Abstract: A method for controlling the formation of polymer accumulations in a distillation column comprising accumulating liquid phase material containing a polymerization inhibitor in a seal pan; providing the seal pan with liquid-pervious weep hole means through the bottom of the pan and allowing a controlled quantity of polymerization inhibitor-containing liquid phase material to seep through the weep hole means to the underside of the seal pan; and apparatus useful for practicing the disclosed method.

Abstract: A tray device has a plurality of chimneys which extend above the level of liquid in the tray and have vapor outlets for the passage of the rising vapor. Tubes are also provided in the tray device with liquid inlets for the passage of liquid from the tray downwardly onto the lower exchange section. The tray device intercepts the liquid trickling down from an upper exchange section and distributes the liquid uniformly through the tubes over the top cross section of the exchange section immediately below. The vapor rising from the bottom section passes through the chimneys separately from the liquid.

Abstract: An improved tray means and an extraction zone utilizing the tray means are disclosed. The tray means comprises a tray deck, a channel means, and a weir means. The tray deck and channel means cooperate to form a fluid conduit through which fluid flows from beneath the tray deck to the weir means. The tray means is useful in cross flow liquid-liquid extraction zones, with particular applicability to extractive purification of lube oils.

Abstract: A packing material unit for use in liquid-gas contact apparatuses, which comprises outer and inner rings, and a plurality of pairs of arched filaments positioned side by side such that their curved outer surfaces are oriented alternately to opposite sides of the plane involving the outer and inner rings to form a plurality of circular or elliptic loops arranged about an imaginary circle which is concentric with the outer and inner rings. A connecting member is bridged between intermediate portions of each pair of the filament. A plural number of reinforcing members extend between apex portions of oppositely arched filaments of adjacent filament pairs. The connecting members and reinforcing members serve both to prevent the interlocking of adjacent packing material units and to improve mechanical strength of the unit.

Abstract: An improved evaporation process for accomplishing the separation of a solution into its volatile and non-volatile components. The improvement over conventional evaporation, according to which the solution is fed to a calandria where it is heated and partially vaporized and the resulting calandria vapor stream is subjected to vapor-liquid separation for the removal of entrainment, relates to the practice of an additional and intermediate step in which the calandria vapor is contacted with the feed solution.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting process is disclosed which may be used in gas treating, absorption or in fractional distillation. The process is characterized by the utilization of a liquid support plate (tray) having a flat vapor-liquid contacting area formed by uniformly spaced parallel members which provide long narrow passages for the rising vapor. The process is especially useful when a low pressure drop through the liquid support plate or a high tendency of the liquid support plate to prevent weeping is desired. The process allows higher operating capacity than the use of valve-type liquid support valves.

Abstract: A method of purifying waste water, for example waste water from a coking plant, comprises supplying waste water to be purified to the upper part of a stripping column comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal plates disposed above one another, supplying vapor to the lower part of the column, and supplying a strong base to the column laterally at one or more levels, wherein the water to be stripped is passed downwardly from the top of the column across a number of successive plates sufficient to permit the pH of the water to decrease to a value below 7, and wherein the base is supplied at a level or levels lower than that at which the pH has decreased to the above value.

Abstract: A sieve plate of polymeric material for use in a distillation column, characterized in that said plate comprises:(a) a circular base portion provided with(i) a central axial aperture adapted to receive a shaft,(ii) an additional aperture capable of receiving a tubular member, and(iii) a plurality of perforations such that the perforations represent in total a free area of between 3 and 20%, the perforations having a uniform average diameter between 0.6 and 4.0 mm,(b) a flexible, flared-lip portion around the circumference of the base portion capable of sealing contact with the inner walls of a column, and(c) means for retaining the sieve plate on a shaft.

Abstract: A packing element for a biological filter or for use in mass transfer has a plurality of trickling faces along which the liquid or gas to be treated flows. The faces are disposed on at least one rim of the element at an angle between 3.degree. and 40.degree. relative to the vertical axis of the element, and have relatively large surface areas. The apex angle of the element is about 140.degree. to about 180.degree., the height of the element being greatest at its center portion. Rounded projecting portions cause randomly introduced elements to become oriented automatically so that the vertical axis is aligned with the liquid or gas flow and the element in a horizontal position. Additionally, a ductlike member is provided at the upper edge on at least one of the at least one rims, to more effectively distribute the liquid or gas flow on the trickling faces.

