Overflow Baffles Patents (Class 261/114.1)
  • Publication number: 20100162891
    Abstract: Improved contacting modules and apparatuses containing the modules, for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. In representative contacting modules, liquid (and possibly vapor) are discharged into co-current flow channels in a non-uniform manner (e.g., from only one side of the channels). Particular contacting modules comprise at least one liquid downcomer and a demister, wherein the liquid downcomer and an inlet surface of the demister define a co-current flow channel and wherein liquid is discharged from an outlet of the downcomer. The use of one or more added liquid distribution devices to more uniformly distribute the discharged liquid improves vapor-liquid contacting efficiency in the co-current flow channel and consequently vapor-liquid mass transfer and approach to equilibrium for the contacting stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Zhanping XU, Dennis Bielinski
  • Patent number: 7718138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for introducing gas into a fluidised bed reactor having at least one gas inlet pipe (2, 3) located underneath and/or above the fluidised bed for introducing gas into the fluidised bed, characterized in that the gas inlet pipe (2, 3) has gas-swirling means upstream of and/or at its mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Vinnolit Technologie GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Krejci, Peter Kammerhofer, Ingolf Mielke, Uwe Wäterling
  • Publication number: 20100039881
    Abstract: A cross-flow tray is provided with a tray deck and groupings of cans separated by weirs. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck. Openings are provided in the walls to allow liquid to enter the cans from the tray deck. Additional openings are provided in the walls to allow liquid to exit the cans. Swirlers positioned within the cans induce a centrifugal swirling motion to the vapor and liquid to facilitate mass transfer and/or heat exchange between the vapor and liquid within the cans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Izak Nieuwoudt, Charles A. Griesel
  • Publication number: 20100013111
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 7648128
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for improved gas/liquid contact in a chemical process tower, resulting in better performance. The apparatus includes a tower having a series of tray decks and downcomers. Tray decks provide gas/liquid contact for mass transfer and the downcomers are required to clarify the liquid before entering the tray below. In this invention, the trays have at least one downcomer and one adjacent active sump. The sump has at least one row of apertures for bubbling vapor through liquid flowing therein, and is separated from the downcomer by a baffle. The clarified liquid at the bottom of the sump is sent to the downcomer. The liquid entering the next tray can be assured to divide evenly for multiple-downcomer applications. Gas/liquid contact is thereby enhanced through the installation of these apertures, and clarification of the liquid from bubbles is thereby improved through the addition of the active sump. Benefits to the tower operation include higher tray capacity and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Larry W. Burton
  • Patent number: 7645892
    Abstract: Reaction gases such as hydrogen, oxygen and propylene are reacted in a slurry of solid catalyst in solvent, the reaction being carried out in a series of separate zones with intermediate removal of the exothermic heat of reaction by indirect heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Lyondell Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventors: John C. Jubin, Jr., Wilson H. Onimus
  • Publication number: 20090315196
    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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Agnello
  • Patent number: 7611794
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a direct methanol fuel cell system. More particularly, the present invention provides a water controller system constructed such that water generated from a cathode of the direct methanol fuel cell system and carbon dioxide and an unreacted methanol solution generated from an anode of the direct methanol fuel cell system are introduced into the water controller system, the carbon dioxide is discharged out of the water controller system, and the methanol solution is circulated to the corresponding electrode so as to reuse the methanol solution, and a fuel cell system including the water controller system. The water controller system for fuel cells according to the present invention has the effects of reusing water and an unreacted methanol solution discharged from the fuel cell, minimizing the amount of methanol evaporated and discharged, and accurately controlling the water level of the water controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taegeun Noh, Goyoung Moon, Sanghyun Lee
  • Patent number: 7608225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tower reactor and the use thereof for producing high-molecular weight polyesters, such as e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polynaphthalene terephthalate (PEN), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and/or polyesters of other dicarboxylic acids and diols including copolymers thereof. It thereby concerns a single-stage tower reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Uhde Inventa-Fisher GmbH
