Bubble Caps Patents (Class 261/114.2)
  • Patent number: 11007453
    Abstract: A gas-distributing tray (20) and a column for exchange of heat and/or of material between a gas and a liquid containing the tray, and use of the tray, the tray having several protruding chimneys (80) which are substantially parallelepipedal and parallel to one another over a portion (21) of the upper face of the tray for the exclusive passage of the gas (g) through the tray and a zone for collecting the liquid (90) having two diametrically opposite weirs (91, 92) for collecting the liquid (l) on the tray. The chimneys each have an element for distribution of the gas (82) partially overlapping the zone for collecting the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Yacine Haroun, Rim Brahem
  • Patent number: 10996614
    Abstract: The present invention is a part positioning mechanism configured to insert a protruding portion constituting a part of a second sheet metal part into an opening formed in a first sheet metal part. The first contact portion which contacts the first convex portion of the first sheet metal and the second contact portion which contacts the second convex portion of the first sheet metal are disposed to be shifted in an orthogonal direction which intersects orthogonally with the plate thickness direction and an insertion direction for the protruding portion. The edge of the opening of the first sheet metal part has a first edge which is distant from the protruding portion increases from the first convex portion to the second convex portion, and a second edge which is distant from the protruding portion increases from the second convex portion to the first convex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nishiyama, Tetsuo Furukawa, Shigeo Murayama, Kenji Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 10695690
    Abstract: A distillation column comprises at least one wall enclosing a chamber and at least one feed input, at least one condensate removal point and at least one vapor take-off point; wherein the column further comprises a polygonal cross-section component that is mounted within the chamber; and wherein the polygonal component is configured to rotate within the chamber in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Edward Elmer
  • Patent number: 10649475
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vapor splitter including: a chimney tray dividing an internal space of a housing into an upper space and a lower space; a chimney provided on the chimney tray to enable the upper space and the lower space to communicate with each other; a cap covering the chimney with a gap therebetween such that a gas discharge hole is formed so that gas, coming out through the chimney, can be transferred to the upper space through the gas discharge hole; a liquid feeding unit for feeding liquid to the upper space; and a liquid discharging unit for discharging the liquid out of the upper space. The size of the gas discharge hole is adjusted by controlling the height of the liquid collected on the chimney. Further disclosed is a method of adjusting a vapor split ratio using the vapor splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BENIT M CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki-Joon Kang
  • Patent number: 10406483
    Abstract: A membrane filter for filtering a liquid to be filtered, the membrane filter including at least one membrane carrier to which membranes are fixed, the membranes allowing a liquid permeate to be filtered out of the liquid, and the membrane carrier includes a permeate collecting chamber to which the membranes are connected in an open manner on the permeate side, and also comprises a permeate outlet for the discharge of the permeate out of the permeate collecting chamber; a gas distribution system which is arranged below the at least one membrane carrier and which has at least one downwardly open and upwardly closed tub which has a wall with downwardly open vertical slots for the distribution of a gas into the liquid to be filtered, at least one gas inlet leading into the gas distribution system. The invention also relates to a method for filtering a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MEMBION GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Volmering, Klaus Vossenkaul
  • Patent number: 10406497
    Abstract: Vessel and support beam assembly includes a vessel having a cylindrical wall defining an interior chamber having a generally circular shape of diameter D in plan view, and a support assembly disposed within the interior chamber. The support assembly includes an inner hub defining an open central region, and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the inner hub. Each spoke is aligned radially with the cylindrical wall of the vessel and joined thereto. At least one open outer region is defined between circumferentially adjacent spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert F. Tammera
  • Patent number: 10258936
    Abstract: A valve contact tray for use in a mass transfer or heat exchange column and having a plurality of fixed or moveable valves distributed across a tray deck of the contact tray. Each of the valves includes an opening in the tray deck, a valve cover connected to attachment legs, and a weir surrounding the opening. The valve cover is wider than and extends outwardly beyond the underlying opening in the tray deck and has a perimeter region that extends downwardly. A louvered vent opening may be provided in a downstream one of the attachment legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Izak Nieuwoudt, Charles A. Griesel, Clarence A. Armbrister
  • Patent number: 10005003
    Abstract: A distillation system includes a pot and a rectification column. Vapor is produced in the pot and the rectification column receives the vapor from the pot. The rectification column includes a first plate, a first ring, and a fluid distribution system. The first plate is positioned within the rectification column. The first ring is positioned within the rectification column. The first ring includes a first plurality of apertures. The fluid distribution system receives a pressurized cleaning fluid and provides the pressurized cleaning fluid to the first ring such that the pressurized cleaning fluid is propelled from the first ring via the first plurality of apertures into the rectification column. At least some of the first plurality of apertures are configured to cause the pressurized cleaning fluid propelled therefrom to contact the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Norland International, Inc.
