COLUMN APPARATUS FOR MATERIAL EXCHANGE AND/OR HEAT EXCHANGE

Abstract

The invention relates to a column (1), with a section (9), in which a filling (10) is arranged in the form of a large number of fillers or a packing, a liquid distributor (100) for distributing a liquid (F) on that filling (10), a distribution space (101) of the liquid distributor (100), via which the liquid (F) can be distributed to that filling (10) of the column (1). According to the invention, it is provided that in the distribution space (101) of the liquid distributor (100), an additional means (20) is arranged, which forms a large number of passages (21) for the liquid (F) that is to be distributed.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a column comprising a section containing a filling or packing, a liquid distributor for distributing a liquid to the filling, and a distribution space of the liquid distributor, via which the liquid can be distributed to the filling or packing.

Such a column has at least one section in which a filling is arranged in the form of a large number of filler or packing particles, i.e., random packing, or in the form of a structured packing. A liquid distributor, which—relative to a column having a filling arranged as described—is arranged above the section containing the filling and is set up and provided for distributing a liquid to that filling. The liquid distributor of the column also has a distribution space for receiving the liquid to be distributed, via which the liquid can be distributed to that filling of the column.

Columns for material exchange and/or heat exchange between a gaseous and liquid phase (also called material-exchange columns) are known from numerous processing applications and are used both in so-called “on-shore” facilities as well as in so-called “off-shore” facilities. In general, in this case a material or material mixture in most cases flows in gaseous form along a longitudinal axis of the column from the bottom to the top through the above-mentioned filling of the column. A second material or material mixture, in most cases in liquid phase (liquid), is released above the filling and flows through the column along the longitudinal axis from the top to the bottom. In this connection, the two materials or material mixtures come into intensive contact with one another within the filling, ensuring the desired material exchange or heat exchange. In such counter-current devices with fillers or packings, it is decisive for the materials or material mixtures that are in the material exchange and/or heat exchange to have a constant ratio to one another with the cross-section of the column. In columns with the above-mentioned filling (e.g., randon packings and/or structured packings), a liquid distributor of the type mentioned above is used to transfer liquid to the filling of the column. In this connection, it is noteworthy that the distribution grade or distribution quality of such a liquid distributor affects the material exchange and/or heat exchange, as well as the effectiveness of the respective filling of the column in question.

In general, the basis for this invention is to improve the distribution quality of liquid distribution with simple means in a column of the type described above.

Upon further study of the specification and appended claims, other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent.

These objects are achived by a column of the type mentioned above which further comprises an additional means, which forms a large number of passages for the liquid that is to be distributed, and which is arranged in the distribution space of the liquid distributor.

Thus, the invention provides an additional means, intended to improve the distribution quality of the liquid distributor in the distribution space of the liquid distributor, the additional means forming a large number of (narrow) passages for the liquid to be distributed, and thereby prevent formation of gas bubbles. In addition, the narrow passages hinder the introduction of solids into the liquid distributor. The narrow passages also reduce the energy of the incoming liquid,in particular, the kinetic energy of the liquid.

The additional means is, preferably, a large number of (loose) filling elements (fillers) layered on top of one another and/or arranged beside one another, in particular in the form of balls, annular cylinders, saddle rings or saddle elements, which in this way form a three-dimensional packing. For example, the filling elements can be a random packing such as Raschig rings, Pall rings, or saddle rings.

As an alternative to this, the additional means can be in the form of a structured packing such as a wire mesh set or expanded metal that provides a large number of passages for the liquid to be distributed (liquid phase).

In another variant of the invention, the additional means can be designed as a sieve for separating solid particles from the liquid to be distributed, in particular in the form of a large-area element (or a unit that is formed from large-area elements), with a number of passages in the form of passage openings of the sieve, which are designed for the liquid to be distributed to flow through. The passages are specially made or sized in particular in such a way that solid particles that are contained in the liquid to be distributed cannot go through the passages starting from a predefinable size and thus are separated in the sieve (filter). Preferably, the sieve or its elements are made of metal.

The additional means according to the invention is preferably arranged in the distribution space of the liquid distributor in such a way that, e.g., the additional means acts on the liquid to be distributed in one of the following ways: the liquid to be distributed is slowed down when flowing through or filling the passages provided by the additional means (destruction of energy); movements of liquid, in particular lateral (horizontal) movements of the liquid in the passages, are reduced along the cross-section of the column by interaction with the additional means; and a degasification (after introduction of gas bubbles) of the liquid to be distributed, taken up in the passages, is produced or supported by said additional means having a comparatively highly effective surface.

