Overflow Baffles Patents (Class 261/114.1)
  • Patent number: 9192902
    Abstract: A urea reactor tray having a base plate; and a number or quantity of hollow cup-shaped members, which project vertically from the base plate along respective substantially parallel axes perpendicular to the base plate, and have respective substantially concave inner cavities communicating with respective openings formed in the base plate; the tray having a number or quantity of first cup-shaped members, each of which extends axially between an open top end having the opening, and a closed bottom end, and has a lateral wall with through holes substantially crosswise to the axis, and a bottom wall which closes the closed bottom end and has no holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ugo Avagliano, Lino Carlessi
  • Patent number: 9072986
    Abstract: A chemical-process system includes a chemical-process column and a support disposed on an interior of the chemical-process column. A tray is disposed on a top surface of the support. A bolt is disposed through the tray and a clamp is disposed below the tray. The clamp has a notch formed therein for receiving a head region of the bolt. The clamp engages a bottom surface of the tray and a bottom surface of the support. The bolt is able to angularly displace with respect to at least one of the tray and the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GTC Technology US LLC
    Inventors: SooWoong Kim, Namsun Ku
  • Patent number: 9011790
    Abstract: A reactor for carrying out a three-phase reaction of a liquid phase, a gaseous phase, and a catalyst over a fixed catalyst bed is disclosed. The liquid and gaseous phases are passed through the reactor via a mixing and distribution device positioned over the fixed catalyst bed. The mixing and distribution device includes a trough distributor for the liquid phase, having trough-shaped channels, outlet tubes in the trough-shaped channels for the liquid phase, a distributor plate below the trough distributor, and vertical nozzles, having one or more openings for the gaseous phase and one or more openings, arranged below the openings for the gaseous phase. For entry of the liquid phase, the nozzles are installed so that, at a predetermined liquid feed rate, the surface of the liquid on the distributor plate is below the openings for the gaseous phase and above the openings for the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Stefan Iselborn, Andreas Daiss, Reiner Geier, Marcus Bechtel, Michael Wille, Benjamin Hepfer, John Sauter
  • Patent number: 8986430
    Abstract: Heat is removed from a process liquid of a direct contact condenser in waste gas cooling using two separate and distinct cooling devices that provide cooled process liquid to at least two separate sections in the direct contact condenser. Most preferably, the sections are liquidly isolated and provide the heated process liquids to the respective cooling devices. However, in other embodiments, the sections are liquidly coupled to each other so to allow transfer of the process liquid from one section to another section. One of the two cooling devices uses a lower-cost or higher-availability coolant that the other. It is generally preferred that one of the cooling devices is an air cooler and that another one of the cooling devices employs a cooling medium other than air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Kister, Richard B. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8944418
    Abstract: Cross flow trays in a mass transfer column are provided with downcomers having one or more walls that extend from a tray deck of one the cross flow trays to an elevation below a tray deck of an underlying one of the cross flow trays. The downcomer walls are connected to and provide structural support for the tray decks of the cross flow trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Darran Matthew Headley, David R. Ewy, Gary W. Gage
  • Publication number: 20140312515
    Abstract: A cascade aerator comprising a plurality of longitudinal channels that receive a fluid therethrough. The longitudinal channels are in fluid communication with a plurality of flow control gates, such that a first number of flow control gates are in fluid communication with a first longitudinal channel and a second number of flow control gates are in fluid communication with a second longitudinal channel. The first number of flow control gates may define a crest height that is lower, along a vertical direction, than a crest height defined by the second number of flow control gates. The flow control gates may define a crest length proximate a crest of the flow control gate and a nappe length defined proximate a first height above the crest. The nappe length may be greater than the crest length. The aerator may have a plurality of low head baffles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Jim Myers & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Edward Dissinger, Timothy Webster Gunnels
  • Patent number: 8833742
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Lubo Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140252665
    Abstract: A disturbing device of an oxygenated water machine includes a frame, two wing board, and a separating board. The wing boards are connected to an inner side of the frame, and slope downward. A gap is formed between the wing boards. Each wing board is provided with several ribs on a bottom sides. The separating board is connected to the inner side of the frame and is right under the gap. Therefore, water falls down from the wing board and onto the separating board, and oxygen goes up in a S path from a bottom edge of the frame. It is helpful to the dissolution of oxygen to obtain high oxygenated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BIYOUNG BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-An Chen, Shu-Fen Lee, Chei-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 8800971
    Abstract: The gas-liquid contact column comprises at least an upper tray 10 and a lower tray 10, as well as a downcomer 2 for sending the liquid from the upper tray to the lower tray. The trays comprise gas ports. A packing 11 is arranged between the upper tray and the lower tray. The upper tray comprises means 12 for withdrawing liquid from the upper tray, the liquid withdrawn being distributed over the packing. The gas-liquid contact column is particularly well suited for absorption of the CO2 and of the H2S contained in a natural gas or in a syngas, and for capture of the CO2 contained in combustion fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: IFP Energies nouvelles, Total S.A.
