Method and apparatus for collecting and redirecting liquid separated from a gaseous stream

Abstract

Apparatus and a method for collecting and redirecting liquid which has been separated from a gaseous process stream by inertial separation techniques such that the separated liquid and gaseous stream are flowing co-currently or counter-currently within the same process apparatus. The apparatus has liquid catch means, such as a flange, for catching the separated liquid and flow-through means, such as a flow-through opening in the flange, for simultaneously allowing the gaseous materials to flow, co-currently or counter-currently with the separated liquid, through and past the liquid catch means and downstream on to further processing equipment. The method comprises collecting the separate liquid phase by catching the separate liquid phase as it drips and flows down the inner wall of the process apparatus, while simultaneously allowing the gaseous materials to flow on, co-currently or counter-currently with the separate liquid phase, to further processing equipment, using the aforesaid apparatus.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method of collecting and redirecting liquid separated from a gas stream, and apparatus suitable for use in the method. Background technique [0002] Many chemical production processes generate or otherwise involve gaseous materials containing entrained liquid droplets. Depending on the particular process, the entrained liquid may include one or more impurities, or one or more unreacted starting materials (reactants), or any variety of other compounds. It is often beneficial to separate these entrained liquids from the gas stream. For example, when the entrained liquid is or contains corrosive substances, it may be desirable to separate and remove the entrained liquid before sending the gaseous material to other processing equipment in order to reduce or minimize corrosion of the equipment. Additionally, in some cases, entrained liquids can interfere with further processing of the gaseous material and must therefore ...

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Problems solved by technology

Additionally, the use of this device in some processing equipment can create unacceptable pressure drops

[0007] However, when the gaseous material and the separated liquid flow in the same direction, that is, when the gaseous material and the separated liquid phase flow in the processing equipment in substantially the same direction (such as vertically downward in a pipe, pipe, column or tube) after separation, it is impossible to pass The same method of placing vessels in the downstream path of the separated liquid phase is used to capture the separated liquid phase due to the possibility of affecting the gaseous material flow

Similarly, when the separated liquid phase impinges on and drips or flows downward on the interior surface of a processing device (such as a pipe, conduit, column, or tube) in which the gaseous material is mixed with the separated liquid When flowing in the opposite direction (i.e., in substantially the opposite direction to the separated liquid phase), if the separated liquid phase is captured by placing the vessel in the downstream path of the separated liquid phase by the methods described above, it will affect the reverse flow of the gaseous material through the processing equipment

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