    Inventor: Tanner Ryan Littrel
  • Patent number: 9999842
    Abstract: A hybrid Contact tray for a mass transfer column is provided. The tray has a deck for passage of liquid along a liquid flow path thereon. The deck also has a plurality of orifices for passage of ascending vapor through the tray deck. The contact tray includes a cross-current vapor-liquid mixing section having a first portion of the plurality of orifices and a co-current vapor-liquid mixing section having at least one co-current mixing device associated with a second portion of the plurality of orifices. The co-current mixing device includes a conduit having: a vapor inlet in fluid communication with one or more of the second portion of orifices; a froth inlet in fluid communication with the liquid flow path; a fluid outlet; and a packing material within a co-current flow path of vapor and liquid within the conduit disposed after the vapor and froth inlets and before the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Sven Glüer, Mark William Pilling
  • Patent number: 9833759
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid distribution device (1) comprising: at least one inlet tube (2) comprising openings (7) and having a first and a second end (3, 4); a cap (5) comprising a principal body (6) with a lenticular shape and with a circular section elongated by a skirt (8) extending in the direction of the second end (4) towards the first end (3) of the inlet tube (2), said cap (5) having an outer surface and an inner surface, the cap being integral with the second end (4) of the tube via the inner surface and the principal body (6) being provided with a plurality of holes (10); and in which the cap (5) comprises at least one deflection means (14) disposed on its outer surface and configured to direct or maintain the gas towards or at the periphery of said cap (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: AXENS
    Inventors: Jean Francois Le Coz, Daniel Ferre, Cyril Collado
  • Patent number: 9767931
    Abstract: A chimney structure according to a non-limiting example embodiment may include a guide structure defining an opening, and a plurality of chimney partitions including 1 to N chimney partitions concentrically arranged and spaced apart from each other on the guide structure. The 1 to N chimney partitions may each define a curved opening over the opening the guide structure. N may be an integer greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, Brett J. Dooies
  • Patent number: 9333476
    Abstract: A grid nozzle assembly for a fluidized bed reactor that includes a horizontally extending bottom plate, a gas plenum chamber below the bottom plate, and vertical gas pipes having a top end and extending from the gas plenum chamber upwards across the bottom plate. The assembly includes a nozzle head with a gas channel that injects fluidizing gas from one of the vertical gas pipes to the reaction chamber. A tube sleeve is adapted to be fixed by welding around the top end of the vertical gas pipe. The nozzle head and the tube sleeve have a knob and groove portion that form a twist-lock enabling quick connecting and disconnecting of the nozzle head and the tube sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: AMEC FOSTER WHEELER NORTH AMERICA CORP.
    Inventors: Ron Campanella, Tanveer Khan, Patrick Gargone, Robert Musgrove
  • Patent number: 9314759
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the hydroconversion of hydrocarbon feedstock with a hydrogen gas at elevated temperature and pressure with the use of a catalyst. The apparatus is a reactor vessel with a grid plate distributor for improved gas liquid distribution. The distributor comprises a grid plate and a bubble cap assembly with a plurality of tubular risers extending through the grid plate. Each tubular riser has an upper section above the grid plate and a lower section below the grid plate, the lower section terminated with an open bottom end for ingress of the hydrogen gas and hydrocarbon feedstock, the upper section having a closed top terminated with a housing cap. Each tubular riser has at least a vertical slot and a least a laterally placed opening sufficiently sized such that in operation, the liquid level in the zone below the grid plate is above the vertical slot and below the laterally placed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A., INC.