    Inventors: Bénédicte Chommeloux, Viep Hoang Dinh, Ludovic Raynal
  • Patent number: 8678357
    Abstract: A separations tray assembly for use in a fluid-fluid exchange column. The separations tray assembly is of the type where a first fluid, in a continuous phase, is directed across successive trays in a serpentine flow path. A second fluid, in a dispersed phase ascends through apertures in the tray thus inducing interaction and mass transfer with the first fluid. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the separations tray further includes a diffuser skirt, having apertures disposed therein, operatively coupled to a fluid channel. The diffuser skirt is operable to direct the first fluid to cover substantially an entire volumetric cross-flow window between successive separations trays and to induce stirring and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to effect efficient mass transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GTC Technology US, LLC
    Inventors: Ian G. Buttridge, David Lin, Casey F. Bowles, SooWoong Kim, Michael J. Binkley
  • Patent number: 8678353
    Abstract: A fluid inlet and distribution system for a volatile organic removal device includes a cabinet having an upper wall and multiple downcomer assemblies positioned within the cabinet accessible through a cabinet access. The multiple downcomer assemblies are divisible into first and second cabinet compartments isolated from each other by a dividing wall. A flow distribution duct assembly connected to the upper wall of the cabinet includes upper, bottom, outward facing and inward facing substantially flat containment walls defining a generally rectangular shaped flow passage. A contaminated fluid inlet is connected to one of the upper, inward facing, or outward facing containment walls. A discharge duct connected to the bottom containment wall is positioned above a receiving chamber operating to equally divide a flow of a contaminated fluid containing a volatile organic compound discharged through the discharge duct equally to the first and second cabinet compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan D. Spicer
  • Patent number: 8673246
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Pengfei Chen, Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 8608833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Publication number: 20130256925
    Abstract: An improved cascade aerator is disclosed, comprising a trough having a low profile slope, whereby the trough is divided into a plurality of adjacent longitudinal channels. In one embodiment, a plurality of low head baffles are mounted in spaced relationship and transversely of the longitudinal channels and are spaced apart from the floor of the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Meurer Research Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 8485504
    Abstract: An elongated support beam is provided for supporting internals such as liquid collectors, liquid distributors, packing supports, or trays within a mass transfer column. The support beam is divided longitudinally into a lower beam segment and an upper beam segment that are joined together by a plurality of connectors at one or more longitudinally spaced-apart positions. The connectors serve to stiffen and resist lateral deflection of the lower and upper beam segments in relation to each other and to transfer the load carried by the upper beam segment to the lower beam segment or vice-versa. By dividing the support beam into lower and upper beam segments, each of the lower and upper beam segments can be passed through a manway opening in a shell of the mass transfer column prior to assembly of the support beam or following disassembly of the support beam within the mass transfer column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Darran Matthew Headley, Billy Russ Unruh
  • Patent number: 8480062
    Abstract: A fractionation tray for use in a process column. The fractionation tray is of a type where a first fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto the fractionation tray and across the fractionation tray in a first direction. A second fluid flows upwardly through the fractionation tray for interaction with the first fluid. The fractionation tray includes an upper tray section, a lower tray section that is operable to removably engage the upper tray section, a joint region which includes an area of overlap between the upper tray section and the lower tray section. The joint region allows passage of the second fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GTC Technology US, LLC