    Inventors: Eike Schulz Van Endert, Christian Atlas
  • Publication number: 20090256270
    Abstract: A multiple downcomer tray for a mass transfer column comprises a mass transfer area and a plurality of downcomers for collecting and discharging a fluid from the tray. Each downcomer is shaped as a channel with an end wall attachable to an extension element. A downcomer and extension element together extends across the column and supports the panels of the mass transfer area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Bartele Griepsma
  • Publication number: 20090189301
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: AMT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Adam T. LEE, Larry W. BURTON, Zainab KAYAT, Pau Kiew HUAI
  • Patent number: 7553356
    Abstract: This exhaust gas scrubber for an epitaxial wafer manufacturing device includes: a scrubber inlet tube for introducing an exhaust gas discharged from an epitaxial wafer manufacturing device; and a wash tube unit formed inside the scrubber inlet tube for spraying wash water toward an interior of the scrubber inlet tube from one end thereof so as to wash adhesions inside the scrubber inlet tube, wherein the wash tube unit includes an outer tube through which inert gas constantly flows, a middle tube which is formed inside the outer tube and through which inert gas intermittently flows, and an inner tube which is formed inside the middle tube and through which the wash water and inert gas alternately flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Rikihisa
  • Patent number: 7552915
    Abstract: A column for mass exchange between a liquid and a gas includes at least one pair of adjacent exchange plates, formed by an upper exchange plate and a lower exchange plate. The column also includes a drain shaft for passing liquid between the upper exchange plate and the lower exchange plate, and a recessed inlet cup located underneath a bottom end of the drain shaft. The bottom of the inlet cup is recessed relative to the surface of the lower exchange plate. The recessed inlet cup extends over only one part of the cross-section of the bottom end of the drain shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Hieringer, Anton Moll
  • Patent number: 7537201
    Abstract: A separating column containing a sequence of mass transfer trays that are supported by at least one covered double-T support and/or covered U-shaped support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Volker Diehl, Ulrich Jaeger, Ulrich Hammon, Juergen Schroeder, Steffen Rissel
  • Patent number: 7510173
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting tray suitable for horizontal mounting in a normally vertical column, which tray comprises a tray plate with substantially circular circumference and having top and bottom surfaces, which tray plate is provided with passages for gas between the bottom and the top surface, and on which tray plate two semi-circular tray sections are defined by a virtual diametrical line of the tray plate; and a total of three downcomers for guiding liquid from the top surface of the tray plate to below the tray, each downcomer extending from an inlet opening arranged in the tray plate to a downcomer outlet opening below the tray, wherein two of the downcomers are arranged in the corners of one of the semi-circular tray sections, and wherein the third downcomer is arranged on the other tray section substantially along a radius of the tray that is perpendicular to the diametrical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Shell-Oil Company
    Inventors: Gerrit Konijn, Asheesh Viswanatha Sastry, Manfred Heinz Voetter, Rubin Keith Whitt
  • Patent number: 7506861
    Abstract: A distribution tray for distribution of vapor and liquid across a vessel has a plurality of downcomers extending above the tray and having open upper and lower ends. A liquid conduit for each downcomer has an inlet, a section for upward liquid flow, and openings in fluid communication with the downcomer. A reduced flow area section and a device for improved liquid spread may be used at the outlet of the downcomer. During operation, vapor enters the upper downcomer end. Liquid collected on the tray flows through the inlet, upward through the conduit, and through the openings into the downcomer, where the liquid is mixed with downwardly-flowing vapor. The two-phase stream passes the reduced flow area section with increased velocity for improved dispersion of the liquid before the stream flows through the device for improved liquid spread, and then exits through the lower end of the downcomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Morten Muller Ltd. ApS
    Inventor: Morten Müller
  • Publication number: 20090020896
    Abstract: A stacked packing column for heat and/or mass transfer has individual horizontal layers including a lower layer that has a greater density that initiates an accumulation, in particular flooding, and that is 1.5 to 10, preferably 2 to 3 times, greater than the density of an overlying upper layer. The upper layer forms oblique flow channels having lower sections that are more vertically aligned than respective upper sections. The lower sections of the flow channels have a larger cross section than the upper sections, and the sections of larger cross section open into the lower layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Egon Zich, Helmut Jansen, Thomas Rietfort, Bjorn Kaibel
