Abstract: The invention is a fluid distribution device for coupling with a fluid distribution conduit or chimney for improving the distribution of downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material. The fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device. The fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention provides improved tolerance for tray out of levelness.

Abstract: The invention is a fluid distribution device for coupling with a fluid distribution conduit or chimney for improving the distribution of downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material. The fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device. The fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention provides improved tolerance for tray out of levelness.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously distributing catalyst particles across the full diameter of catalyst bed with a single rotor is disclosed. The bed has substantially uniform high density by forming a multiplicity of annular rings of catalyst concentric with the vessel or bed center. Such action is achieved without varying rotor speed by deflecting catalyst from a feed hopper into a plurality of arcuate sectors or portions of different radial lengths on a rotating disk-like member. Preferably, each arcuate portion has a volume proportional to one of the annular areas of the bed within the cross-sectional area of the vessel. The desired volume is formed by the radial length of the arcuate sector, its included angle on the disk, and the height of the vanes separating adjacent sectors.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously distributing catalyst particles across the full diameter of catalyst bed with a single rotor is disclosed. The bed has substantially uniform high density by forming a multiplicity of annular rings of catalyst concentric with the vessel or bed center. Such action is achieved without varying rotor speed by deflecting catalyst from a feed hopper into a plurality of arcuate sectors or portions of different radial lengths on a rotating disk-like member. Preferably, each arcuate portion has a volume proportional to one of the annular areas of the bed within the cross-sectional area of the vessel. The desired volume is formed by the radial length of the arcuate sector, its included angle on the disk, and the height of the vanes separating adjacent sectors.