Gas-liquid contact apparatus
US7648128B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D3/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.