For this purpose, in each case the distribution quality of the column or the liquid distributor of the column is significantly improved: e.g., a liquid that is to be fed or distributed is fed from a pipeline; owing to its routinely relatively high flow rate, the latter introduces a corresponding high inertia into the column, and said inertia is reduced by a slowing action of said additional means, which facilitates an equal dispersion of the liquid and thus improves the distribution quality.

If, for example, the case of an “off-shore” application exists, lateral liquid movements, i.e., crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the column, are reduced in the distribution space by said additional means (e.g., in the form of ballast fillers, as described above, or in the form of expanded metals or wire mesh sets), and in particular liquid waves are reduced. For this purpose, different liquid levels are compared, and thus a uniform liquid distribution over the cross-section of the column is ensured.

In case the liquid stream to be distributed contains, for example, gas, or gas is introduced into the distributor because of the conditions in the column (e.g., in the case of two-phase feed streams or by introduction of gas of the exiting liquid), the additional means, optionally before the actual liquid distribution, provides for a separation of gas and liquid (degasification), so that primarily an equal dispersion of liquid over the cross-section of the column can be ensured.

In the case of an additional means in the form of a sieve (filter), the additional means can provide for separation of solid particles, introduced into the liquid distributor, which could close distribution holes of the liquid distributor, thereby causing the liquid distributor to overflow. Thus, this aspect of the sieve would improve the distribution quality of the liquid distributor.

Preferably, the distribution space has a main channel, which is arranged above the section of the column along the longitudinal axis of the column (which, in a column as described, the longitudinal axis coincides with the vertical direction), and is designed to distribute liquid (to be distributed) to one or more distributing arms of the liquid distributor that extends from the main channel. In this connection, the additional means preferably is arranged in the main channel and/or in the distributing arm. The distributing arms are used in turn to distribute the liquid to the filling of the column, specifically over the entire cross-section of the column. To this end, the distributing arms in each case have corresponding distribution holes, via which the liquid is added to the subjacent filling of the column.

In one embodiment, the additional means is in the form of a sieve (see above), and is preferably arranged in the main channel, whereby the sieve is formed in particular from two longitudinally extended legs that taper toward one another, in such a way that in cross-section, the sieve tapers to the bottom of the main channel. In this case, the two legs of the sieve, which, e.g., can be manufactured from an expanded metal, extend in each case along an extension direction, along which the main channel is also extended longitudinally. The edge (free end area) of the sieve that runs along that extension direction, formed by the two legs in this case, points in the direction to the bottom of the main channel.

In another variant of the invention, the distribution space can be designed as an in particular cylindrical distribution pot or can have such a distribution pot. In this case, the distribution pot preferably has a bottom with distribution holes, via which the liquid to be distributed that is in the distribution pot can be sent on below or can be distributed to a filling of the column, as well as a circumferential wall extending from the bottom. In this connection, the additional means can be in the form of a sieve, wherein the sieve is preferably designed in the shape of a funnel or a cone, so that the sieve forms a tapering free end that points to the bottom of the distribution pot. In this case, the sieve can be secured via an outer circumferential edge area to the wall of the distribution pot.

In addition, the distribution space can be designed, in particular, also as a collecting space for collecting the liquid to be distributed or it can have such a collecting space. In this case, such a collecting space preferably has a bottom with a circumferential (optionally cylindrical) wall extending therefrom, whereby in particular distributor chimneys extend from the bottom for conveying a gaseous phase through the collecting space (from the bottom to the top along the longitudinal axis of the column). In this connection, the additional means is preferably arranged in an adjacent manner between the distributor chimneys on the bottom of the collecting space, whereby it preferably forms a three-dimensional packing that consists of loose filling elements (in particular in the form of balls or in the form of the above-described elements) covering the bottom of the collecting space. To allow the liquid to pass from the bottom or to distribute the liquid, the bottom of the collecting space has at least one distribution hole.

Of course, a liquid distributor per se can also be pursued independently as an essential idea of the invention. Such a liquid distributor has at least the following features: a distribution space, via which the liquid can be distributed to a filling of a column that can be arranged underneath, whereby an additional means is arranged in the distribution space of the liquid distributor (for improving the distribution quality of the liquid distributor), which additional means forms a large number of passages for the liquid to be distributed.

