Abstract: Vapor and liquid flow concurrently down through a vertical vessel. A horizontal scale collection and predistribution tray is located in the vessel to remove solid contaminants and to redistribute the liquid to a fine distribution tray. The scale collection and predistribution tray consists of a tray plate with a scale collection zone where the solid contaminants settle and deposit. In one embodiment, an upstanding permeable wall forms the scale collection zone, and liquid is filtered as it flows through the permeable wall, leaving the solid contaminants trapped upstream from the permeable wall. The predistribution tray has a rim provided with a slotted weir. Liquid from the scale collection zone forms a liquid level in a trough located between the permeable wall and the weir. Due to the uniform liquid level in the trough, liquid flow rates through the slots in the weir are nearly equal.

Abstract: Vapor and liquid flow concurrently down through a vertical vessel. A horizontal scale collection and predistribution tray is located in the vessel to remove solid contaminants and to redistribute the liquid to a fine distribution tray. The scale collection and predistribution tray consists of a tray plate with a scale collection zone where the solid contaminants settle and deposit. In one embodiment, an upstanding permeable wall forms the scale collection zone, and liquid is filtered as it flows through the permeable wall, leaving the solid contaminants trapped upstream from the permeable wall. The predistribution tray has a rim provided with a slotted weir. Liquid from the scale collection zone forms a liquid level in a trough located between the permeable wall and the weir. Due to the uniform liquid level in the trough, liquid flow rates through the slots in the weir are nearly equal.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing concurrently-flowing streams of vapor and liquid in a vessel contains flow baffles forming a tangential inlet orifice through which the liquid and vapor streams flow at high flow velocity and in a tangential direction into a swirl box. The high momentum of the streams in the inlet orifice, the tangential direction of the streams, and the large distance between the inlet orifice and the vessel centerline, result in a violent swirling flow and a large number of fluid rotations in the swirl box, thereby thoroughly mixing the streams entering through the inlet orifice. A mixed stream of vapor and liquid exits the mixing device through an outlet opening in the bottom of the mixing device. An impingement plate located below the outlet opening spreads the liquid and decreases the velocity of the mixed stream. The temperature and chemical composition of the mixed stream are equilibrated.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing concurrently-flowing streams of vapor and liquid in a vessel contains flow baffles forming a tangential inlet orifice through which the liquid and vapor streams flow at high flow velocity and in a tangential direction into a swirl box. The high momentum of the streams in the inlet orifice, the tangential direction of the streams, and the large distance between the inlet orifice and the vessel centerline, result in a violent swirling flow and a large number of fluid rotations in the swirl box, thereby thoroughly mixing the streams entering through the inlet orifice. A mixed stream of vapor and liquid exits the mixing device through an outlet opening in the bottom of the mixing device. An impingement plate located below the outlet opening spreads the liquid and decreases the velocity of the mixed stream. The temperature and chemical composition of the mixed stream are equilibrated.

Abstract: A distribution tray for distribution of vapor and liquid across a vessel has a plurality of downcomers extending above the tray and having open upper and lower ends. A liquid conduit for each downcomer has an inlet, a section for upward liquid flow, and openings in fluid communication with the downcomer. A reduced flow area section and a device for improved liquid spread may be used at the outlet of the downcomer. During operation, vapor enters the upper downcomer end. Liquid collected on the tray flows through the inlet, upward through the conduit, and through the openings into the downcomer, where the liquid is mixed with downwardly-flowing vapor. The two-phase stream passes the reduced flow area section with increased velocity for improved dispersion of the liquid before the stream flows through the device for improved liquid spread, and then exits through the lower end of the downcomer.

Abstract: In a vertical reactor vessel through which vapor and liquid flow concurrently, the fluids pass vertically through a horizontal mixing box having internal flow baffles that form at least one mixing orifice through which the process stream flows at high velocity. In the mixing orifices the liquid is dispersed to obtain a large area for interphase heat and mass transfer. Each mixing orifice is followed by structure that divides the process stream into two lower velocity streams, whereby turbulent flow conditions are generated, and wherein hold-up time is provided to allow for heat and mass transfer. The fluids exit the mixing box through an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the mixing box. An impingement plate is located below this outlet opening to spread the liquid and decrease the velocity of the exiting jet. The outlet stream from the mixer is equilibrated regarding temperature and chemical composition.

Abstract: A stream splitting device splits a two-phase inlet stream into two or more outlet streams having nearly identical vapor-to-liquid ratios. The inlet stream is directed into a separator vessel containing an impingement plate to decrease the velocity of the stream and direct it toward the inner walls of the vessel, where it impinges, separating the liquid from the vapor. Inside the vessel, each of two vertical suction channels with side wall apertures is in fluid communication with an outlet pipe. The lower ends of the suction channels are submerged in the liquid phase. Vapor flows though the apertures that are above the liquid surface in the vessel, thereby generating a pressure drop across the walls of the suction channels. Consequently, liquid is lifted up into the suction channels, where it is mixed with the vapor. The two-phase mixture then leaves the vessel and stream splitter through the outlet pipes.

Abstract: A distribution tray for distribution of vapor and liquid across a vessel has a plurality of downcomers extending above the tray and having open upper and lower ends. A liquid conduit for each downcomer has an inlet, a section for upward liquid flow, and openings in fluid communication with the downcomer. A reduced flow area section and a device for improved liquid spread may be used at the outlet of the downcomer. During operation, vapor enters the upper downcomer end. Liquid collected on the tray flows through the inlet, upward through the conduit, and through the openings into the downcomer, where the liquid is mixed with downwardly-flowing vapor. The two-phase stream passes the reduced flow area section with increased velocity for improved dispersion of the liquid before the stream flows through the device for improved liquid spread, and then exits through the lower end of the downcomer.

Abstract: A stream splitting device splits a two-phase inlet stream into two or more outlet streams having nearly identical vapor-to-liquid ratios. The inlet stream is directed into a separator vessel containing an impingement plate to decrease the velocity of the stream and direct it toward the inner walls of the vessel, where it impinges, separating the liquid from the vapor. Inside the vessel, each of two vertical suction channels with side wall apertures is in fluid communication with an outlet pipe. The lower ends of the suction channels are submerged in the liquid phase. Vapor flows though the apertures that are above the liquid surface in the vessel, thereby generating a pressure drop across the walls of the suction channels. Consequently, liquid is lifted up into the suction channels, where it is mixed with the vapor. The two-phase mixture then leaves the vessel and stream splitter through the outlet pipes.