    Inventors: SooWoong Kim, Gil Jong Kim, Ian G. Buttridge, Michael J. Binkley
  • Publication number: 20130165715
    Abstract: The xylene isomerization process unit and the transalkylation process units are combined in the present invention. A fractionation column can be shared by the two units, reducing the capital cost of the complex. In some embodiments, a split shell fractionation column and a split separator can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: UOP LLC
  • Publication number: 20130140722
    Abstract: A distillation column is provided with a downcomer having an enlarged upper region to increase a processing rate for the removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRCs) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a catalyst to produce acetic acid. The distillation column includes a vertically extending distillation housing; and a plurality of tray assemblies, at least one of which includes a horizontally extending tray panel and a downcomer having, in a downward direction, an enlarged, funnel-shaped upper region defined by a top downcomer panel oriented at an angle to the vertical, and a lower region of substantially constant cross-sectional area defined by a vertically-oriented bottom downcomer panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond J. Zinobile, Ashok Rakhe
  • Patent number: 8440056
    Abstract: Provided is a heat integrated distillation apparatus includes: rectifying column including a trayed section or a packed bed section; stripping column including a trayed section or a packed bed section located higher than rectifying column; first pipe for connecting top part of the stripping column with bottom part of the rectifying column; and compressor that compresses vapor from top part of the stripping column to feed the compressed vapor to bottom part of the rectifying column. The heat integrated distillation apparatus further includes: heat exchanger located either at the trayed section or a packed bed section of rectifying column or at the trayed section or a packed bed section of stripping column; second pipe; and third pipe for circulating fluids through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Toyo Engineering Company
    Inventors: Masaru Nakaiwa, Toshihiro Wakabayashi, Akihiko Tamakoshi
  • Patent number: 8408026
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting/redistributing a flow of liquid descending in an exchange column containing a layer of packing that includes: a plurality of horizontally spaced longitudinal members, each member having an inner side and an upper end adjacent a bottom of the layer of packing; at least one plate vertically spaced from the bottom of the layer of packing, each plate adapted to collect a portion of the flow of the descending liquid and having opposing ends connected to the inner sides of a pair of the longitudinal members; and at least one vapor riser in fluid communication with the plate and adapted to receive and transmit at least a portion of a stream of a vapor ascending in the exchange column from below to above the plate, each vapor riser having a cap vertically spaced apart from the bottom of the layer of packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth William Kovak, Clive Chalk, Stephen Graham Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20130062792
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Lubo Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130049235
    Abstract: Aeration devices for generating bubbles in a flow of water are disclosed including an aerator body (1), a diverter (3) including orifices (31) for receiving the flow of water, each of the orifices (31) including a decreasing pore size in the direction from the upper portion of the diverter (3b) towards the lower portion of the diverter (3a), and a lower body portion (2) including a water chamber (2a) for receiving and aerating the flow of water from the orifices (31) in the diverter (3). Aeration devices are also disclosed including a pressure compensator (6) mounted on the upper portion of the diverter (3b) for regulation of the maximum flow of water therethrough, the aerator body (1) including a ball joint opening (11) and a ball joint (12) mounted within the ball joint opening (11), the ball joint (12) comprising plastic and the upper ball joint (13) comprising metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: NIAGARA CONSERVATION CORP.