  • Patent number: 7452516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution device (1) for distributing liquid over an underlying catalyst bed comprising a horizontal collection tray (2) provided with at least one gas chimney (3) for upward or downward passage of gas and with liquid dosing nozzles (4) for downward passage of liquid, wherein the gas chimney(s) (3) and liquid doing nozzles (4) are separate from each other and do not have the same longitudinal axis, and wherein each liquid dosing nozzle (4) comprises a concentrically arranged liquid passing hole (5) and splash plate (6), wherein the splash plate (6) is located below the liquid passing hole (5) and below the collection tray (2) such that there is a free fall distance for liquid of at least 100 mm between the hole (5) and the splash plate (6). The invention further relates to a reactor for hydroprocessing comprising such distribution device (1), the use of such reactor for hydroprocessing and a process for hydrocracking or hydrotreating in such reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Bastiaan Willem Van Hasselt, Bastiaan Leonard Johan Pieter Kikkert, Johannis Desiderius Stolwijk, Peter Mervyn Wilkinson, Marjanne Clara Zonnevylle
  • Patent number: 7448602
    Abstract: A multi-tray distillation unit having a separator for de-entraining liquid particles. The separator comprises vertically spaced tiers of elongated, substantially horizontal open-topped liquid collector channels arrayed in parallel rows transversely to the flow of the gas. The liquid collector channels are vertically staggered to deflect the gas flow from a lower tier level through the gaps between the collection channels of an upper tier and around the channels so as to cause the entrained liquid particles to separate from the gaseous stream by inertia into the channels of the lower tier. An improved channel configuration has a rigidly-mounted, horizontally-elongated flow deflector extending downwards from an upper tier channel toward a lower tier channel, this provides gas flow deflection and increased efficiency of liquid particle de-entrainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: John Scott Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7445200
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contactor baffle includes a body having a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion, the middle portion being positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The middle portion is a corrugated sheet having a first face and a second face. The corrugated sheet has alternating ridges and open ended channels extending across each of the first face and the second face between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a first collection channel adapted to collect liquids from the open ended channels of the middle portion when flow is along the first face in a first direction. The second portion having a second collection channel adapted to collect liquids from the open ended channels of the middle portion when flow is along the second face in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Larry W. Burton, Karl Tze-Tang Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080179766
    Abstract: A tray assembly is provided for improved gas/liquid contact when used in a large chemical process tower, resulting in better performance. Each tray assembly comprises two levels of tray decks and associated downcomers. Tray decks provide gas/liquid contact for mass transfer and the downcomers are required to clarify the liquid before entering the tray below. In this invention, a novel downcomer configuration is provided for use in multipass trays. The shape of downcomer bottom chord is designed to allow for liquid to travel across any part of each tray deck at a similar distance between the inlet and the outlet weir. As a result, liquid on the tray deck travels in plug flow pattern. Benefits of this invention are higher Murphree tray efficiency due to minimum liquid back-mixing, as well as minimum local entrainment due to uniform froth height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Larry W. Burton
  • Publication number: 20080150171
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for improved gas/liquid contact in a chemical process tower, resulting in better performance. The apparatus comprises a tower having a series of tray decks and downcomers. Tray decks provide gas/liquid contact for mass transfer and the downcomers are required to clarify the liquid before entering the tray below. In this invention, the trays have at least one downcomer and one adjacent active sump. The sump has at least one row of apertures for bubbling vapor through liquid flowing therein, and is separated from the downcomer by a baffle. The clarified liquid at the bottom of the sump is sent to the downcomer. The liquid entering the next tray can be assured to divide evenly for multiple-downcomer applications. Gas/liquid contact is thereby enhanced through the installation of these apertures, and clarification of the liquid from bubbles is thereby improved through the addition of the active sump. Benefits to the tower operation include higher tray capacity and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Larry W. Burton
  • Patent number: 7370846
    Abstract: The invention comprises multiple configurations of downcomers in a parallel flow multiple downcomer tray for vapor-liquid contacting processes such as the separation of chemical compounds via fractional distillation or the removal of a component of a gas stream with a treating liquid. In one embodiment, side downcomers are incorporated into a parallel flow multiple downcomer tray. In another embodiment, the downcomers have an inclined side wall that directs liquid onto the deck below the downcomer. The inclined side wall also provides additional volume above the inferior downcomer inlet to reduce pinching at this inlet without the need for a stilling deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Daniel R. Monkelbaan, Brian J. Nowak, Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7347413