Abstract: Packing sheets are disclosed each of which consists of a flat base and parallel tube sectors formed thereon, alternately on opposite sides of the base. The walls of the tube sectors are corrugated preferably transversely to their length. Such sheets may be assembled together, e.g. using integral joint members, to form packing units of high efficiency for use in phase contacting applications such as cooling and distillation towers.

Abstract: A plate column filled with downcomerless plates comprises receptacle means between each adjacent pair of upper and lower plates to delay liquid flowing downwards from the upper to lower plate, without interfering in the upward flow of vapor. A number of alternative receptacle means are provided, including laterally spaced staggered channels, perforate wells, and a helical channel.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of triacetin consisting essentially of continuously charging liquid glycerol into a first liquid reaction area through which acetic acid vapors and water vapors flow, said liquid reaction area being divided into a number of separate individual areas through which liquid glycerol and liquid acetin reaction products flow in one direction and gaseous acetic acid and water flow in a countercurrent direction, continuously charging acetic acid vapor to a separate individual area where said liquid mixture has an OH number of less than 600, continuously separating a liquid mixture of acetins and water having an OH number of less than 600, continuously passing said liquid mixture into a second liquid reaction area, continuously adding thereto liquid acetic acid anhydride in an amount sufficient to react with water dissolved in said liquid mixture to form acetic acid and to react with monoacetin and diacetin present to form triacetin and continuously recovering triacetin.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of practically formic acid-free acetic acid by oxidation of acetaldehyde in the liquid phase with oxygen or oxygen-containing gases in the presence of mixtures of cobalt, nickel and manganese salts as catalysts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting polymerization of vinylaromatic compounds during distillative purification wherein downcomers and tray bottoms of the distillation column exposed to high concentrations of liquid monomer condensate and low vapor velocities are coated with a non-wetting fluorocarbon polymer.

Abstract: An alcohol still having a boiler with a valve for maintaining the amount of liquor constant. The boiler mounts a distilling column having a temperature controlled inlet for liquor to be distilled which assists in maintaining the operation at a constant optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: A tower packing element for use in towers for distillations, gas absorptions and related mass transfer operations. The base of the element has a surface contour which is generated by the rotation of a two-dimensional curve having reverse curvature through an approximate angle range of from ten to one hundred and eighty degrees around a straight line which lies within the plane of said curve. The base is further provided with slots and depending tongues.

Abstract: An apparatus unit for the fractional distillation and rectification of liquid mixtures includes a plurality of horizontal superimposed tubular main sections interconnected in series by a plurality of tubular connecting sections, e.g. U-shaped, to define an elongated space along which liquids and vapors flow. Intimate contact between liquids and vapors and efficient heat and mass transfer are provided by a stirrer rotating within the main section about horizontal axes and magnetically driven from the outside. Suitable inlet and outlet ports and heating and cooling devices are provided. An arrangement for joining the adjacent sections without the use of flanges or threaded portions is provided. A number of such units are preferably associated to form a modular apparatus, the individual units being operatively connected as desired to provide series, parallel or mixed flow of the fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in fractionation, stripping, absorption, and the like, wherein a column or tower has plural vertically spaced trays each consisting of two vertically spaced rows of strips which are parallel and of which the strips of the lower row are centered below the spaces of the upper row, and has a separator above each said tray consisting of plural vertically spaced rows of upwardly facing channels which are parallel and of which the channels of one row are centered between the channels of the adjacent row or rows, the trays and separators occupying a major portion of the cross sectional area of the tower and the remainder of the cross sectional area of the tower being occupied by downcomers, whereby the tower has a major portion of its cross sectional area used for upflow of vapor and liquid, or vapor. The towers or columns according to the invention result in reduced size and cost as compared with conventional apparatuses, and result in improved efficiencies and performance.

Abstract: A movable valve body or fractionator tray bubble cap or element is equipped with downwardly extending legs or members dependent therefrom so shaped and arranged as to present and place in juxtaposition with an opening in a fractionator plate or tray a periphery of the dependent members somewhat larger than the opening in the tray the members also being so arranged that at least one member fits into the opening and extends to below the tray while another rests at the edge of the opening and is so shaped that application of pressure thereto will momentarily deform that member so that the cap can be and is permanently but movably retained within the opening.