    Inventor: Wenjuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20130015594
    Abstract: The present invention is a container having a diptube inlet, at least one baffle disc positioned between the outlet of the diptube and the outlet of the container to provide a narrow annular space between the baffle disc and the sidewall of the container to prevent liquid droplets from entering the outlet to the container and the inner surface of the container sidewall and an annular, radially inward projecting deflector ledge on the sidewall, proximate the baffle disc. The present invention is also a process of delivering a chemical precursor from a container having the above structure. Liquid and vapor delivery are both contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Birtcher, Thomas Andrew Steidl
  • Publication number: 20120292791
    Abstract: Cross flow trays in a mass transfer column are provided with downcomers having one or more walls that extend from a tray deck of one the cross flow trays to an elevation below a tray deck of an underlying one of the cross flow trays. The downcomer walls are connected to and provide structural support for the tray decks of the cross flow trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Darran Matthew Headley, David R. Ewy, Gary W. Gage
  • Patent number: 8313092
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contact column tray has a section including a gas pathway (SAA) and a liquid pathway section (SD) delimited by at least one downspout, wherein a deflecting system including a roof is included, located above the liquid gas interface at the level of the liquid pathway section (SD), in order to apportion the gas phase over a surface section greater than the section including the means of gas pathway (SAA). In a method for gas-liquid contact in such a column, most of the gas phase part is redirected and apportioned over the whole pathway section available for gas, corresponding to the tray section provided with the gas pathway (SAA), increased by the liquid pathway section (SD), using a deflecting system consisting of the roof located higher than the gas-liquid interface level of the liquid pathway section (SD), and the liquid collected is evacuated toward the lower tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Anne-Claire Lucquin
  • Publication number: 20120256331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a column (1) with carrying devices for column internals, the carrying devices having load introducing elements, for example formed as peripheral carrying rings (3) or carrying brackets, which are fastened to the inner wall of the column, and transverse carriers (4), which are supported from below by the load introducing elements and are intended for carrying the column internals. In order to minimize the size of the transverse carriers (4), vertical supporting carriers (5), which support the transverse carriers (4), are provided inside the column (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Mihailowitsch, Jochen Honicke
  • Patent number: 8246017
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 8246016
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 8240640
    Abstract: [Technical Problem] A contactor is provided which is capable of making fluids of two phases contact each other under a good dispersion state and which can be easily multi-staged. [Means for Solving the Problems] The inside of a contactor 1 is divided into a plurality of cells 22, 32 by partition walls (a vertical wall 10, horizontal walls 21, 31) and the respective cells 22, 32 become countercurrent contacting spaces of an upflow fluid flowing up in the contactor 1 and a downflow fluid flowing down in the contactor 1. A downflow fluid injection hole 52 provided in the vertical wall 10 of each stage makes the downflow fluid blocked by the partition wall and residing inject into the neighboring cells 22, 32 of a lower stage side, while an upflow fluid flow-in port 51 provided in an upper side of the injection hole 2 makes an upflow fluid from the cells 22, 32 of the lower stage side flow in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: JGC Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8235362
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Publication number: 20120181713
    Abstract: A fluid inlet and distribution system for a volatile organic removal device includes a cabinet having an upper wall and multiple downcomer assemblies positioned within the cabinet accessible through a cabinet access. The multiple downcomer assemblies are divisible into first and second cabinet compartments isolated from each other by a dividing wall. A flow distribution duct assembly connected to the upper wall of the cabinet includes upper, bottom, outward facing and inward facing substantially flat containment walls defining a generally rectangular shaped flow passage. A contaminated fluid inlet is connected to one of the upper, inward facing, or outward facing containment walls. A discharge duct connected to the bottom containment wall is positioned above a receiving chamber operating to equally divide a flow of a contaminated fluid containing a volatile organic compound discharged through the discharge duct equally to the first and second cabinet compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: QED ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Bryan D. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20120160102
    Abstract: A method of mass transfer includes the steps of: supplying a first fluid and a second fluid into a mass transfer apparatus, wherein the mass transfer apparatus includes a vessel which has a head region, a base region and a mass transfer region, wherein the first fluid is brought into contact with the second fluid at least in the mass transfer region, wherein the mass transfer region is arranged between the head region and the base region and the mass transfer region includes a structured packing which includes a plurality of neighboring layers of fabric which includes fiber strands of a non-metallic material. The mass transfer apparatus is operated at a fluid load of at most 3 m3/m2/h.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Werner Wicki, Markus Duss, Ilja Ausner
