Abstract: A wet gas separator providing superior separation of entrained droplets of liquids in a gas stream when compared with prior art wet gas separators. The wet gas separator of the present invention has a combination of: a gas inlet system with vanes that divide and direct the gas stream very evenly across the cross-sectional area of the inlet portion of the apparatus, a first stage Z-shaped de-entraining device at the upstream side of a wire mesh mist eliminator, and a gas outlet system having cyclones for removal of traces of re-entrained droplets. The apparatus of the present invention has capability of improving processing throughput by 50% when compared with prior art apparatus, with greater de-entrainment efficiency (achieving 99.7% removal of droplets larger than 10 microns in size).

Abstract: A pressure relief device for preventing damage to a tray in a distillation column arising from sudden pressure surges includes a plate normally closing an opening in the tray, a frame above which the tray can move vertically, and at least one spring assembly connecting the plate to the frame. When there is a pressure surge, the plate moves vertically to open the pressure relief device. When the pressure differential between zones above and below the plate has been relieved, the spring assembly returns the pressure relief device to the closed position in which the plate is coplanar with the fixed tray.

Abstract: A vapor distributor for use in atmospheric or vacuum columns includes a new design of vapor inlet device, or vapor horn, to provide superior mixing and distribution of a tangential first feed and a vertical second feed. New vapor inlet device has an inlet dividing the first feed into two portions, each flowing in respective housings in opposed circulation directions, and a plurality of vanes for redirection of vapor. Mixing and distribution of feeds by the vapor distributor is further enhanced by inclusion in vapor distributor of a mixer and vapor directing plates.

Abstract: A wet gas separator providing superior separation of entrained droplets of liquids in a gas stream when compared with prior art wet gas separators. The wet gas separator of the present invention has a combination of: a gas inlet system with vanes that divide and direct the gas stream very evenly across the cross-sectional area of the inlet portion of the apparatus, a first stage Z-shaped de-entraining device at the upstream side of a wire mesh mist eliminator, and a gas outlet system having cyclones for removal of traces of re-entrained droplets. The apparatus of the present invention has capability of improving processing throughput by 50% when compared with prior art apparatus, with greater de-entrainment efficiency (achieving 99.7% removal of droplets larger than 10 microns in size).

Abstract: A vapor distributor for use in atmospheric or vacuum columns includes a new design of vapor inlet device, or vapor horn, to provide superior mixing and distribution of a tangential first feed and a vertical second feed. New vapor inlet device has an inlet dividing the first feed into two portions, each flowing in respective housings in opposed circulation directions, and a plurality of vanes for redirection of vapor. Mixing and distribution of feeds by the vapor distributor is further enhanced by inclusion in vapor distributor of a mixer and vapor directing plates.

Abstract: In, for example, a gas-liquid, liquid/liquid exchange column, perforated tray assemblies are provided which have a plurality of adjacent tray sections with slots adjacent rounded leading edges of the sections, and catches extending along trailing edges which interlock in the slots of an adjacent section. This interlocking avoids the use of bolted joints which cause stagnant areas where sediment accumulation occurs, resulting in reduced gas-liquid and liquid/liquid contact, and the need for the tray sections to be frequently cleaned. Perforated domes may be provided on perforations to reduce stagnant areas.