Apparatus and process for efficiently producing structured cross-channel filler elements

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a structured cross-channel packing element for a column for mass transfer and / or heat exchange between a heavy fluid phase and a light fluid phase wherein the structured cross-channel packing element comprises at least two adjacent layers made of expanded metal sheet, each layer comprising an opening, at least two of the at least two layers are arranged in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the filler element and are in contact with each other such that there is provided therebetween an open space extending from one end of the at least two layers to an opposite end, and wherein the opening is surrounded by a separating element and separated from each other, and comprising a periodic deformation in which at least two of the at least two layers are arranged in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the filler element and are in contact with each other. At least one of the heavy fluid phase and the light fluid phase can flow therethrough; wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a stretcher for cutting and stretching a metal sheet into an expanded metal sheet, b) optionally, a calibration machine for rolling the expanded metal sheet produced in the stretcher (a) to a desired thickness, c) a sheet storage unit, d) a forming machine for forming the expanded metal sheet, a forming machine for forming the expanded metal sheet produced in the stretcher and optionally rolled in the optional calibration machine into an expanded metal sheet comprising periodic deformations; and e) a stacker for stacking expanded metal sheets comprising a periodic deformation into a structured cross-channel filler element, wherein the sheet storage unit is implemented such that it directly receives the expanded metal sheet produced in the stretcher and optionally rolled in the optional calibration machine and directly releases the expanded metal sheet to the forming machine.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for efficiently producing structured cross-channel packing elements of a column for mass and / or heat exchange between a heavy fluid phase and a light fluid phase. Background technique [0002] Structured packing elements are used in mass transfer columns such as, for example, fractionation columns, distillation columns, absorption columns, extraction columns or flue gas scrubbers. The structured packing elements are used to improve mass and / or heat transfer between at least two fluid phases having different densities, wherein the structured packing elements are typically operated in countercurrent flow. Whereas in distillation and absorption applications, the light phase is a gas or vapor, and the heavy phase is a condensate or liquid, during extraction, both phases are liquids with different densities. The structured filler element includes a plurality of distinct layers, each of which provide...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, since the expanded metal sheets each have a structured surface, the expanded metal sheets cannot be wound precisely "edge-to-edge"

Instead, individual expanded metal sheets arranged one above the other are displaced relative to each other, causing tension in the roll, which negatively affects further processing

Furthermore, due to the misalignment of the individual sheets, at least some parts of the individual sheets protrude from the sleeve, which easily leads to deformation of the protruding parts during transport

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