Abstract: A process for rectificatively separating at least one (meth)acrylic monomer-containing fluid by feeding the fluid into a rectification column containing at least one sieve tray without a runoff segment, wherein an elementary cell is obtained from a number of centers of passages in a sieve tray, and the cell shifts regularly and repeatedly along its edges, the lengths of two shifting vectors being the lengths of the edges of the cell along which the shifting is effected; an arrangement of the centers is such that the positions of an ideal center and a real center are separated by ?1% of half of the sum of the lengths of the two shifting vectors; and an arrangement of the passages is such that the sum of non-overlapping surface areas of an ideal passage with a real passage and vice versa is ?1% of the surface area of the ideal passage.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a column to handle foaming liquids or high viscous liquids and prevent flooding in liquid-gas mass transfer operations. Said operation is carried out by using higher or equal pressure at the liquid inlet than at the liquid outlet in said column. Said column comprises a single shell (7) housing at least one tray, where said shell is provided with at least one liquid inlet (1), one liquid outlet (11), one separate gas inlet (5) for each of said trays and at least one outlet (2) for gas leaving said column.

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: The liquid distributor includes a plurality of parallel spaced apart passages for receiving liquid, at least one carrier beam disposed transversely of and over the walls of the passages and at least one sheet metal plate slidably mounted on one of walls of the carrier beam in parallel relation to the wall. The walls of the carrier beam have hooks disposed in apertures of the passages and elevations disposed in recesses in the metal plate.

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.

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.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for use in a column having distillation trays has been developed. The liquid distributor functions to uniformly distribute a descending liquid stream across the tray for interaction with an ascending vapor stream. The liquid distributor has a feed pipe which delivers the liquid stream to an underlying elongated trough. Liquid discharge holes are positioned in the floor of the trough. A perforated v-plate positioned within the trough so that liquid from the feed pipe passes through the perforated v-plate before encountering the floor of the trough. When liquid passes through the perforated v-plate, the stream is divided into smaller streams of lower velocity, providing a more uniform overall flow rate of liquid passing through the trough. Liquid is then delivered from the discharge outlets of the trough onto the upper surface of the tray with a substantially uniform flow rate across the trough.

Abstract: The device is arranged in a process engineering column (10) and serves in particular for the guiding of liquid. This device includes at least two parts (1, 2) made of sheet metal and releasably connected to one another. A recess (12) is arranged in the one part, the sheet metal part (1) of a first kind, and an elevation (21) fitting into the recess is arranged in the other part, the sheet metal part (2) of a second kind. The two sheet metal parts are held in a secured position by a hook connection between the recess and the elevation. The recess and the elevation form a single pair or one pair among several and the sheet metal parts have planar regions lying on top of one another in the neighbourhood (120, 210) of the pair or of each pair respectively.

Abstract: A partition for a packed column or a tray column which can carry out separation and/or chemical reactions has at least two partition elements disposed one above another and/or one alongside the other in the same plane, at least one plug and/or clamp connector connecting together the partition elements, and a sealing profile between an inner surface of the column and an edge of the partition elements turned toward the column inner surface. A fastening device is provided for the partition on the column inner surface. Lateral fastening parts of the partition carry inserts of the column and/or column trays. These fastening parts are rectangular profiles having upper sides extending horizontally in the column.

Abstract: In a thermal separating process between at least one gaseous and at least one liquid stream, of which at least one comprises (meth)acrylic monomers, in a separating column containing sieve trays as separating internals, at least some of the sieve trays are operated above an entrainment fraction of 10% by weight.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus for desorbing gases from solid particles through which flows counter-currently a stripping fluid is described, which comprises a series of sets of at least two parallel, segmented, baffle plates each, with the segmented baffles being oriented so that the rows are offset relative to rows of other levels, where the thickness and separation of said sets of baffles is so dimensioned as to reduce coalescence of the size of the formed bubbles and optimize the hydrocarbons desorption from said fluidized solid particles. The solid particles are mainly spent catalyst particles from a FCC process. The stripping process to be carried out in a fluidized bed comprises contacting the spent catalyst with a stripping fluid that flows upwardly in the fluidized bed in the form of bubbles. Adsorbed hydrocarbons present in the spent catalyst are transferred from the catalyst emulsion that flows downwardly to the upwardly moving bubbles, so as to promote the efficient recovery of cracked products.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A perforated tray without downcomer having only a small deviation between the opening ratio based on the diameter of a column and the actual opening ratio and a perforated tray column without downcomer formed by disposing such perforated trays without downcomer are provided. The perforated trays without downcomer are characterized by having a ratio of (A)/(B) in the range of 1.1-1.5, wherein A denotes the opening ratio found from the standard pitch between centers of holes and (B) denotes the opening ratio based on the diameter of a column.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A segmented plate adapted for assembly within a confined area or volume, and a method of assembly of the segmented plate. The plate, as assembled, has an exterior perimeter that includes exterior edge-boundaries of a plurality of generally rigid plate-sections, each of the plate-sections are sized smaller than the access to permit passage therethrough. Extending at least partially along adjacent boundaries of plate-sections that have been adjacently arranged, is a self-lock seam, or interposed therebetween is a flexible barrier. The self-lock seam may have a variety of configurations. An aperture or opening having an inner perimeter may be included. The inner perimeter of the aperture/opening may be of a variety of shapes. The confined area may consist of a chamber of a deaerator tank or other volume to which access is limited. The flexible barrier may be made of a material having resiliency.