  • Patent number: 8186654
    Abstract: A sieve tray is used in a gas treatment tower, wherein the tray openings are hexagonal in shape, enabling a higher open area in the tray while maintaining the tray structural integrity, thereby enabling use of the tray in higher velocity towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventor: Jonas Klingspor
  • Patent number: 8167281
    Abstract: A tray deck with a distillation column includes a sump suspended from the tray deck for receiving a liquid mixture from the tray deck, at least one vapor opening for rising vapor through the tray deck and at least one vapor baffle for receiving vapor passing through the vapor opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Alphonzo George Nelson
  • Patent number: 8157990
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Sailesh B. Kumar, Richard S. Hatami, Robert Crismyre
  • Publication number: 20120073440
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contact column tray has a section including a gas pathway (SAA) and a liquid pathway section (SD) delimited by at least one downspout, wherein a deflecting system including a roof is included, located above the liquid gas interface at the level of the liquid pathway section (SD), in order to apportion the gas phase over a surface section greater than the section including the means of gas pathway (SAA). In a method for gas-liquid contact in such a column, most of the gas phase part is redirected and apportioned over the whole pathway section available for gas, corresponding to the tray section provided with the gas pathway (SAA), increased by the liquid pathway section (SD), using a deflecting system consisting of the roof located higher than the gas-liquid interface level of the liquid pathway section (SD), and the liquid collected is evacuated toward the lower tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Anne-Claire Lucquin
  • Patent number: 8128072
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contact column tray has a section including a gas pathway (SAA) and a liquid pathway section (SD) delimited by at least one downspout, wherein a deflecting system including a roof is included, located above the liquid gas interface at the level of the liquid pathway section (SD), in order to apportion the gas phase over a surface section greater than the section including the means of gas pathway (SAA). In a method for gas-liquid contact in such a column, most of the gas phase part is redirected and apportioned over the whole pathway section available for gas, corresponding to the tray section provided with the gas pathway (SAA), increased by the liquid pathway section (SD), using a deflecting system consisting of the roof located higher than the gas-liquid interface level of the liquid pathway section (SD), and the liquid collected is evacuated toward the lower tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Anne-Claire Lucquin
  • Patent number: 8118284
    Abstract: A collector-distributor combination in a column, which is filled with a random packed bed or with a structured packing, is disclosed. The liquid phase is guided over a collector with inclined planes to a central opening, which is connected to an ascending pipe, from which the liquid phase is distributed to the plane underneath via the distributor pipes. By guaranteeing a constant filling level of the liquid phase in the ascending pipe, the distributor functions as a pressure distributor. The liquid phase is distributed independent of the inclination of the column over the entire length of the distributor pipes. The gaseous phase passes through the collector via the chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Alzner, Ludwig Bauer
  • Patent number: 8083901
    Abstract: A de-entrainment device separates entrained liquid from vapor in a fluid stream that flows through a chimney tray in a distillation tower. The separated liquid is collected and shielded from the fluid stream to prevent re-entrainment of the liquid in the vapor flowing upward into the tower. The chimney tray includes risers with hats that have gutters to guide liquid toward the tray deck, channels to collect and drain liquid from the top of the hats to the tray deck, and baffles extending from the risers to shield the liquid collected on the tray deck from the vapor flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Arun K. Sharma, Theodore Sideropoulos, Berne K. Stober, Brian D. Albert, Alvin U. Chen, Vikram Singh
  • Patent number: 8074972
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a device for a gas-liquid contacting apparatus. The gas-liquid contacting apparatus can include a member. The member can include: a non-breakable portion, and a breakable portion adapted for removal by application of an effective amount of force for creating one or more holes for a passage of a fluid there-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Agnello
  • Patent number: 8070142
    Abstract: A tray assembly is provided for improved gas/liquid contact when used in a large chemical process tower. Each tray has a downcomer wall of which the lower portion is a distributor. The distributor has discharge ports sized to control the rate of liquid flow at different positions across the distributor and flanges aligned individually to direct liquid flow from different discharge ports across different areas of the tray deck immediately below the downcomer. In combination, discharge ports and liquid flow directing flanges effect even liquid flow across the surface of the tray immediately below. Benefits of this invention are trays with better mass transfer efficiency and enhanced capacity compared with prior art trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: AMT International, Inc., Petroliam Nasional Berhad
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Larry W. Burton, Zainab Kayat, Pau Kiew Huai
  • Patent number: 8042790