    Inventors: Steven Xuqi Song, Donald Leroy Kuehne, Abdenour Kemoun, Bruce Edward Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9199206
    Abstract: The valve cover has a guide vane extending laterally and downwardly from the central portion towards and in spaced relation to the tray deck for deflecting a majority of the vapor passing upwardly through an orifice downward towards the tray deck. A de-entrainment device with a downwardly angled deflector in vertical alignment with an orifice in the tray deck may be integrated or not with the valve cover below the tray deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: SULZER CHEMTECH AG
    Inventors: Mark W. Pilling, Stefan Tobias Hirsch, Markus Friedrich Fischer
  • 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: 8714094
    Abstract: A grate assembly for a fluidized bed reactor includes a plurality of parallel air ducts extending side-by-side in a substantially horizontal plane and defining spaces therebetween through which coarse material from the fluidized bed descends. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is attached to each air duct for supplying fluidizing air from within the air duct into the fluidized bed. Each of the nozzle assemblies includes a nozzle formed from a tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with the air duct, and an outlet end in fluid communication with the inlet end. An orifice is disposed at the outlet end of the nozzle, and the nozzle is bent proximate the outlet end to direct a primary direction of a stream of fluidizing air flowing from the orifice toward the air duct such that an angle ? between the primary direction and the substantially horizontal plane formed by the air ducts is between about 30 to about 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Bober, Michael Chris Tanca
  • Patent number: 8500105
    Abstract: A contact tray is provided with a tray deck and dividing walls which form groupings of one or more cans and one or more downcomer inlets distributed across the tray deck. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck that permit upward passage of a vapor stream into the cans. Downcomers extend downwardly from the downcomer inlet and are positioned for delivering a liquid stream into the center of cans positioned on a tray deck of an underlying contact tray. Discharge openings are provided in the walls of the cans to allow the liquid stream to exit the cans. The dividing walls direct the exiting liquid stream into the downcomer inlets in the same grouping and prevent or impede the liquid stream from flowing to a low side of the tray deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventor: Izak Nieuwoudt
  • 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: 20130064740
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vortex-type mixing device for a down-flow hydroprocessing reactor. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase and liquid phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the mixing device helps create a highly arcuate flow to incoming effluents and a high degree of mixing within a constrained interbed space of a hydroprocessing reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Craig Boyak, Abdenour Kemoun, Ralph Evans Killen, Krishniah Parimi, Steven Xuqi Song
  • Publication number: 20120073663
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for distributing vapor and liquid flow. Problems with maldistribution, due to out of level positioning of the distributor tray, are addressed by varying the height of the caps and/or their openings to control the liquid flow profile (distribution) that results due to the rising liquid level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: TIMOTHY M. BANNON
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7909966
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to catalytic distillation column internals providing improved liquid reaction mixture and catalyst contacting for simultaneous catalytic reaction and separation of the reaction mixture. The invention is an improved catalytic distillation apparatus providing optimum balance of catalytic reaction and mass transfer steps, wherein distribution, mixing and feeding of liquid reaction mixture to the reaction zone and distillation section are better controlled and more uniformly applied. At least one catalyst bed is situated in at least one receiving pan of a distillation tray so that the tray performs the functions of both of the reaction section and the distillation section of the catalytic distillation column simultaneously within a stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: AMT International, Inc., CPC Corporation, Taiwan
    Inventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Pai-Yu Polly Chiang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl T. Chuang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7674439
    Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber, a rough distribution network, and a distribution apparatus. In the swirl chamber, 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 through an aperture to the rough distribution system where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus includes a plate with a number of bubble caps and associated drip trays that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin, Robert W. Kuskie, Douglas E. Nelson, F. Emmett Bingham
