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.

Abstract: The invention involves a spacing element situated between a vapor-liquid contacting tray and a tray support to reduce the dead zone typically caused by the tray supports blocking of the perforations in the vapor-liquid contacting tray directly above the tray support.

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: 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: 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: 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: Improved contacting modules and apparatuses containing the modules, for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. In representative contacting modules, liquid (and possibly vapor) are discharged into co-current flow channels in a non-uniform manner (e.g., from only one side of the channels). Particular contacting modules comprise at least one liquid downcomer and a demister, wherein the liquid downcomer and an inlet surface of the demister define a co-current flow channel and wherein liquid is discharged from an outlet of the downcomer. The use of one or more added liquid distribution devices to more uniformly distribute the discharged liquid improves vapor-liquid contacting efficiency in the co-current flow channel and consequently vapor-liquid mass transfer and approach to equilibrium for the contacting stage.

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.

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: The invention provides a vane-type mist eliminator device having formed or corrugated sheets, flat sheets, and integral louvers. The corrugated sheets and flat sheets are layered such that the arrangement of sheets and integral louvers creates at least one tortuous fluid flow channel from an inlet to a vapor outlet of the device An outer casing or frame is sufficient to hold the sheets together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an electronic circuit for processing at least two at least partially correlated output signal streams of a mixer, the mixer having at least two signal inputs and at least two electric signal outputs. In order to provide a method and a device or an electronic circuit which enables the correlated signal portions of the output signals of a mixer to be separated from the uncorrelated signal portions undelayed, it is proposed according to the invention that the difference of the output signal streams of the mixer is formed pairwise directly and during the readout of the signal streams and that the circuit has an apparatus for the instantaneous formation of the difference between the signal streams of two mixer outputs in each case.