    Abstract: A tray column is proposed which includes column trays, two or more supports which are arranged on the underside of the column trays and support them and a bearing ring for the column trays on the inner wall of the tray column, wherein three-way joints of inner column wall, bearing ring and support are prevented by cutouts in the bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Diefenbacher, Ulrich Hammon, Thomas Walter, Bruno Seider, Wolfgang Schneider, Bernd Gerber, Volker Schliephake, Michael Blechschmitt
  • Patent number: 7282118
    Abstract: This invention resides in providing a method for the prevention of possible polymerization of the easily polymerizable substance during the purification thereof by a column provided with (a) at least one tray directly fixed to a support ring with a bolt and a nut and/or (b) at least one tray fixed to a support ring with a vertical clamp or a distillation column provided in the lower part thereof with a splash collision plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Mitsumoto, Takeshi Nishimura, Sei Nakahara, Hidefumi Haramaki
  • Patent number: 7276215
    Abstract: In a vertical reactor vessel through which vapor and liquid flow concurrently, the fluids pass vertically through a horizontal mixing box having internal flow baffles that form at least one mixing orifice through which the process stream flows at high velocity. In the mixing orifices the liquid is dispersed to obtain a large area for interphase heat and mass transfer. Each mixing orifice is followed by structure that divides the process stream into two lower velocity streams, whereby turbulent flow conditions are generated, and wherein hold-up time is provided to allow for heat and mass transfer. The fluids exit the mixing box through an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the mixing box. An impingement plate is located below this outlet opening to spread the liquid and decrease the velocity of the exiting jet. The outlet stream from the mixer is equilibrated regarding temperature and chemical composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Morten Muller Ltd. ApS
    Inventor: Morten Müller
  • Patent number: 7270316
    Abstract: A new tray configuration for a distillation column that utilizes the entire column cross section area as active tray area for vapor/liquid contact. The new tray configuration has no downcomers and utilizes a liquid/vapor seal pan(s) located in the vapor space of the adjoining tray to collect liquid from the tray, provide entrained vapor disengaging, distribute liquid from one active tray to another and provide a liquid and vapor seal between contact trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Burch
  • Patent number: 7270315
    Abstract: In, for example, a gas-liquid, liquid/liquid exchange column, perforated tray assemblies are provided which have a plurality of adjacent tray sections with slots adjacent rounded leading edges of the sections, and catches extending along trailing edges which interlock in the slots of an adjacent section. This interlocking avoids the use of bolted joints which cause stagnant areas where sediment accumulation occurs, resulting in reduced gas-liquid and liquid/liquid contact, and the need for the tray sections to be frequently cleaned. Perforated domes may be provided on perforations to reduce stagnant areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W Burton, Farzad G. Tahmassi, Francis W. Lemon
  • Patent number: 7267330
    Abstract: A split ring seal having a structured split formed with first and second overlapping leaves, movable between a compressed state and an expanded state, and having a first bore through the first leaf and a second bore through the second leaf such that, in the compressed state, the first and second bores are mutually aligned. A method of installing one or more packing trays in a process tower comprising providing such a split ring seal carried by one or more packing trays, locking each split ring seal in its compressed state with a pin through the overlapping leaf bores, placing the packing trays in the process tower and removing the pin to allow the split ring seals to expand and seal to the process tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Jaeger Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Bradley Fleming, Donald Clifton Hoyle
  • Patent number: 7234691
    Abstract: An assembly of trays in a divided wall column having an inner column wall, a dividing wall, and an interior space includes: a first tray having at least one radial downcomer adjacent the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a first substantial distance, and a first liquid receiving area having a radial axis at a first angle to the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a second substantial distance; and a second tray below the first tray, the second tray having at least one other downcomer having a radial axis at a second angle to the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a third substantial distance, and at least one second liquid receiving area adjacent the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a fourth substantial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth William Kovak
