Abstract: The invention provides a cellular packing including a vapor/liquid separation device that can be stacked vertically with minimum wasted space. The packing uses static vanes in each cell to direct the liquid component of a vapor/liquid mixture to exit slots in a first cell and a recirculation path for the liquid to be contacted with vapor again in a second cell located below the first.

Abstract: The invention provides media for absorption of phosphate and metal contaminants from a hydrocarbon stream and a method of making such media. The media comprise alumina with relatively minor amounts of calcia and magnesia and are made by a process in which the minor components or precursors of such components are dispersed in a gelled sol of a hydrated alumina such as boehmite.

Abstract: A dual flow mass transfer process is provided which employs a dual flow mass transfer tray having perforations, at least some of which are provided with vapor flow deflectors to deflect the flow of vapor rising through the perforations to give the vapor flow an increased horizontal component.

Abstract: A packing element with a plurality of symmetrically disposed subdivisions within a cylindrical body member provides a very strong, high temperature and corrosive media resistant structure with a large surface area. The elements are of great utility as dumped packing elements in mass transfer applications.

Abstract: The provision of a fractionating column having fractionating trays designed to ensure that downflowing liquid exiting downcomers does not interfere with vapor passing up through perforations in the trays, ensures that weeping of the liquid through the perforations is avoided without need for an increase in vapor pressure.

Abstract: A mass transfer device is provided in the form of a tray having moveable valves which includes perforations spanned by bridge members shaped to divert liquid flowing in the design flow direction around the perforation such that gas rising through the perforation causes the valve to open and then encounters the liquid flow essentially at right angles.

Abstract: Support plates for packing materials in mass transfer towers made using parallel beams with generally inverted U-shaped cross-sections which contact one another along a line running the length of the beams, are provided with a trough member supported directly under the contact line between adjacent beams.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer unit comprising two heat regenerator units in which a gas to be purified from VOCs passes through the units in an essentially horizontal direction.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mass transfer elements with a corrugated body structure and having ends turned back in a direction opposed to the curves of the corrugations such that the ends are turned towards one another. These elements are particularly effective as random dumped packing for mass transfer towers, providing a combination of high surface area and low pressure drop.

Abstract: A process for the production of an alumina based catalyst carrier in which a fired carrier body is impregnated with a source of titania in a liquid medium that upon heating yields titania and then calcined to generate titania uniformly dispersed in the carrier in an amount up to about 10% by weight.

Abstract: Ceramic bodies comprised mainly of zircon and wollastonite, with zircon being the dominant crystalline phase, show improved resistance to alkaline conditions at elevated temperatures than conventional bodies and excellent thermal stability.

Abstract: Etching the surfaces of a metal tower packing improves their wettability and therefore their efficiency in mass transfer applications.

Abstract: A fractionating column is provided which has perforated fractionating trays and downcomers allowing liquid to flow from one tray to the tray immediately below, said downcomers being provided with radial outflow ports directing downflowing liquids towards the column wall rather than onto the surface of the tray directly below the downcomer. This permits at least a portion of the under-downcomer area to be perforated thereby increasing the capacity of the tray for vapor/liquid contact and ensuring that weeping of the liquid through the perforations is avoided without need for an increase in vapor pressure.

Abstract: A liquid distribution system with improved resistance to leaking is provided by bolting trough members to sump members using an internal flange formed on the trough members by folding inwards end portions of the sides and bottom of the trough and welding the folded-in end portions.

Abstract: Metal strips are provided which can be bent into the shape of cylindrical packing elements of the Lessing or Pall ring type. These strips have one end bent back at an acute angle to the rest of the strip and have slots cut into the strip in the vicinity of the bend. At the opposed end tabs are provided that engage with the slots when the strip is formed into a cylinder so as to hold the ends together. Such packing elements have a much greater resistance to crushing than conventional elements and can be made of much thinner metal.