Process for phase separation

US5474688A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• UOP LLC · US

Inventors

• Brian W. Hedrick · Rolling Meadows, US
• Frank T. Micklich · Joliet, US
• Brian H. Johnson · Long Grove, US
• Daniel G. Meier · Kenosha, US
• Frank R. Whitsura · Schaumburg, US
• Bill R. Engelman · Schaumburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 31, 1994
• Grant date: Dec 12, 1995
• Expiry date: May 31, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D21/2416
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A separation process for improved separation of liquids containing finely divided suspended particles using multiple stacks of parallel angled interceptor plates which divide the separation vessel to provide an annular space between the parallel angled interceptor plates and the vertical wall of the separation vessel to thereby form an inlet manifold for the plates which manifold provides a uniform, uninterrupted flow to each stack of plates. The arrangement of plates also forms an outlet manifold which provides a uniform flow from each stack of plates and directs the liquid stream having a reduced level of finely divided suspended particles downward in the separation vessel to an exit in the lower end of the vessel. The feed liquid is introduced into the lower end of the separation vessel with an inlet distributor which initially directs at least a major portion of the feed liquid in a generally downward direction to effect a primary separation prior to being introduced into the stacks of parallel angled interceptor plates. The introduction of the feed liquid and the exit of the separated product streams from the lower end of the separation vessel balance the velocity heads on eit…