  • 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: 7600742
    Abstract: Liquid-vapour distribution device for use in two-phase concurrent down-flow vessels, having a level, horizontal tray being perforated with holes, each perforation through the horizontal tray being fitted with a vapour lift tube, the vapour lift tube including at least one elongated up-flow leg and one down-flow leg creating at least one up-flow zone and a down-flow zone between the up-flow zone and down-flow zone, and a bluff body being arranged within the transition zone and/or in a region of the upflow or down-flow zone adjacent to the transition zone of the vapour lift tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Rasmus Breivik
  • 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: 7370847
    Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking reactor vessel includes enhanced components for the conversion of a hydrogen gas and fossil fuel feedstream to light liquid hydrocarbons. The reactor vessel comprises one or more of a reactor cup riser with a helical cyclonic separator conduit for separating a liquid and vapor product stream to provide an essentially vapor-free liquid recycle stream; a grid plate bubble cap with wall housing having serrated edges for producing small hydrogen bubbles of increased total surface area of bubbles at lower pressure drop; a feedstream inlet pipe sparger containing rows of downward directed slots for even distribution of the feedstream across the cross-sectional area of the reactor and providing free drain of solid particles from the sparger; and optionally a liquid recycle inlet distributor containing vertically curved plates for creating a whirling motion in the liquid recycle stream for better mixing with the feedstream with minimal solids settling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Hydrocarbon Technologies Innovation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kao, Robert Chang
  • 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: 7234692
    Abstract: A column tray assembly includes a tray having passages formed therein. The tray is a multifunction tray and is configured to receiving appropriate superstructures which can be selected according to the respective use of the assembly. Superstructures which communicate with the passages are mounted to the tray. The superstructures have gas penetration holes embedded in such way that, when the superstructures are mounted to the tray, the orifices of the gas penetration holes extend in a perpendicular manner in relation to the tray. The tray and the superstructures are formed from the same or different corrosion-resistant materials or combination of materials. The tray may also be provided with smaller holes for the discharge of liquid, into which holes distributor cups, or the like are inserted. These smaller holes may be closed for specific purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: QVF Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Gottfried Dichtl, Ulrich Walter
  • Patent number: 7172179
    Abstract: A bubble cap (400) has a cap (430) with at least one slot (495) and a riser (420), configured with a skirt height (460) of at least 4 cm, such that 1.5*Skirt Height (cm)+[Slot Length (cm)?Exposed Slot Height (cm)] is greater than or equal to 7.5, and posed such that a liquid fluid and a gas flow co-currently upwardly in a space between the riser (420) and the cap (430).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W Stupin, Adam S. Milliken
  • Patent number: 7125006
    Abstract: A bubble cap (100) has a riser (120) and a cap (130), separated by a divider (140) that extends to a length at least 50% of a distance measured between the top of the riser (122) and the bottom of the cap (134). In another aspect, the riser (120) and cap (130) cooperate to provide a skirt height (160) of no less than 1.5?. More preferred bubble caps (400) have a relatively high skirt height (460) or long slit length (497), or both. In yet another aspect, flow-redirecting vanes (610) and plates (630) cooperate to provide a rough distribution of fluids to subsequent distribution tray (650).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin, Adam S. Milliken
  • Patent number: 7118098
    Abstract: A hydraulically sealed crossflow mass transfer tray, separating columns which contain the hydraulically sealed crossflow mass transfer tray and the use of such separating columns for thermal separating processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Thiel, Ulrich Hammon, Bernd Gerber, Helmut Jansen, Björn Kaibel
  • Patent number: 7044159
    Abstract: A bubble cap has a riser and a cap, separated by a divider that extends to a length at least 50% of a distance measured between the top of the riser and the bottom of the cap. In another aspect, the riser and cap cooperate to provide a skirt height of no less than 1.5?. More preferred bubble caps have a relatively high skirt height or long slit length, or both. In yet another aspect, flow-redirecting vanes and plates (e.g., mixing chamber floor and splash deck) cooperate to provide a rough distribution of fluids to subsequent distribution tray(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin, Adam S. Milliken
  • Patent number: 6960325
    Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking reactor vessel for the conversion of a hydrogen gas and fossil fuel feedstream to light liquid hydrocarbons. The reactor vessel comprises reactor cup riser with a helical cyclonic separator conduit for separating a liquid and vapor product stream to provide an essentially vapor-free liquid recycle stream, a grid plate bubble cap with a tapered bell cap wall housing having serrated edges for producing small hydrogen bubbles of increased total surface area of bubbles at lower pressure drop, optionally a feedstream inlet pipe sparger containing rows of downward directed slots for even distribution of the feedstream across the cross-sectional area of the reactor and providing free drain of solid particles from the sparger, and optionally a liquid recycle inlet distributor containing vertically curved plates for creating a whirling motion in the liquid recycle stream for better mixing with the feedstream with minimal solids settling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrocarbon Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas Kao, Robert Chang
  • 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: 6868795
    Abstract: A bubble cap assembly for use in fluidized bed boilers, furnaces, or reactors, has a bubble cap, a stem, and at least one pin. One end of the stem is inserted into the bubble cap. The bubble cap has outlet holes for delivering a fluidizing medium, typically into a bed of granulated material, but which prevent backsifting of the granulated material into the bubble cap. The bubble cap also has at least one insertion hole, through which a pin may be inserted. When the pin is inserted through the bubble cap insertion hole, it also occupies a groove or indentation on the stem thereby preventing separation or disassembly of the bubble cap and stem combination. An elastic gasket may be provided between the bubble cap and stem to form a fluid tight connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignees: The Babcock & Wilcox Company, Blasch Precision Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Maryamchik, Gary L. Anderson, Jeffrey J. Hahn, Edwin L. Collins, III, David J. Walker, Jeffrey J. Bolebruch
  • Patent number: 6799752
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing fractionation capacity and efficiency within an existing distillation column having preexisting mass transfer surface structures with a multiplicity of openings for vapor-liquid contact is provided. Some embodiments of the present invention include microdispersers, either individually or in combination, installed to convert target areas of select openings to achieve an optimal column performance without resorting to a full or partial replacement of the preexisting mass transfer trays. A kit for assembling an increased capacity and efficiency fractionation tray including installation instructions, one or more fastening devices and microdispersing bubble promoters and valves is also disclosed. A system for increasing capacity and efficiency of preexisting trays within a preexisting column is shown whereby microdispersers are used in combination with a revamp of the downcomer structures or other existing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuang Wu, Fred Tahmassi, Adam T. Lee
  • Patent number: 6769672
    Abstract: Vapor and liquid passing downward through a vessel are brought into contact within a plurality of distributor assemblies arranged across a horizontal distribution tray located within the vessel. The distributor assemblies have fluid flow paths with different resistances to fluid flow, as by having vapor inlets of at least two different sizes, with the differently sized inlets being located on different assemblies or on different upflow channels of the same assembly. This provides different vapor flow rates and liquid flow rates in different upflow channels. The invention improves the uniformity of liquid distribution over the cross section of the vessel despite elevational differences in liquid levels on the distribution tray or changes in the vapor and or liquid flow rates through the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Morten Müller
  • Patent number: 6679939
    Abstract: In a process for the fractional condensation of an acrylic acid-containing product gas mixture of a gas-phase partial oxidation of C3 precursors of acrylic acid with molecular oxygen under heterogeneous catalysis, the separation column used contains both dual-flow trays and hydraulically sealed cross-flow trays as baffles having separation activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Thiel, Jürgen Schröder, Gerhard Nestler
  • Publication number: 20030146525
    Abstract: A bubble cap (100) has a riser (120) and a cap (130), separated by a divider (140) that extends to a length at least 50% of a distance measured between the top of the riser (122) and the bottom of the cap (134). In another aspect, the riser (120) and cap (130) cooperate to provide a skirt height (160) of no less than 1.5″. More preferred bubble caps (400) have a relatively high skirt height (460) or long slit length (497), or both. In yet another aspect, flow-redirecting vanes (610) and plates (630) cooperate to provide a rough distribution of fluids to subsequent distribution tray (650).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W Stupin, Adam S Miliken
