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: An effectively rectangular vapor/liquid contact tray, for utilization in fractionation columns, towers, and the like, for effecting distillation, fractionation, rectifiction, absorption, and refining of various liquid materials such as petroleum, chemical and alcohol solutions. Provisions are made in the contact tray to reduce the magnitude of vapor-pressure drop between successive contact chambers as well as to provide a positive and more effective vapor/liquid contact. This result is effected through the empolyment of a series of mutually spaced parallel baffles. They are arranged transverse to and submerged in fluid flow, this to take advantage of the advancing liquid's kinetic energy and resulting recirculation zones associated with the baffles and upstream from the outlet weir of the contact tray.

Abstract: An effectively rectangular vapor/liquid contact tray, for utilization in fractionation columns, towers, and the like, for effecting distillation, fractionation, rectification, absorption, and refining of various liquid materials such as petroleum, chemical and alcohol solutions. Provisions are made in the contact tray to reduce the magnitude of vapor-pressure drop between successive contact chambers as well as to provide a positive and more effective vapor/liquid contact. This result is effected through the employment of a series of mutually spaced parallel baffles. They are arranged transverse to and submerged in fluid flow, this to take advantage of the advancing liquid's kinetic energy and resulting recirculation zones associated with the baffles and upstream from the outlet weir of the contact tray.

Abstract: 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. Provision is made for the inclusion of vertically-spaced bubble plate chambers, having respective liquid/vapor contact devices, to accommodate contact of counter-current flows of reflux liquid and vapors. Downcomer means including slanted ramps, disposed outside of the vapor conduit-defining interior, define elongate downcomer structure for liquid flow and thereby, i.e., by such slanted construction, reduce froth or foam passing to a next lower contact device, eliminating unwanted counter-current gas entrainment between contact devices. Liquid flow rates over exit weirs beyond 30 gpm/inch are obtained. Downcomer reflux reservoir depth can be adjusted by an adjustable gate proximate the slot opening to a given contact device.