Abstract: Improved contacting stages for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting are described. Particular aspects are directed to co-current vapor-liquid contacting devices with non-parallel contacting stages that provide an efficient usage of column space for fluid flow and contacting, in order to achieve high capacity, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The fabrication of such contacting stages is improved using one or more structural enhancements, preferably a combination of enhancements, to achieve easy installation and significantly improved rigidity between the various parts and thereby avoid movement/separation of these parts. This reduces the possibility of fluid leakage across, and consequently vapor and/or liquid bypassing of, the contacting stage.

Abstract: Improved contacting stages for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting are described. Particular aspects are directed to co-current vapor-liquid contacting devices with non-parallel contacting stages that provide an efficient usage of column space for fluid flow and contacting, in order to achieve high capacity, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The fabrication of such contacting stages is improved using one or more structural enhancements, preferably a combination of enhancements, to achieve easy installation and significantly improved rigidity between the various parts and thereby avoid movement/separation of these parts. This reduces the possibility of fluid leakage across, and consequently vapor and/or liquid bypassing of, the contacting stage.

Abstract: The invention provides a vane-type mist eliminator device having formed or corrugated sheets, flat sheets, and integral louvers. The corrugated sheets and flat sheets are layered such that the arrangement of sheets and integral louvers creates at least one tortuous fluid flow channel from an inlet to a vapor outlet of the device An outer casing or frame is sufficient to hold the sheets together.

Abstract: The invention is a high capacity and high efficiency co-current vapor-liquid contacting apparatus for use in distillation columns and other vapor-liquid contacting processes. The apparatus is characterized by an arrangement of modules in horizontal stages rather than tray-like construction. The modules define a co-current contacting volume and in an exemplary configuration the modules include a liquid distributor, a demister, a receiving pan and a duct. The modules of one stage are rotated to be non-parallel with respect to the modules of an inferior stage, a superior stage, or both. Variations relate to the design of the individual elements such as the demister, liquid distributor, ducts, and contacting volumes, and the overall arrangement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A novel fractionation column (1) internal structure consists of bundles of fractionation trays in which each upper tray rests upon the next lower tray. Only the lowermost tray of the bundle is supported by the column wall. Preferably the downcomers (13) of the upper tray rest upon the tops of the downcomers (13) of the next lower tray. The two crescent-shaped terminal decking sections (19) on opposite edges of the tray are supported from below by arch-shaped structures (17) anchored to the next lower tray.