Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

Abstract: Cross flow trays are provided with a support system. The support system interconnects the upper cross flow tray to a downcomer of the lower cross flow tray to provide support for the upper tray. In some aspects, the support system may also interconnect the downcomer of the lower cross flow tray to an upper tray of an underlying pair, providing additional support for the assembly. Such tray assemblies may facilitate easier installation without impeding the performance of the column.

Abstract: A contact tray is provided with a tray deck and dividing walls which form groupings of one or more cans and one or more downcomer inlets distributed across the tray deck. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck that permit upward passage of a vapor stream into the cans. Downcomers extend downwardly from the downcomer inlet and are positioned for delivering a liquid stream into the center of cans positioned on a tray deck of an underlying contact tray. Discharge openings are provided in the walls of the cans to allow the liquid stream to exit the cans. The dividing walls direct the exiting liquid stream into the downcomer inlets in the same grouping and prevent or impede the liquid stream from flowing to a low side of the tray deck.

Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

Abstract: A contact tray is provided with a tray deck and dividing walls which form groupings of one or more cans and one or more downcomer inlets distributed across the tray deck. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck that permit upward passage of a vapor stream into the cans. Downcomers extend downwardly from the downcomer inlet and are positioned for delivering a liquid stream into the center of cans positioned on a tray deck of an underlying contact tray. Discharge openings are provided in the walls of the cans to allow the liquid stream to exit the cans. The dividing walls direct the exiting liquid stream into the downcomer inlets in the same grouping and prevent or impede the liquid stream from flowing to a low side of the tray deck.

Abstract: A cross-flow tray is provided with a tray deck and groupings of cans separated by weirs. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck. Openings are provided in the walls to allow liquid to enter the cans from the tray deck. Additional openings are provided in the walls to allow liquid to exit the cans. Swirlers positioned within the cans induce a centrifugal swirling motion to the vapor and liquid to facilitate mass transfer and/or heat exchange between the vapor and liquid within the cans.

Abstract: A two-stage blade-type mist eliminator is provided. In general, both stages include a plurality of impingement blades arranged to form a vaulted or inverted V-shaped profile. The first stage defines a larger included angle than the second stage. Advantageously, the corresponding terminal ends of each stage can be supported by a common support member.

Abstract: A saddle-shaped random packing element is provided with laterally spaced, arcuate side members and a plurality of inner and outer rib elements that extend from and between the side members to form an interior volume. At least one lesser rib element extends from the side members and is at least partially positioned within the interior volume so that at least about 20 percent of the surface area of the packing element is positioned within the interior volume.

Abstract: A saddle-shaped random packing element is provided with laterally spaced, arcuate side members and a plurality of inner and outer rib elements that extend from and between the side members to form an interior volume. At least one lesser rib element extends from the side members and is at least partially positioned within the interior volume so that at least about 20 percent of the surface area of the packing element is positioned within the interior volume.

Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

Abstract: A cross-flow tray is provided with a tray deck and groupings of cans separated by weirs. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck. Openings are provided in the walls to allow liquid to enter the cans from the tray deck. Additional openings are provided in the walls to allow liquid to exit the cans. Swirlers positioned within the cans induce a centrifugal swirling motion to the vapor and liquid to facilitate mass transfer and/or heat exchange between the vapor and liquid within the cans.

Abstract: A two-stage blade-type mist eliminator is provided. In general, both stages include a plurality of impingement blades arranged to form a vaulted or inverted V-shaped profile. The first stage defines a larger included angle than the second stage. Advantageously, the corresponding terminal ends of each stage can be supported by a common support member.

Abstract: A saddle-shaped random packing element is provided with laterally spaced, arcuate side members and a plurality of inner and outer rib elements that extend from and between the side members to form an interior volume. At least one lesser rib element extends from the side members and is at least partially positioned within the interior volume so that at least about 20 percent of the surface area of the packing element is positioned within the interior volume.

Abstract: A flow distributor for liquid descending in a vertically elongated process column having an internal space. The distributor is made up of an elongated liquid distribution trough configured and arranged for being mounted in a process column in a position to extend across the internal space thereof. The trough has outer walls defining an elongated, longitudinally extending internal fluid distribution chamber and includes outlet holes which extend through the walls at locations permitting liquid to escape laterally outwardly from the trough. The distributor also includes a baffle distributor structure made up of an elongated, downwardly extending distributor plate member disposed adjacent the trough in a position such that at least a portion of a surface thereof is contacted by liquid escaping from said hole.

Abstract: A flow distributor for liquid descending in a vertically elongated process column having an internal space. The distributor is made up of an elongated liquid distribution trough configured and arranged for being mounted in a process column in a position to extend across the internal space thereof. The trough has outer walls defining an elongated, longitudinally extending internal fluid distribution chamber and includes outlet holes which extend through the walls at locations permitting liquid to escape laterally outwardly from the trough. The distributor also includes a baffle distributor structure made up of an elongated, downwardly extending distributor plate member disposed adjacent the trough in a position such that at least a portion of a surface thereof is contacted by liquid escaping from said hole.

Abstract: A method of separating aromatic hydrocarbons and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons and naphtenes involves distilling a mixture of the components by an extractive distillation process in the presence of an extractive distillation solvent. The extractive distillation solvent may be an ester of a dibasic acid, an acetonyl acetone or morpholine.

Abstract: A method of separating methanol and acetone, and methanol and methyl acetate involves distilling a mixture of the components by an extractive distillation process in the presence of an extractive distillation solvent. The extractive distillation solvent may be an amine, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, a brominated hydrocarbon, a paraffin, and an alkylated thiopene.

Abstract: A method of separating ethanol and ethyl acetate, and ethanol and water involves distilling a mixture of the components by an extractive distillation process in the presence of an extractive distillation solvent. The extractive distillation solvent may be an amine, an alkylated thiopene, and paraffins.