Abstract: A multiple stage extractor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, said second plurality of trays being vertically spaced apart a greater distance than the trays of said first plurality whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying impure vaporizable liquid, e.g. heavy water, which provides for the removal of dissolved inorganic solid contaminants from such liquid to produce a high purity liquid product.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting apparatus suitable for use as a fractionation tray is disclosed. The horizontal liquid support area of the apparatus has a flat vapor-liquid contacting area formed by closely spaced parallel members. The parallel members are shaped such that the elongated openings between adjacent members have a tapered shape which is smallest at the top. The apparatus may be used as a fractionation tray which has a low pressure drop and a low tendency for liquid to fall through the contacting area.

Abstract: A randomly packed bed in a tower or column to prevent nesting of the packing elements and to improve mass transfer efficiency and physical stability. Each packing element has an intermediate curved portion joined with end portions curved in an opposite direction from the intermediate portion. Slots and tongues are provided at least in the intermediate portion. The tongues extend from the concave surface of the intermediate portion and preferably extend beyond a line joining the extremities of said end portions. The intermediate and end portions may be either circular or non-circular. The end portions may be of different lengths. The packing element and sometimes the tongues may be perforated.

Abstract: A baffle system for use on a plate for mass transfer operations comprises at least one channel, the surface of the channel through which a two-phase mixture of liquid and vapor leaves the channel having a plurality of holes. A deflector is immediately adjacent to each hole, and the deflector is in line to deflect the two-phase mixture towards one end of the channel. A liquid return zone is defined by the space between two channels and laterally adjacent to each other. Disengaged liquid from the two-phase mixture collects in the liquid return zones and passes through slots in the channel sides to re-enter the channel. The baffle system has an inlet weir which blocks off one end of the or each two-phase channel, so that inlet liquid is fed to the liquid return zones. An outlet weir blocks off the other end of the or each two-phase channel and the liquid return zones.

Abstract: A randomly packed bed in a tower or column to prevent nesting of the packing elements and to improve physical stability and efficiency. Each packing element is a curved strip with reinforcing ribs and with one or more integral tabs or tongues depending downwardly from slots spaced longitudinally of the strips. Multiple rows with slots may be provided along the strip. The strips are perforated throughout their entire area to provide improved drainage and improved interlocking and improved internal liquid distribution in the packed bed. Point-to-point contact between packing elements, substantially non-varying resistance to fluids flowing and improved mass transfer performance resulting from a more uniform packing density are assured.

Abstract: A multiple stage extractor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, the upcomer means of said second plurality being of larger cross-sectional area whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for the fractionation of close boiling components of a multi-component system and comprised of at least two fractionation columns having a plurality of equilibrium stages wherein the vapor from a downstream fractionation column is compressed and passed into a lower portion of a preceding fractionation column. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compressed overhead vapor stream is passed in heat transfer relationship to a liquid stream withdrawn from the preceding fractionation column prior to introduction into the lower portion of such preceding fractionation column.

Abstract: A baffle for use in an alcohol still. The baffle is provided with a series of openings spaced and arranged to accommodate substantially even dispersion therethrough of steam at required temperature and pressure. Ribs on the baffle enhance uniformity of flow through openings throughout the baffle.

Abstract: A process for completing the esterification of aliphatic carboxylic acids of 1 to 8 carbon atoms with aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alcohols of 3 to 10 carbon atoms at the boiling point of the alcohol in a column operated with bottom heating, the lower space of the column being free from fitments, the middle space being provided with a packing and the upper space being provided with a packing or other fitments, in which process the water of esterification is driven off at the top of the column by azeotropic distillation, the starting mixture is fed into the side of the column from 5 to 10 m above the liquid level, the ester formed is taken off as liquid from the column bottom, and the column is operated with flooding such that the liquid level is from 6 to 10 m, with the liquid mixture filling the lower column space, which is free from fitments, and the lower part of the packed layer above the said space.

