Abstract: A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.

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.

Abstract: A volatile organic compound removal device includes a cabinet having first and second slidable drawers movable between inserted and extended positions. A downcomer tube is downwardly and slidably received in an aperture of the first drawer. A sealing flange extends horizontally outward from a downcomer tube perimeter and extends beyond the aperture when the downcomer tube is received in the aperture. The sealing flange faces an upward facing surface of the first drawer and supports the downcomer tube to the first drawer using only a weight of the downcomer tube applied through the sealing flange to the upward facing surface. A removable seal pot pan is supported on an upward facing surface of the second drawer, which is aligned directly below and receives a lower end of the downcomer tube.

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.

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.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a rough distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the rough distribution tray, and a plurality of vapor pipes.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a plurality of nozzles for delivering the liquid over the top of a reactor or adsorbent bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for deodorising organic fluids or inorganic fluids, which comprises creating a continuous flow or semi continuous flow of the fluids throw a column having one or more trays, creating a plug flow of the fluids through a labyrinth of passages on each tray by regulating the flow through the passages by use of a regulating valve at an exit in the tray, introducing sparging gas on the bottom level of each tray, contacting the fluids with the sparging gas in the plug flow, removing volatiles from the fluids, and transferring the sparging gas and the volatiles in ducts inside the column or outside the column. The present invention relates also to a plug flow tray, a column, a deodorizing plant, and use thereof.

Abstract: A multiple downcomer tray for a mass transfer column includes 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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of fluids includes a material exchange apparatus which contains a more volatile fluid and a less volatile fluid. The material exchange apparatus contains a structured packing, with the structured packing containing a first packing layer (10) and a second packing layer (100). The first packing layer (10) and the second packing layer (100) have corrugations, with open channels (12, 14, 16, 112, 114, 116) being formed by the corrugations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed distribution device in separation columns and a method of operation. In particular it relates to distillation columns in which the feed stream is substantially liquid phase, or a mixture of gas and liquid upstream of the column, but where the feed vaporizes or vaporizes more when it enters the column. More specifically, the feed distribution device contains a plurality of opening which allow the feed to vaporize inside the column and where the openings are maintained in critical condition during operation. Significant advantage is achieved through the implementation and use of the present feed distribution device.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved mass-transfer column, the column comprising a plurality of trays and associated downcomers, wherein at least one of the downcomers comprises an upstream and downstream end, as defined by the direction of flow of liquid through the column, the upstream and downstream end each having an opening defined by a plurality of walls, wherein each of the walls extend substantially entirely between the upstream opening and the downstream opening, and wherein at least one of the walls has at least two sections, a first section of the wall forming an angle ? with a plane parallel to the associated tray, and a second section of the wall, which forms an angle ? with a plane parallel to the associated tray, wherein said second section is downstream from the first section, and ?<?.

Abstract: Fluid distribution systems, and particularly those for distributing liquids into apparatuses containing modules used to carry out vapor-liquid contacting, are described. Representative liquid distribution systems comprise an extended trough having a plurality of outlet spouts that are aligned for distribution into a plurality of downcomers. The downcomers may be in non-parallel (e.g., orthogonal) alignment with respect to the trough and/or the number of troughs may be less than the number of downcomers to which fluid is distributed.

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.

Abstract: Improved contacting stages for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting are described. Particular aspects are directed to co-current vapor-liquid contacting devices with non-parallel contacting stages that provide an efficient usage of column space for fluid flow and contacting, in order to achieve high capacity, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The fabrication of such contacting stages is improved using one or more structural enhancements, preferably a combination of enhancements, to achieve easy installation and significantly improved rigidity between the various parts and thereby avoid movement/separation of these parts. This reduces the possibility of fluid leakage across, and consequently vapor and/or liquid bypassing of, the contacting stage.

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.

Abstract: De-entrainment devices for effectively removing entrained liquid from a vapor stream are disclosed. These de-entrainment devices are effective in distillation columns and other apparatuses comprising vapor-liquid contacting devices. Particular representative applications for these de-entrainment devices are in distillation (or fractionation) columns having co-current contacting modules, in which liquid and vapor enter into co-current flow channels of the modules. The de-entrainment devices can be used, for example, with non-parallel contacting stages or other types of high capacity trays.

Abstract: A grid falling film devolatilizer including a tower housing, a liquid distributor for distributing liquid within the tower housing, and one or more internal towers arranged in the tower housing in a parallel manner, for continuously forming and regenerating a large surface of film material using liquid from the liquid distributor. Each internal tower has (i) a round, square or rectangle cross section, (ii) four corners, (iii) four pillars standing at the four corners of the internal tower, respectively, and (iv) multiple grid trays supported within the internal tower and numbering between 2 to 500. Each pair of neighboring grid plates having an interval in the range of about 20 to 500 mm. Also, each grid tray includes a pair of beams, a plurality of grid bars and corresponding guide members.

