Abstract: A liquid distribution trough contained within a tower for the purpose of mass or thermal exchange between at least a first liquid and a second fluid; the trough having an upper section and a lower section; the lower section for receiving the first liquid; a horizontal dividing member separating the upper section from the lower section and having at least one dividing member portion defining an aperture to allow for passage of the liquid fluid from the lower section to the upper section; a feed conduit means in communication with the lower section to provide feed first liquid flow to the lower section; the lower section having at least one inlet portion defining a liquid inlet in communication with the feed conduit means; and a first baffle adjacent the inlet portion operably impacted by the first liquid flow and to hinder preferential flow along the walls of the trough and the dividing member. The trough and tower are of particular value in a sulphuric acid plant and a carbon dioxide capture plant.

Abstract: A liquid distribution trough contained within a tower for the purpose of mass or thermal exchange between at least a first liquid and a second fluid; the trough having an upper section and a lower section; the lower section for receiving the first liquid; a horizontal dividing member separating the upper section from the lower section and having at least one dividing member portion defining an aperture to allow for passage of the liquid fluid from the lower section to the upper section; a feed conduit means in communication with the lower section to provide feed first liquid flow to the lower section; the lower section having at least one inlet portion defining a liquid inlet in communication with the feed conduit means; and a first baffle adjacent the inlet portion operably impacted by the first liquid flow and to hinder preferential flow along the walls of the trough and the dividing member. The trough and tower are of particular value in a sulphuric acid plant and a carbon dioxide capture plant.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for improved operation of a catalytic reactor, a preferred reactor comprises a vessel having concentric first and second annular catalyst beds. Heat transfer fluid flows through expandable heat transfer U-tubes passing through the catalyst beds, either concurrently or countercurrently with respect to the flow of process gas through the catalyst beds. This arrangement delivers improved heat transfer between the process and heat transfer fluids and allows the heat transfer U-tubes to expand longitudinally to withstand the pressure differential between the process gas and heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: A catalytic reformer includes a reformer vessel defining an interior plenum housing at least one reactor tube assembly having a catalyst bed. The reformer also includes a burner gas inlet for providing hot burner gas to heat the reactor tubes, and a burner gas outlet. A burner gas guide sleeve is disposed substantially coaxially around at least a portion of the reactor tube assembly, defining an annular burner gas passage. A burner exhaust gas collection assembly connects the burner gas guide sleeve to the burner gas outlet.