Distillation tray having through holes with different diameters

Abstract

One or more trays for use in distillation columns and methods of manufacture of such trays. The trays include a plate having a plurality of through holes that extend between a first surface of the plate and a second surface of the plate. The plurality of through holes include a first set of through holes each having substantially a first diameter and a second set of through holes each having substantially a second diameter that is different from the first diameter. The trays also include a weir coupled to the plate and extending from the first surface. The weir is positioned between the first set of through holes and the second set of through holes.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 844,040, filed May 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to one or more trays for a distillation column, and, but not by way of limitation, to trays without downcomers. Background technique [0004] Distillation columns are used to separate a liquid feed mixture into its constituent parts. Distillation columns typically comprise one or more trays, such as perforated trays, through which liquid flows downward and vapor ascends during the separation process. These perforated trays include downcomers, which are conduits used to direct the flow of liquid from the upper tray to the lower tray and to allow vapor to pass from the lower tray to the upper tray. While such trays perform well during distillation, co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While such trays perform well during distillation, continuous use can cause problems

For example, the bottom of the trays may become fouled with rust and / or debris and after cleaning, may physically fall off during use

Additionally, tray design for high liquid loading processes such as C3 cracking, isomer separation, or deisobutanizers is challenging because tray fouling is often rate limiting for distillation processes

Typical multi-channel trays used in such processes are complex and difficult to clean and inspect, resulting in long downtime for cleaning

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