  • Patent number: 7232115
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting tray equipped with downcomers having sidewalls with liquid outlet openings, which openings are provided with a liquid guiding device such as a lip or a spout. In one embodiment the contacting tray constitutes an upper tray having downcomer(s) which are arranged in parallel, and symmetrically, with downcomers on a lower tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Asheesh Viswanatha Sastry
  • Patent number: 7204477
    Abstract: The invention comprises multiple configurations of downcomers in a parallel flow multiple downcomer tray for vapor-liquid contacting processes such as the separation of chemical compounds via fractional distillation or the removal of a component of a gas stream with a treating liquid. In one embodiment, side downcomers are incorporated into a parallel flow multiple downcomer tray. In another embodiment, the downcomers have an inclined side wall that directs liquid onto the deck below the downcomer. The inclined side wall also provides additional volume above the inferior downcomer inlet to reduce pinching at this inlet without the need for a stilling deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhanping Xu, Daniel R. Monkelbaan, Brian J. Nowak, Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7137622
    Abstract: A multi-tray distillation unit having a separator for de-entraining liquid particles which are picked up by an upwardly flowing gaseous stream which is flowing countercurrent to a descending liquid flow in the unit. The separator which is placed above the contact plate on which the gas contacts the liquid, comprises vertically spaced tiers of elongated, substantially horizontal open-topped liquid collector channels arrayed in parallel rows transversely to the flow of the gas. The liquid collector channels are vertically staggered to deflect the gas flow from a lower tier level through the gaps between the collection channels of an upper tier and around the channels so as to cause the entrained liquid particles to separate from the gaseous stream by inertia into the channels of the lower tier. The collected liquid is then returned through a liquid downcomer to a contact plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: John Scott Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7125005
    Abstract: A plurality of fluid-fluid contact trays of the cross-flow type are provided for mounting within a shell of a mass transfer or heat exchange column. The trays include tray decks that may be supported on rings fixed to an inner surface of the shell and downcomers that are supported, not by the typical bolting bars fixed to the shell, but by the tray deck of the underlying tray. The mechanisms for supporting the downcomers in this fashion are support brackets that are not secured to the column shell, but instead extend downwardly from the downcomers and rest on the tray deck of the underlying tray. Alternating trays have side downcomers positioned at openings at one or both ends of the tray deck. The support rings for those trays having side downcomers may be truncated so that the rings do not extend around that portion of the shell circumference where the side downcomer openings are located. On the remaining trays, complete 360 degree rings may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Veada P. Colic, Gary W. Gage, Alessandro Attura
  • Patent number: 7118654
    Abstract: A chimney tray for a column for thermal treatment of a liquid. The chimney tray includes a total take-off of liquid by a drain connection arranged at an edge of the chimney tray, and having one or more drain channels having a gradient in a direction of the drain connection, and having a gradient in a direction of the one or more drain channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Hammon, Juergen Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7055810
    Abstract: A mass transfer column (10) is provided with at least one vapor-liquid contact tray (12) that is disposed within the open internal region (14) defined by a shell (16) of the column (10). At least one expansion ring (26) underlies and supports the vapor-liquid contact tray (12). An expander (38) is associated with first and second end segments (32, 34) of the expansion ring (26) that define a cutout (36) in the expansion ring (26). The expander (38) includes brackets (48) welded to the end segments (32, 34) and a threaded member (50) that extends through the brackets (48) and carries nuts (54). Turning the nuts (54) against facing surfaces of the brackets (48) causes the first and second end segments (32, 34) of the expansion ring (26) to be forced apart to cause an increase in the circumference of the expansion ring (26), thereby sealing the expansion ring (26) against the inner surface of the column shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventor: Gary W. Gage
  • Patent number: 7028995