The invention is illustrated schematically with reference to an exemplary embodiment in the drawing and will be described extensively hereinafter with reference to the drawing. Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a fragmentary sectional view of a column with a distribution pot of a liquid distributor, having a means for improving the distribution quality of the liquid distributor in the form of a funnel-shaped sieve;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective, partial cutaway view of the distribution pot shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic, fragmentary sectional view of a column with a liquid distributor, having a main channel and distributing arms extending therefrom as well as a means, arranged in the main channel, in the form of a sieve that is extended lengthwise to improve the distribution quality of the liquid distributor;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective, partial cutaway view of a liquid distributor of a column with a sieve, which is similar to the sieve according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective, partial cutaway view of a liquid distributor of a column with a main channel and distributing arms extending therefrom, whereby in the main channel and in the distributing arms, a means is provided in the form of randomly arranged filling elements; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective, partial cutaway view of a collecting space of a liquid distributor of a column with distributor chimneys and a means, provided between the chimneys, in the form of randomly arranged filling elements to improve the distribution quality of the liquid distributor.

In connection with FIG. 2, FIG. 1 shows a column 1 that is suitable for counter-current operation and extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis L and that has a (cylindrical) jacket extending along the longitudinal axis L, with at least a first section 9, in which a filling of the column 1 is arranged in the form of a random packing 10 or a structured packing 10. The longitudinal axis L of the column 1 coincides with the vertical Z relative to a state of the column 1 that is arranged as directed. Within column 1, a liquid phase (liquid) F wets the random packing or the structured packings, with which the column 1 is filled, and flows downward, driven by gravity. A gaseous phase that is introduced into the column 1 moves upward. Since both phases are forced to move through a number of narrow channels provided by the filling 10, the interaction between both phases is increased.

To obtain as uniform a distribution of the liquid phase F as possible, over the entire cross-section of the packing 10 extending crosswise to the longitudinal axis L, the column 1 has a liquid distributor 100 above that packing 10 or above the section 9. It is possible, of course, that the column 1 along the longitudinal axis L or along the vertical Z has a large number of packings 10 that are arranged on one another. In this case, a liquid distributor 100 is preferably provided in each case above such a packing 10.

According to FIG. 1, the column 1 has a liquid distributor 100 in the form of a pot distributor, with a distribution space 101 in the form of a cylindrical distribution pot, which is arranged coaxially in the column 1 above the section 9.

The distribution pot 101 has a bottom 102, from which a circumferential wall 103 extends, which defines an opening of the distribution pot 101, via which the distribution pot 101 can be filled with the liquid F. To distribute the liquid phase F downward, the distribution pot 101 preferably has a large number of distribution holes 104, which are distributed regularly (in particular in an equidistant manner) over the bottom 102.

A means 20 in the form of a funnel-shaped sieve is arranged in the distribution pot 101 and tapers to a free end 105 of the sieve 20, which faces toward the bottom 102 of the distribution pot 101. The sieve 20 forms a number of passages (passage holes) 21 for the liquid phase F, so that solid particles found in the liquid phase F (starting from a certain size) are separated in sieve 20 to prevent a closing of the distribution holes 104 by such solid particles. In addition, the liquid F that is added to the sieve 20 is stabilized or slowed down to a certain extent by the sieve because of the comparatively small passages 21 of the sieve 20; this is also desirable for a uniform distribution of the liquid F.

To introduce the liquid F into the sieve 20, optionally a line 150 is provided, whose outlet is arranged along the longitudinal axis L above the free end 105 of the sieve 20.

In contrast to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows a liquid distributor 100 with a main channel 110, that extends along an extension direction E that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and distributing arms 120 extending therefrom, via whose distribution holes 104, provided in each case in the bottom 122 of the distributing arm 120, the liquid phase F can be distributed to a subjacent packing 10 of the column 1. The main channel 110 as well as the distributing arms 120 in each case have walls 113, 123, respectively, that extend from the corresponding bottom 112, 122, respectively.