Abstract: A distillation tray is described which is suitable for use in a distillation column of a barge-mounted plant. This distillation tray is provided with a plurality of cup-like cavities, each cavity having an apertured bottom for upward passage of vapor and being provided with respective weir means and downpipe means for feeding excess liquid to the tray below. In use of such a distillation tray a body of liquid can be maintained in each cavity for contact with the upflowing vapor and for providing a liquid seal between stages despite tilting of the tray. Each cavity can be provided by an insert comprising an apertured bottom plate, upstanding walls defining together with the bottom plate a cup-like cavity, at least one of the walls being provided with weir means for overflow of excess liquid from the cavity and downpipe means mounted below the bottom plate for transferring excess liquid that has overflowed the weir means to the tray below.

Abstract: A liquid-gas contacting apparatus for distillation, gas absorption and related mass transfer operations. The apparatus comprises a series of vertically spaced, horizontal sheets having openings which are laterally offset from each other. The space between the sheets is partly or entirely filled with mesh packing material, such as knitted wire mesh, steel wool, hair-like metallic or fibrous packing material, such as fiberglass and the like. Such packing material may be in the form of undulating mats. Various shapes of chimneys may surround the openings and extend either upwardly, downwardly or both. In some instances the chimneys themselves may be of such packing material and may be filled with mats of such packing material. Greatly enhanced mass transfer efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distillation wherein the heat of partial condensation and the heat of evaporation are incrementally utilized as produced thus guiding the gaseous phase of the distillation along the dew-point line of the enthalpy-concentration diagram and guiding the fluid phase along the bubble-point line of the enthalpy-concentration diagram of the mixture to be rectified.

Abstract: An improved distillation method and apparatus are provided for recovering hydrous ethanol from fermentation or synthetic feedstocks. Substantial energy savings are realized by utilizing a pair of stripper-rectifier towers in which overhead vapors from one tower operating at a higher pressure supply the heat required for the other tower operating at a lower pressure and by preheating the feedstock in multiple heat exchange steps. The feedstock is split into two portions of unequal size, the larger portion being supplied to the higher pressure tower and the smaller portion to the lower pressure tower.

Abstract: A vapor riser for a bubble cap formed of plastic material is threadedly attached to a plate in a rectifying column, and a plastic bubble cap is secured to the riser. The bubble caps are releasably secured by integral, interlocking elements on the risers and bubble caps.

Abstract: A reactor column is disclosed which consists of a plurality of blocks of contact body material formed of cross-corrugated sheets, with the blocks being stacked one upon the other in superimposed relation to define a column having sides and upper and lower ends. A plastic film is wrapped about the sides of the column and tightly engaged therewith to form a self-supporting reactor column suitable for use in distillation processes.

Abstract: A vapor liquid contacting apparatus having improved column throughput and mass transfer efficiency featuring, in one aspect, an overlay for dissipating vapor hole momentum and reducing vertical oscillations in the liquid vapor dispersion on the tray, and, in another aspect, an improved inlet weir.

Abstract: An energy efficient design of fractionation column in which the liquid at the column bottom must be cooled to prevent thermal degradation, the column being provided with a perforated annular baffle through which liquid from the lowermost tray is channeled to the outlet of the column bottom, while a body of cooler recycled liquid is maintained in the column bottom outside of said baffle.

Abstract: A multiple stage contactor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, the perforations of said second plurality being of larger cross-sectional area whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: A mass exchanger with a cellular packing in form of checkerworks forming cells bent in the lower part forming the gaps. The bends of the cells are of radial or skew type. The checkerworks are formed by single or duplex walls. Alternate checkerworks are turned in relation to each other at about an angle of from 0.degree. to 90.degree., an advantageous angle is 45.degree..

Abstract: The fouling of ammonia stills which results from the clogging, particularly of the lower plates of the stills, with sludge and precipitates is eliminated by use of combined apparatus in which a calcium compound precipitation step followed by a clarification step prior to initiation of actual distillation can be effected.

Abstract: A randomly packed bed in a tower or column to prevent nesting of the packing elements and to improve physical stability and efficiency. Each packing element is a curved strip with one or more integral tabs or tongues depending downwardly from slots spaced longitudinally of the strips. Single or multiple rows and slots may be provided along the strip. Point-to-point contact between packing elements and substantially non-varying resistance to fluids flowing and improved mass transfer performance resulting from a more uniform packing density is assured.

