlet or, in some cages, covered inlet areas which comprise momentum barriers. The covered areas in conjunction with the grouped orifices break the momentum of the liquid impacting upon the inlet area to reduce weeping. The vapor rising through the open inlet area sections is also selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the grouped downcomer orifices to promote uniform aeration of the liquid. A splash deflector is disposed outwardly of the raised inlet area to reduce any liquid maldistribution flowing from the inlet area and to deflect liquid splashed outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Improved catalyst-downcomer-tray assemblies for vapor liquid contact towers. Downcomers are constructed for receipt of bundles of catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions therein. Raised, perforated regions of the underlying trays are then disposed therebeneath for improving mass transfer efficiency. The raised regions reduce fluid pressure to vent excess vapor from downcomers and trays therebeneath. The vapor generated within the downcomers from the catalytic reaction may then be selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the downcomer disposed on the tray above and imparted with a horizontal flow characteristic. In this manner the catalytic reaction vapors can be effectively released to facilitate a stabilized vapor-liquid flow configuration with improved chemical reaction occurring in the downcomer of the process tower.

Abstract: Method and product made for preventing loose tinkles in a wire mesh product. Opposite ends of a sock of knitted wire mesh are subjected to a single-ply bonding operation such as electric resistance welding, thereby bonding the tinkles to the mesh. The sock is then compressed to produce a foraminous product suitable for use as a slag filter in automotive airbag assemblies.

Abstract: A distributor assembly comprising a distributor plate adapted for horizontal positioning and securement to a process column liquid distributor for the symmetrical discharge of liquid therefrom. The distributor plate comprises a member having side walls formed therearound and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The distributor plate is constructed for collecting liquid discharged from the liquid distributor, spreading the liquid thereacross and affording low velocity equal discharge of liquid therefrom into a packing bed therebeneath.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for imparting directional liquid flow on a chemical process tower tray. A series of raised tray areas are disposed about the tray surface for affecting preferential vapor flow therethrough. The raised tray regions are constructed with directional flow louvers for creating a directional vapor flow, which vapor flow imparts a directional flow vector to the liquid flowing thereacross. In this manner, regions of the tray which may be subject to stagnation from retrograde flow manifest directionalized flow for maximizing tray efficiency and vapor liquid interaction.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for multi-phase contact utilizing louvered structured packing. The packing is provided in corrugated sheets and between the fold lines of the corrugations; a plurality of large louvered openings are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship. An array of small louvers is disposed between the large louvers. Each of the louvers is oriented for selectively vectoring a liquid-liquid or liquid-vapor around and through the corrugated sheets when disposed within a process tower.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for multi-phase contact utilizing louvered structured packing. the packing is provided in corrugated sheets and between the fold lines of the corrugations, and a plurality of large louvered openings are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship. An array of small louvers is disposed across the sheets, and each of the louvers is oriented for selectively vectoring the flow of liquid-vapor or liquid-liquid around and through the corrugated sheets when disposed within a chemical process tower.