    Abstract: A liquid-vapor distribution device for use in two-phase stream concurrent down-flow vessels including: a plurality of BOXVLTs fabricated in form of self-supporting structures (beams) and tray panels when installed forms a tray which will be essentially leak free at the junctions and between the tray and the vessel wall; the horizontal self-supporting structure consisting of a bottom plate being perforated with at least one row of apertures of equal size, wherein each aperture is fitted with an elongated down-flow channel (downcomer) being in form of a tube or any other geometric shape with the same geometrical cross sectional shape as the apertures in the beam and the down-flow channel is provided with an inlet for the concurrent two-phase stream, and wherein at least two of the down-flow channels are fitted with a common riser cap being attached to and along at least one wall portion of each down-flow channel and mounted over and spaced apart the inlet of the down-flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Haldor Topsøe A/S
    Inventor: Klaus Risbjerg Jarlkov
  • Patent number: 7988134
    Abstract: The invention describes a mass transfer column with at least one transfer tray via which liquid is routed in essentially the horizontal direction and through which gas is routed in the vertical direction. The transfer tray is designed as a reverse flow tray and a first separating weir (4) for changing the flow direction of the liquid flowing over the transfer tray by at least 90°, especially by roughly 180°. The transfer tray (2) is equipped with riser neck caps (3), at least one guide weir (5) for routing the liquid flow, and at least one braking weir (6) for reducing the flow velocity. The transfer tray (2) is divided into sections (7) by the separating weir (4), guide weirs (5), braking weirs (6), and column wall. The use of the riser neck caps (3) and weirs (4, 5, 6) with the resulting division of the transfer tray (2) into sections (7) ensures an almost uniform distribution of the liquid regardless of the tilt of the mass transfer column (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Alzner
  • Patent number: 7985281
    Abstract: A device useful for separating gaseous pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, from a gas by means of an absorption liquid is disclosed. The device includes a horizontal apertured plate mounted between an inlet and an outlet arranged for passage of a gas containing a gaseous pollutant therethrough. On an upper surface of the horizontal apertured plate is a flowing layer of absorption liquid. The separation of the gaseous pollutant from the gas is adjustable by varying the thickness of the flowing layer of absorption liquid by moving a throttle means to a position that provides the desired amount of resistance to the following layer of absorption liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Rikard Håkansson
  • Patent number: 7931871
    Abstract: The invention concerns an inner tray, arranged inside a chamber, comprising a plurality of parallel beams (1), located in a common horizontal plane and fixed through their ends to the wall of the chamber, and, between said beams and supported thereby, rows of adjacent rectangular plates (2), completely covering the space between the beams. The invention is characterized in that the supporting edges (3) of the plates (2) through which the latter are supported on the beams (1), are folded downwards by two substantially right-angled folds, and in that each of the edges (4) of the plates (2), perpendicular to the beams (1) is folded so as to form a female part (4a) or a male part (4b) capable of being respectively nested in a male (4b) or female (4a) part formed by the folded edge of the adjacent plate. The invention also concerns a chamber containing such a tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Marketing
    Inventors: Pedro Nascimento, Pedro Da Silva, Matthew Allen
  • Publication number: 20110060173
    Abstract: Methods and assemblies for improving the reaction kinetics of, conserving reactants utilized in, and/or producing a more pure reaction product of, liquid-phase reactions that involve volatile reactants and products are provided. The methods and assemblies herein provide for a feed of reaction liquid to two or more absorption zones, wherein the temperature and/or feed rate of the liquid is independently adjusted prior to introduction into at least one of the two or more absorption zones. More particularly, the temperature and feed rate of the liquid as delivered to each absorption zone can be adjusted independently to optimize the absorption of at least a portion of any gaseous reactants and byproducts from the gaseous product stream and/or to optimize reaction zone conditions. Reaction kinetics may thus be improved, or substantially maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: John D. Myers
  • Patent number: 7901641
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Sailesh B. Kumar, Richard S. Hatami, Robert Crismyre
  • Patent number: 7810796
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Kevin A. Richardson, Robert J. Miller, Nicholas F. Urbanski
  • Publication number: 20100244290
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 7770872
    Abstract: A flow device intended for a two-phase flow processing enclosure of the natural counter-flow type, in which an ascending gaseous flow and a descending liquid flow circulate. The device is formed by an appreciably horizontal tray having openings for the passage of the ascending gaseous flow, and a channel for recovering the descending liquid flow, the channel discharging into a flow orifice. The flow device includes a single guide device extending beneath the tray and connected to the flow orifice in such a way that the liquid flows on its outer wall. Also, a processing enclosure, particularly for processing a hydrocarbonated or aqueous type liquid flow, containing the flow device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Marketing
    Inventor: Romain Delatour