    Abstract: A mass transfer column (20) is provided with an external shell defining an open internal region. Centrifugal contact trays (26) and return contact trays (28) are positioned in an alternating and vertically spaced apart relationship within the open internal region. Each contact tray has a plurality of vapor passages (33) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck to interact with liquid on the surface of the tray deck. At least one center downcomer (40) extends downwardly at an opening in the return tray deck and has a lower discharge outlet spaced above the centrifugal tray deck for feeding liquid onto the centrifugal tray deck. A rotation-inducing element may be placed within the center downcomer (40) to induce a rotational motion in liquid exiting the center downcomer (40). At least one annular downcomer (36) extends downwardly the periphery of the centrifugal tray deck and has a lower discharge outlet spaced about the return tray deck for feeding liquid onto the return tray deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Ralph H. Weiland, Charles A. Griesel, Michael R. Resetarits, Johnny B. Riter
  • Patent number: 6994331
    Abstract: A mass transfer column (20) is provided with an external shell (22) defining an open internal region (24). Centrifugal contact trays (26) and return contact trays (28) are positioned in an alternating and vertically spaced apart relationship within the open internal region (24). Each contact tray (26) and (28) has a plurality of vapor passages (34) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck (30) and (31), respectively, to interact with liquid on the surface of the tray deck. At least one center downcomer (42) extends downwardly at an opening in the return tray deck (31) and has a lower discharge outlet (54). At least one annular downcomer (38) extends downwardly the periphery of the centrifugal tray deck (30) and has a lower discharge outlet (48) spaced above the return tray deck (31) for feeding liquid onto the return tray deck (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventor: Eddie F. Coney
  • Patent number: 6902154
    Abstract: Gas-liquid contact tray comprising a bubble area and a plurality of downcomers having a downcomer opening, which downcomer openings are spaced in the bubble area, such that, when in use, a liquid enters the downcomer opening from opposite sides of the downcomer opening, wherein the downcomer opening and downcomer is provided with at least two flow directing plates, wherein each flow directing plate has an upper end which extends above the tray and is inclined towards the direction of the liquid flowing towards the downcomer opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Bernardinus Henricus Bosmans, Charu Ehrenreich-Gureja
  • Patent number: 6881387
    Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus (16) that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber (20), a rough distribution network (100), and a distribution apparatus (120). In the swirl chamber (20), reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber (20) through an aperture to the rough distribution system (100) where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus (120). The distribution apparatus (120) includes a plate (122) with a number of bubble caps (130) and associated a drip trace (150) that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps (130) to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps (130) to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Fluor Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin, Robert W. Kuskie
  • Patent number: 6866254
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contact tray having a bubble area and one or more downcomers provided at its upper end with a downcomer opening for receiving liquid, wherein the downcomer opening and downcomer are provided with a flow directing plate, wherein the flow directing plate has an upper end which extends horizontally in the direction of the bubble area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Bernardinus Henricus Bosmans, Charu Ehrenreich-Gureja
  • Patent number: 6863267
    Abstract: Gas-liquid contacting tray having a bubble area and one or more rectangular downcomers which are longer in length than in width, which downcomers have two sloped downcomer walls along their length, a downcomer opening at tray level and one or more downward directed liquid discharge openings at the lower end, which downcomers are so positioned on the tray that bubble area is present at both of the longer sides, wherein the cross-sectional area at the lower end of the downcomer is less than 40% of the cross-sectional area of the upper end of the downcomer at tray level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Bernardinus Henricus Bosmans, Jose Luis Bravo, Gerrit Konijn, Karel Antonius Kusters
  • Patent number: 6817596
    Abstract: The tray column (1) has downcomers (3) for transporting a liquid between adjacent trays (2). The liquid transport takes place in each downcomer through a plurality of discharge apertures (32) onto a loaded tray. Liquid flows out of the discharge apertures in the form of jets (60) that blend into a regionally divergent flow field (6) on striking the loaded tray. The flow field has transverse components of the flow speed with respect to a longitudinal main flow direction (61). Guide elements (4) are arranged beneath the discharge apertures and at a spacing from the loaded tray which each guide the impulse of liquid corresponding to the divergent flow field. The guide elements contribute to forming the transverse speed components such that the longitudinal component of the flow speed has a largely constant profile in each plane perpendicular to the main flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Markus Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040212105