The wall 113 of the main channel 110 in this case is open upward, in such a way that the liquid phase F to be distributed can in turn be introduced into the main channel 110 via a line 150, whose outlet is placed above the main channel 110. To filter the embedded liquid F (see above), a means 20 that extends essentially over the entire cross-section of the main channel 110 is now arranged in the main channel 110 in the form of a sieve 20, which is formed from two large-area legs 201, 202 that extend along the extension direction E, which are angled towards one another in the direction towards the bottom 112 of the main channel 110, in such a way that the sieve 20 has an edge that runs along the extension direction E or it has a free end area 203 (i.e., there is no sieve surface at the end 203). Also here, the liquid F delivered to the sieve 20 via line 150 is in addition stabilized (see above) by the sieve 20, which also improves the distribution quality, since the forming of as constant a filling level as possible is supported in the closed distributing arms 120.

• 5. In parargarph [0029] it is stated that seive 20 tapers to a free end 105. Please advise what is meant by “free end” in this case.

In a perspective view, FIG. 4 shows a liquid distributor 100 with a distribution space 101. From a main channel 110, which extends along an extension direction E, with bottom 112 and wall 113 extending therefrom, several distributing arms 120 extend on both sides of the main channel 110. Bottoms 122 of the distributing arms 120 lie in an extension plane with the bottom 112 of the main channel 110. Walls 123 of the distributing arms 120 extend upwards from bottoms 122 and have, in particular, the same height as the wall 113 of the main channel 110 along the vertical Z.

The main channel 110 and optionally the distributing arms 120 are open upward in such a way that, according to FIG. 3, a liquid phase F to be distributed can be introduced from above into the main channel 110. In this case, a sieve 20 is arranged in turn in the main channel 110, as depicted in FIG. 3, and is used to filter the liquid F to be distributed and thus prevent closing of the distribution holes 104 of the liquid distributor 100. This arrangement leads to an improvement of the distribution quality of the distributor 100.

FIG. 5 shows a liquid distributor 100, similar to that depicted in FIG. 4, wherein unlike in FIG. 4, no sieve 20 is arranged in the main channel 110. Instead, a rather large number of packing elements 20 are positioned beside one another and over one another, covering the bottom 112 of the main channel 110 as well as the bottom 122 of the distributing arms 120. These packing elements form a three-dimensional packing, which provides a large number of narrow passages 21 for the liquid F to be distributed (the individual filling elements 20 adjoin one another). This improves the distribution quality of the liquid distributor 100. On the one hand, the liquid phase F introduced into the distribution space 101 is slowed down and stabilized in particular relative to the lateral movements (waves). On the other hand, the degasification of the liquid F within the distribution space 101 is supported by the highly effective surface of the filling elements 20 in their entirety.

Finally, FIG. 6 shows a liquid distributor 100, which has a distribution space 101 that is designed as a collecting space or whose distribution space 101 comprises at least one such collecting space.

In this case, the collecting space 101 has a bottom 102, from which a circumferential wall 103 extends. The bottom 102 has a large number of rectangular passage openings, from whose circumferential edges in each case circumferential walls 131 extend along the vertical Z in such a way that distributor chimneys 130 are formed, through which a gaseous phase that increases in the column 1 can be directed upward through the collecting space 101. To distribute a liquid phase F that is collected in the collecting space 101, the bottom 102 in addition has distribution holes 104, through which the liquid phase F can be delivered to a cross-section of a packing 10 of a column 1 that is arranged below the collecting space 101.

The walls 131 of the distributor chimneys 130 in each case define chimney openings 132, which optionally can be covered with a cap, so that a liquid phase F that flows downward into the column 1 cannot penetrate the distributor chimneys 130, but the gaseous phase can still pass through the chimneys.

On the bottom 102 of the collecting space 101, between the individual distributor chimneys 130, as depicted in FIG. 5, a large number of packing elements 20 are arranged beside one another and over one another. The packing elements 20 cover the bottom 102 of the collecting space 101 and, in this case, form a three-dimensional packing, which provides a large number of narrow passages 21 for the liquid F to be distributed. In this way, the distribution quality of the liquid distributor 100, as described above relative to FIG. 5, is improved.

The collecting space 101 can be arranged in particular below a packing 10 of a column 1, and it can accommodate the exiting liquid phase F and further distribute it downward via the distribution holes 104 arranged in the bottom 102. With this arrangement, the respective chimney openings 132 can be covered (see above). It is also possible, of course, that the liquid phase F to be distributed is sent to the collecting space 101 via a line 150 as depicted in FIG. 1 or 3.