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.

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.

Abstract: Described is a mixing device for mixing a gaseous stream of a fuel and an oxidant that has a cylindrical mixing chamber, means for injecting a gaseous stream of the fuel tangentially along the inner surface of the wall of the mixing chamber, and means for injecting a stream of the oxidant axially along the central longitudinal axis of the mixing chamber, wherein the diameter of the mixing chamber and the dimensions and location of the means for injecting the fuel and the oxidant are such that the tangentially injected stream of the fuel forms a wall jet around the axially injected stream of the oxidant without impinging upon the other stream. A reactor for the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel containing the mixing device and to a process for the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel using the mixing device is further described.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator having two or more vertically spaced rows of parallel horizontally spaced upwardly facing gutters, the gutters having an upwardly extending gutter wall, wherein the upper end of the gutter wall is provided with a U-turn deflector.

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).

Abstract: For use in a separation column, a mat element or a beam element has at least: an upper part 2; at least one distributor-collector part (3) having one or more secondary orifices (7i) and at least one main orifice (6), whereby the passage sections of orifices (8) and (7i) are different; and a lower part (4). The distributor-collector part or parts (3) arranged between the upper part (2) and the lower part (4). A sealing element (5a) arranged between the distributor-collector part (3) and the upper part (2), and a sealing element (5b) arranged between the distributor-collector part (3) and the lower part (4). A separation element (8) arranged at distributor-collector part (3), thus delimiting two spaces (3a, 3b) for circulation of fluids.

Abstract: A process for preparing a salt-free aqueous hydroxylamine solution by distilling an aqueous solution of a hydroxylammonium salt and a base in a tray column having at least two mechanical trays, wherein random or structured packings are located above at least one tray of the tray column over the cross section of the column.

Abstract: A stepped, perforated tray is provided for increasing the available gas-slurry contact area in a flue gas desulfurization chamber. The tray redirects the horizontal flow upwardly through the tray for increased surface area and contact time with slurry for removing SOx or other contaminants from a fossil fuel combustion flue gas before releasing the flue gas to the atmosphere. The tray is adaptable for use in vertical tower systems as well.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A slurry tray and a method for removing residual vinyl chloride monomer from a polyvinylchloride resin slurry with reduced discoloration of the polyvinylchloride resin is provided. The slurry tray preferably includes partitioned channels that cause the slurry to flow at a velocity that maintains solids contained with the slurry in a liquid suspension and weirs contains holes to allow solids trapped at the bottom of the weir to flow continuously downward to a bottom of the plate tower for removal from the tower. The method preferably includes supplying the slurry towards the top of the tower and a vapor towards the bottom of the tower. The slurry descends the tower, while the steam simultaneously ascends the tower, both through directional valves. The solids trapped upon the surface of the trays travel down the tower through the holes within the weirs for removal from the tower.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A perforated tray without downcomer in accordance with the present invention satisfies following conditions: (a) The hole has a diameter of 10 mm to 25 mm. (b) Two adjacent holes are spaced by a distance of 1.2 d to 3 d, measured between the two centers. (c) The tray thickness is 2 mm to 8 mm. (d) The opening ratio is 10% to 30%. A perforated tray tower without downcomer fitted with two or more such perforated trays without downcomer in accordance with the present invention satisfies following conditions: (g) Perforated trays are spaced by a distance of 0.1 D to 0.5 D (D denotes the tower diameter). (h) The levelness of each perforated tray is 8 mm or less. (i) If a plurality of perforated trays are used at the same stage, the two most closely located holes that respectively belong to adjacent perforated trays are spaced by a distance of 50 mm to 150 mm, measured between the two centers.

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.

Abstract: A liquid collector for use in a vapor liquid contacting vessel such as a distillation column having bolted or otherwise fastened components wherein liquid leakage is ameliorated by a collector tray divided into three overlapping levels comprising a center sump, deck plates and riser hats.

Abstract: A tray column in which a deentrainment element or packing is provided between the trays, is further equipped with a preseparator, especially in the form of plates, structural shapes, foils and/or at least one grate, spaced above a mass transfer tray and improving the efficiency by allowing trays to be closer together and preventing the migration of foam or bubble layers above the tray.

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.

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.