Abstract: The packing of a tower or column for heat exchange, material exchange, contacting of two fluids with one another and chemical reaction consisting of a stack of elongated members having two walls inclined to one another and joined at a third wall, the first two walls being each formed with elongated vibratile elements interdigitated with vibratile elements of another packing member so that when the body of packing is traversed by one or more fluids, the vibratile elements are set into vibration.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting tray of the crossflow type with improved means for initiating bubbling activity at the tray inlet region comprising spaced-apart imperforate wall members extending substantially vertically upwardly and transverse to the liquid flow path, contiguously associated and coextensive at their upper edges with an intermediate perforated wall member horizontally extending therebetween.

Abstract: This invention presents an improved and less costly method for closing the ends of the tray and cap channels which make up trays such as specified in the reference patents. Construction of the bubble cap trays in accordance with this invention reduces to a minimum the number of parts needed to complete the assembly of the bubble cap tray and its installation in a tower.

Abstract: A baffle for use in an alcohol still. The baffle is provided with a concentric series of openings spaced and arranged to accommodate substantially even dispersement therethrough of steam at required temperature and pressure. Ribs on the baffle enhance uniformity of flow through openings throughout the baffle.

Abstract: A degassing column comprising a tubular shell provided with a plurality of apertured plates; the plates are vertically spaced within said shell; a gap uniform in width over the periphery is left between each plate and said shell; each of said plates is penetrated by at least one eccentrically arranged conduit comprising a draining shaft in the upper portion thereof and a feed shaft in the lower portion below the penetrated plate; the apertures in said plates have a diameter of less than 5 mm; and a surface portion of each plate underneath each conduit is impermeable, said impermeable surface portion being one to two times the cross-section of said conduit. More specifically, each plate is supported by a plurality of generally wedge-shaped mountings fastened to the inside of the shell, and by a ring which is level with the said mountings and is fastened to the inside of the shell, the ring being interrupted at least in the regions of the said mountings. A capping sleeve is slipped over each draining shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed relating to the recovery and reuse of heat during fractionation of liquids in a tray-type fractionating tower. According to this method, a portion of the feed to the tower is directed through heat exchange tubing positioned on the trays in such a way that the tubing is in contact with liquid there present so as to bring about an indirect exchange of heat between the said liquid on the trays and the liquid in the tubing, at the same time that there is occurring the normal transfer of heat by direct contact between the vapor and the liquid on the trays and the normal interchange of material components by direct contact between vapor and liquid on the trays, the said heat exchange tubing being serially connected so as to carry liquid from tray to tray.

Abstract: Hazards are dealt with by appropriate placement of high heat capacity flame arrestor packings at suitable zones in the flow of the process streams comprising vapors of flammable mixture containing water and more than 10 mol % tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (conveniently designated as TBHP). Stainless steel mesh or other corrosion resistant high heat capacity packing is inserted in the lower portion of the first distillation zone, from which all components more volatile than dilute aqueous TBHP are removed. Suitable packing is also inserted into the upper portion of the second distillation zone, whereby a flammable mixture containing more than 10 mol % TBHP, is distilled without allowing a large plenum filled with flammable vapor. The vapor line between the top of such distillation zone and a condensation zone features a plurality of flame arrestors (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a counter-current gas-liquid contact apparatus whose shell provided with gas and liquid admission and discharge branch pipes accommodates reflux plates arranged one above another with gaps in between; said reflux plates are made in the form of trays open at the top and assembled into packs; said trays have counter-opposed inclined rims and are arranged on a descending spiral so that there remain passages in the shell between the tray rims and the shell walls for the vertical flow of gas; said passages accommodate horizontal guide baffles which partition completely said passages and deflect the gas flow from one passage into another through the gaps between the trays in the direction from one inclined rim to the other.

Abstract: Seal in a column with one or a plurality of trays in which the trays have at their periphery circular recesses in the form of a circular slot. Profiled seals resting against the wall of the column engage in the recesses. The trays have blind holes which at a distance from the periphery of the tray extending down through the circumferential surface through the circular slot. Locking means, preferably wedges, engage in the blind holes to press with adjustable pressure, the profiled seals against the wall of the column.