  • Patent number: 6508459
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a bubble cap including: a riser having a lower end located within and extending through an aperture in the plate of the distribution apparatus and a top end to define a passageway between the ends; a cap located over the top end of the riser, the cap having a top portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion; at least one spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap; and a plurality of riser vanes located between the top end of the riser and the top portion of the cap. An annulus (“bubble cap annulus”) is created between the riser and the cap. The riser vanes are preferably flush against the underside of the bubble cap top wall. The riser vanes are spaced from each other to form vane passageways. Preferably, the vane passageways are the only (or sole) means of fluid communication between the bubble cap annulus and the riser passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fluor Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin
  • Publication number: 20020175427
    Abstract: A bubble cap has a cap with at least one, five, or seven slot(s), and a riser, configured with a skirt height of at least 4 cm such that 1.5*Skirt Height (cm)+[Slot Length (cm)−Exposed Slot Height (cm)] 7.5, 15, 22.5, or 30, and posed such that a liquid fluid and a gaseous fluid flow co-currently upwardly in a space between the riser and the cap. In another aspects, flow-redirecting vanes and plates (e.g., mixing chamber floor and splash deck) cooperate to provide a rough distribution of fluids to subsequent distribution tray(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Fluor Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin, Adam S. Milliken
  • Patent number: 6485613
    Abstract: Mass transfer process, in which, in at least two contact stages, and at least two liquid or gaseous phases are brought into contact with one another, at least one component being transferred between the phases and the phases moving countercurrently. The flow through at least one of the contact stages is batchwise for one phase and continuous for another phase. The phases flow through contact stages which are formed by trays in a column, which trays are opened periodically so that the phase which flows through the column in a batchwise manner flows to the next tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Josephus Johannes Petrus Maria Goorden
  • Patent number: 6436245
    Abstract: A purification tower for purifying liquid by contacting the liquid with gas, the purification tower including: (a) a shell; and (b) a plurality of baffles, each of which is fixed to an internal surface of the shell, (i) said each baffle having a flat upper surface and a plurality of openings are formed in each of the baffle so that the liquid and the gas pass through the openings; (ii) any adjacent pair of the baffles are arranged so that a bottom of the shell is covered by the pair of the baffles viewing in an longitudinal direction of the shell. The present invention thus configured can provide a process and an apparatus for the purification of even an organic compound containing a readily-blocking substances, which are capable of continuously purifying such an organic substance over the long time without discontinuing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishimura, Yukihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6386520
    Abstract: A fluid inlet device for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a column provided with an inlet nozzle and with a horizontal gas/liquid contact tray arranged in the column below the inlet nozzle provided with a number of elongated downcomers between which bubbling areas are located, which inlet device consists of an inlet end that is in fluid communication with the inlet nozzle and a number of vertical vanes placed one behind the other, wherein each vane consists of two interconnected parts, an intercepting part and an outwardly directed deflecting part, wherein the intercepting part extends to the inlet end of the inlet device, and wherein an outlet channel defined by the deflecting parts of two adjacent vanes opens above a bubbling area of the contact tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Malcolm William McEwan
  • Patent number: 6338828
    Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus is supported within a vessel of a reactor by a support structure that includes a concentric hub, which may be formed to act as a torsion tube, and at least a first set of radial beams extending radially outward from the hub and terminating at a support ring that is attached to the reactor vessel wall. In particular, the radial beams comprise a flange that supports the redistribution tray and a web of the beams preferably includes a plurality of openings to allow the passage of fluids across the vessel. In addition, the webs also carry the channels. The radial beams also support the mixing chamber and, in the area between the wall of the mixing chamber and the vessel wall, the radial beams may have a vertical height that slopes downward from the vessel wall to the mixing chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fluor Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Stupin, Garry E. Jacobs, Douglas E. Nelson, Robert W. Kuskie, F. Emmet Bingham