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.

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.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for improving the esterification procedure, in particular for improving the esterification procedure to obtain an ester of low carbon number such as the ethyl acetate and the isopropyl acetate, are provided. By applying the provided method and apparatus, the conversion ratio of the esterification procedure is significantly increased and hence an ester product of a relatively high purity, up to the industrial specification, is obtained.

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.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses, for example reactors and distillation columns (as well as reactive distillation apparatuses), comprising a vessel with one or more vortex contacting stages, are described. The one or more stages provide high interfacial area for the effective contacting of the different phases, in addition to the effective disengagement of these phases after contacting.

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.

Abstract: Improved contacting stages for carrying out vapor-liquid contacting are described. Particular aspects are directed to co-current vapor-liquid contacting devices with non-parallel contacting stages that provide an efficient usage of column space for fluid flow and contacting, in order to achieve high capacity, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The fabrication of such contacting stages is improved using one or more structural enhancements, preferably a combination of enhancements, to achieve easy installation and significantly improved rigidity between the various parts and thereby avoid movement/separation of these parts. This reduces the possibility of fluid leakage across, and consequently vapor and/or liquid bypassing of, the contacting stage.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus is described for the gas-solid separation process in a fluidized bed in a counter-current flow of a stripping fluid. The apparatus includes sets of perforated baffle-plates with holes, fixed in series, alternating central and lateral plates inside a stripping chamber. The holes in the baffle-plates, in number, size and in circular or elliptical lay-out, are oriented in offset position in relation to the holes in the parallel and subsequent baffle-plates, reducing the damage of erosion on the perforated baffle-plates and optimizing stripping of the fluidized solid particles.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray apparatus having a tray with a fluid infeed section and a fluid travel section together with downcomer which is in fluid communication with the fluid travel section of the tray. A redirecting baffle is positioned at an inlet opening of the downcomer and push valves are provided in the fluid travel section of the tray. The push valves are preferably arranged in one or more zones of high concentration of push valves relative to one or more bubbling aperture zones with a lower concentration of push valves or no push valves. The redirecting baffle is provided in the downcomer and extends above the tray to capture fluid flowing horizontally off of the tray (e.g., exiting from a weirless or weir interface) and into a preferably concave upper portion of the redirecting baffle for controlling and redirecting the high momentum flow into and through the downcomer.

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 has 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. 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 include a higher Murphree tray efficiency due to minimum liquid back-mixing, as well as minimum local entrainment due to uniform froth height.

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.

Abstract: The helical fractionating column according to the invention falls into the field of oil separation apparatus for the petroleum refining industry, which includes a column body (8), and is characterized in that the inside of the column body (8) is divided into three sections, the lower section being jet tray section, the middle section being packing section, and the upper section being floating valve section. The helical fractionating column has many advantages, such as having enhanced integrity of separation, decoloration and deodorization, simple structure, convenient manufacturing and maintenance, and low investment cost as well as high product quality etc. Thus, the present invention is worthy to be extended in the petroleum refining industry which uses waste plastics and rubbers as raw materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing urea are provided. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus for producing urea can include a first zone, which can include a first flow channel in fluid communication with a first tube disposed about a first end of a plurality of trays, a second flow channel in fluid communication with a second tube disposed about the first end of the trays and a second end of the trays, and a third flow channel in fluid communication with a third tube disposed about the first and second ends of the trays. The apparatus can include a second zone, which can include a fixed bed comprising one or more inert packing materials disposed therein to provide additional surface area. The apparatus can include a third zone, which can include a plurality of tubes disposed therein. The second zone can be disposed between the first and third zones.

Abstract: A heat integrated distillation column including a cylindrical shell having an upper and a lower end and at least one first inner volume and at least one second inner volume in the shell, and being in heat exchanging contact with each other through a wall separating the volumes. The heat integrated distillation column having the capacity to exchange heat through the wall from the first volume into the second volume, whereby the inside of the heat exchanging means is in open connection with the first volume.

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.

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.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a plurality of nozzles for delivering the liquid over the top of a reactor or adsorbent bed.

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.

Abstract: A mass or heat transfer device is provided in the form of a tray with at least one movable or fixed valve covering an opening to prevent liquid flowing in the design flow direction to pass through the opening.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A liquid-vapour distribution device for use in two-phase stream concurrent down-flow vessels comprising: 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; said 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 (downcommer) being in form of a tube or any other geometric shape with the same geometrical cross sectional shape as the apertures in said beam and the down-flow channel is provided with an inlet for the concurrent two-phase stream, and wherein at least two of said 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A mass or heat transfer device is provided in the form of a tray with at least one movable or fixed valve covering an opening to prevent liquid flowing in the design flow direction to pass through the opening.