    Abstract: A mass transfer column (20) is provided with an external shell (22) defining an open internal region (24). Centrifugal contact trays (26) and return contact trays (28) are positioned in an alternating and vertically spaced apart relationship within the open internal region (24). Each contact tray (26) and (28) has a plurality of vapor passages (34) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck (30) and (31), respectively, to interact with liquid on the surface of the tray deck. At least one center downcomer (42) extends downwardly at an opening in the return tray deck (31) and has a lower discharge outlet (54). At least one annular downcomer (38) extends downwardly the periphery of the centrifugal tray deck (30) and has a lower discharge outlet (48) spaced above the return tray deck (31) for feeding liquid onto the return tray deck (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventor: Eddie F. Coney
  • Publication number: 20040207103
    Abstract: A plurality of fluid-fluid contact trays of the cross-flow type are provided within a shell of a mass transfer or heat exchange column. The trays include tray decks that are supported on rings fixed to an inner surface of the shell and downcomers that are supported, not by the typical bolting bars fixed to the shell, but by the tray deck of the underlying tray. The mechanisms for supporting the downcomers in this fashion are support brackets that are not secured to the column shell, but instead extend downwardly from the downcomers and rest on the tray deck of the underlying tray. Alternating trays have side downcomers positioned at openings at one or both ends of the tray deck. The support rings on those trays having side downcomers may be truncated so that the rings do not extend around that portion of the shell circumference where the side downcomer openings are located. On the remaining trays, complete 360 degree rings may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Veada P. Colic, Gary W. Gage, Alessandro Attura
  • Publication number: 20040195706
    Abstract: A separation tray for mounting in a vertical column, which separation tray comprises horizontal upper and lower walls defining an inner space between them and at least one primary separation device for separating fluid into primary gas and liquid-enriched fluid, which primary separation device comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Gerrit Konijn
  • Patent number: 6783120
    Abstract: The performance of multiple downcomer fractional distillation trays is improved by intercepting the liquid egressing from the bottom of the downcomers in a manner which directs a portion of the liquid along the major axis of decking of the next lower tray. This is accomplished by the use of improved antipenetration pans suspended below the downcomers of the upper tray. The antipenetration pans have extensions running parallel to the decking areas of the next lower tray. A portion of the liquid falling from the upper downcomer flows to the end of the extensions, where it falls onto the lower decking at more distant points than with prior art antipenetration pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed S. M. Shakur, Joseph Agnello, Kevin J. Richardson, Nicholas F. Urbanski
  • Publication number: 20040130041
    Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray (26) is provided with a tray deck (28) having at least one opening for removing liquid from an upper surface of the tray deck and a plurality of vapor passages (44) for allowing vapor to flow upwardly through the tray deck to interact with the liquid on the upper surface. At least one can (34) extends upwardly from the tray deck and is formed by a perimeter wall (36). A downcomer (46) is interposed within the can to provide a passageway for liquid and has an upper inlet (50)for liquid entry, and a lower outlet (54) above the tray deck (28) for feeding liquid into the can and onto the tray deck. A plurality of deflector blades (56) are positioned above the tray deck to induce a swirling movement in the vapor ascending into the can. The portion of the tray deck surrounded by the perimeter wall of the can contains sieve holes, valves or other types of vapor passages. The tray may further include a sleeve (76), a plurality of cans (34) of two or more sizes or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael R. Resetarits, Charles A. Griesel, Johnny B. Riter, Ralph H. Weiland
  • Patent number: 6746003
    Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is provided wherein the perforated trays are divided into portions by a lattice-like pattern of downcomers which deliver liquid to central regions of the tray portions immediately below them. An odd number, X, for example three parallel downcomers which are at right angles to an even number or X−1, for example two parallel downcomers are provided so that adjacent trays be turned at right angles so that the downcomers of the upper tray extend centrally between the downcomers of the lower tray. The downcomers reduce stagnant liquid regions, distribute the liquid more evenly on the trays and allow longer flow paths to be provided on the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Francis W. Lemon
  • Patent number: 6739585
    Abstract: Liquid distributors collect liquid falling out of the spout group at the ends of a downcomer of a fractionation tray. The devices then distribute the liquid against the wall of the column or onto the decking of the next lower tray so to cause uniform liquid flows across the terminal decking section of the next lower multiple downcomer tray. The apparatus improves the liquid flow path on the terminal decking section of the tray, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Urbanski, Zhanping Xu