Abstract: A phase-based TOF system preferably generates an optical waveform with fast rise and fall times, to enhance modulation contrast, notwithstanding there will be many high order harmonics. The system is preferably operated with an odd number of phases, to reduce system bias error due to the higher order harmonics, while maintaining good modulation contrast, without unduly increasing system memory requirements. Preferably the system can dynamically calibrate (and compensate for) higher order harmonics in the TOF generated optical energy waveform, over time and temperature. Within the optical energy transmission channel, or within the optical energy detection channel, detection amplifier gain may be modified, and/or detector signal integration time may be varied, and/or digital values may be employed to implement calibration and error reduction The resultant TOF system can operate with improved phase-vs-distance characteristics, with reduced calibration requirements.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a method passing one or more fluids through a compartment. The method may include collecting a liquid on a tray, passing a vapor through the compartment, and mixing the vapor with the liquid entering the compartment via at least one aperture to impart swirling to the vapor and liquid exiting the compartment. Also, the compartment can include or consist of an interior wall and an exterior wall, and generally the compartment at least partially forms rifling on the interior wall.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.

Abstract: An offshore co-current vapor-liquid contacting apparatus includes stages having contacting modules. Each contacting module includes a downcomer extending in a direction and has downcomer baffles distanced from each other in the direction to define downcomer cells within the downcomer. Each downcomer includes an outlet proximate to a co-current flow channel. A receiving pan extends substantially parallel to the downcomer and has receiving pan baffles distanced from each other in the direction to define receiving pan sections within the receiving pan. A vapor-liquid separation device has an inlet surface proximate to the co-current flow channel and an outlet surface above the receiving pan. Ducts are provided, with each duct having an upper end in fluid communication with a respective receiving pan section and a lower end in fluid communication with a selected downcomer cell in an immediately inferior stage.

Abstract: Embodiments of vessels including liquid drain pipes are provided, as are embodiments of methods for draining liquid from reactor internals. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a vessel shell, a tray mounted within the vessel shell and over which liquid accumulates up to a maximum liquid level during vessel operation, and a liquid drain pipe. The liquid drain pipe includes a tubular body attached to the tray and projecting upward therefrom, a vapor inlet formed in the tubular body above the maximum liquid level, a liquid inlet formed in the tubular body between the maximum liquid level and the tray, and a drainage port formed in the tubular body and positioned to direct accumulated liquid above the tray to an area below the tray to permit the drainage of accumulated liquid from over the tray during vessel shutdown.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for contacting one or more fluids in a vessel. The process may include passing one or more fluids into a chamber from an overhead tray and providing a conduit outside the chamber coupling a respective spillway to a respective hole for increasing contact time inside the conduit. Typically, the chamber forms one or more sidewalls forming at least one hole and the overhead tray forms at least one spillway.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.

Abstract: A downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor.

Abstract: A downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor.

Abstract: Fluid distribution systems, and particularly those for distributing liquids into apparatuses containing parallel flow trays for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. Representative fluid distribution systems comprise one or more extended troughs having a plurality of outlet spouts that are aligned for distribution to a vapor-liquid contacting deck zones of a parallel flow stage. The trough(s) may be orthogonal to liquid distribution pans which are in alignment with outlet spouts (e.g., in discrete outlet spout zones) of the trough(s).

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may be a distribution tray for a vessel. Generally, the distribution tray includes a member, a compartment, and an insert. The member can form a first side and a second side. Typically, the first side is adapted to receive a liquid thereon. Additionally, the member can form a plurality of openings. Usually, the compartment extends through the member with a first portion protruding from the first side and a second portion protruding from the second side, and is adapted to permit the passage of a fluid there-through. The insert may be positioned within the compartment to constrict and then expand the passage of the fluid there-through.

Abstract: A phase-based TOF system preferably generates an optical waveform with fast rise and fall times, to enhance modulation contrast, notwithstanding there will be many high order harmonics. The system is preferably operated with an odd number of phases, to reduce system bias error due to the higher order harmonics, while maintaining good modulation contrast, without unduly increasing system memory requirements. Preferably the system can dynamically calibrate (and compensate for) higher order harmonics in the TOF generated optical energy waveform, over time and temperature. Within the optical energy transmission channel, or within the optical energy detection channel, detection amplifier gain may be modified, and/or detector signal integration time may be varied, and/or digital values may be employed to implement calibration and error reduction The resultant TOF system can operate with improved phase-vs-distance characteristics, with reduced calibration requirements.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the selective absorption of gas components based on differences in their gas phase and liquid phase resistances to mass transfer. The methods advantageously utilize a gas-liquid contacting apparatus having contacting stages with co-current flow channels that can provide contacting with increased liquid phase resistance to mass transfer, for example in the spray regime such that the liquid is effectively dispersed as small droplets into the gas phase.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor.

Abstract: Fluid distribution systems, and particularly those for distributing liquids into apparatuses containing modules used to carry out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. Representative liquid distribution systems comprise an extended trough having a plurality of outlet spouts that are aligned for distribution into a plurality of downcomers. The downcomers may be in non-parallel (e.g., orthogonal) alignment with respect to the trough and/or the number of troughs may be less than the number of downcomers to which fluid is distributed.

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: De-entrainment devices for effectively removing entrained liquid from a vapor stream are disclosed. These de-entrainment devices are effective in distillation columns and other apparatuses comprising vapor-liquid contacting devices. Particular representative applications for these de-entrainment devices are in distillation (or fractionation) columns having co-current contacting modules, in which liquid and vapor enter into co-current flow channels of the modules. The de-entrainment devices can be used, for example, with non-parallel contacting stages or other types of high capacity trays.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a vessel for receiving a fluid. The vessel may include a shell and a demister including at least one section positioned proximate to the shell. Each section can have a first surface for primarily receiving the fluid and orientated, independently, about 5—about 85° with respect to horizontal.