The entire disclosure[s] of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding German Application No. DE 10 201 0 056 023.5, filed Dec. 23, 2010 are incorporated by reference herein.

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

TABLE 1
Legend for Reference Numerals in Figures
1   Column
9   Section
10  Filling
20  Means
21  Passages
100 Liquid Distributor
101 Distribution Space
102 Bottom
103 Wall
104 Distribution Hole
105 Free End
110 Main Channel
112 Bottom
113 Wall
120 Distributing Arm
122 Bottom
123 Wall
130 Distributor Chimney
131 Wall
132 Chimney Opening
150 Feeder
201 Leg
202 Leg
203 Free End Area, Edge
E   Extension Direction
L   Longitudinal Axis
Z   Vertical

Claims

1. A column comprising:

a section (9), in which a packing (10) is arranged in the form of a large number of fillers or a packing,

a liquid distributor (100) for distributing a liquid (F) to that packing (10),

a distribution space (101) within the liquid distributor (100), via which the liquid (F) can be distributed to that filling (10) of column (1), and

an additional means (20) for improving the distribution of the liquid distributor, said additional means (20) forming a large number of passages (21) for the liquid (F) to be distributed, is arranged in said distribution space (101) of said liquid distributor (100).

2. The column according to claim 1, wherein the means (20) is formed by a large number of packing elements (22) adjoining one another and/or lying over one another, in particular in the form of balls, annular cylinders, saddle rings and/or saddle elements.

3. The column according to claim 2, wherein packing elements (22) are in the form of balls, annular cylinders, saddle rings and/or saddle elements.

4. The column according to claim 1, wherein said additional means (20) is formed by a wire mesh set and/or expanded metal.

5. The column according to claim 1, wherein said additional means (20) is designed as a sieve for separating solid particles from the liquid (F) that is to be distributed, in particular with a number of passages (21) in the form of passage openings of the sieve (20).

6. The column according to claim 5, wherein the sieve (20) consists of a metal.

7. The column according to claim 1, wherein said additional means (20) is arranged in the distribution space (101) in such a way that the liquid (F) that is to be distributed is slowed down by said additional means (20), movement of liquid is reduced by said additional means (20), and/or a degasification of liquid (F) that is to be distributed, taken up in the passages (21), is performed.

8. The column according to claim 1, wherein the distribution space (101) has a main channel (110), arranged above said section (9), for distributing liquid (F) to distributing arms (120) that extend therefrom and that are designed in each case for distributing liquid (F) to the packing (10) of the column (1).

9. The column according to claim 8, wherein said additional means (20) is arranged in the main channel (110) and/or in the distributing arms (120).

10. The column according to claim 5, wherein said additional means (20) is arranged in the form of the sieve in the main channel (120), whereby the sieve (20) is formed from two longitudinally extended legs (201, 202) that taper toward one another, and whereby said two legs (201, 202) are designed extended longitudinally along an extension direction (E), which coincides with an extension direction (E), along which the main channel (120) extends longitudinally.

11. The column according to claim 5, wherein the distribution space (101) is designed as a distribution pot with a bottom (102) with distribution holes (104) for distributing liquid (F) and a circumferential wall (103) that extends from said bottom (102), whereby said sieve (20) is designed funnel-shaped, in particular cone-shaped, so that said sieve (20) has a tapering free end (105), and whereby the sieve (20) is arranged in the distribution pot (101) in such a way that that free end (105) points in the direction of the bottom (102).

12. The column according to claim 2, wherein said additional means (20) is arranged in the distribution space (101) in such a way that the liquid (F) that is to be distributed is slowed down by said additional means (20), movement of liquid is reduced by said additional means (20), and/or a degasification of liquid (F) that is to be distributed, taken up in the passages (21), is performed.

13. The column according to claim 12, wherein distribution space (101) is designed as a collecting space for collecting liquid (F) to be distributed, with a bottom (102) having distribution holes (104) for distributing liquid (F) and a circumferential wall (103) that extends from said bottom (102), whereby distributor chimneys (130) extend from said bottom (102) for conveying a gaseous phase through said collecting space (101), and whereby said additional means (20) is arranged between said distributor chimneys (130) on said bottom (102) of said collecting space (101).

14. In a method of performing material exchange and/or heat exchange between a gaseous and liquid phase in an off-shore facility, comprising introducing a gaseous phase and introducing a liquid phase into a column containing a packing, the improvement wherein said column is a column according to claim 1.