A fluid dispensing device and an adsorption column

Abstract

This invention proposes a fluid distribution device and an adsorption tower. The fluid distribution device includes at least two fluid distributors, each comprising an internal baffle, an external baffle, and two radial side plates. The internal and external baffles are connected to the two radial side plates to form a cavity. The cavity contains several fluid distribution units. Each fluid distribution unit includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and an upper swirl assembly, an intermediate baffle, and a lower flow stabilizing assembly arranged sequentially between the upper and lower plates. The swirl guide vanes in the upper swirl assembly utilize the kinetic and static pressure energy of the fluid entering the fluid distributor to transform the fluid flow pattern into a stable swirl, ensuring uniform mixing of the fluid on the upper side of the fluid channel. The swirl guide vanes guide the fluid, resulting in a smaller pressure drop compared to methods using multiple baffles or fluid orifice injection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of separation technology in petrochemicals, and particularly to a fluid distribution device and an adsorption tower. Background Technology

[0002] Solid particle simulated moving bed adsorption separation technology has advantages such as low investment, low energy consumption, easy scaling up, continuous operation, stable operation, high product purity, and high adsorbent utilization efficiency. In recent years, it has continued to develop and its application fields have continued to expand, including petrochemical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical fields.

[0003] The adsorption tower is the core equipment in solid particle simulated moving bed adsorption separation technology. Depending on the separation requirements, the adsorption tower is often divided into multiple solid particle beds along the axial direction, with a fluid distribution device installed between adjacent solid particle beds. The function of the fluid distribution device is to collect the fluid from the previous solid particle bed and then send it out of the adsorption tower through inlet and outlet pipes, or to thoroughly mix the fluid from the previous solid particle bed with the fluid entering the adsorption tower through the inlet and outlet pipes and then uniformly distribute it to the next solid particle bed. The performance of the fluid distribution device has a significant impact on the performance of the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and is a key piece of equipment in solid particle simulated moving bed adsorption separation technology.

[0004] Existing fluid distribution devices achieve uniform mixing by using multiple baffles or small-hole injection to collect, mix, and redistribute fluid, and uniform distribution by increasing the outlet resistance drop. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Existing fluid distribution devices require more deflections or higher injection velocities to achieve good mixing, but these often lead to excessive pressure drop. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a fluid distribution device to solve or partially solve these problems. The technical solution proposed in this invention is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention proposes a fluid distribution device, comprising at least two fluid distributors, each fluid distributor including an inner partition, an outer partition, and two radial side plates. The outer partition is arc-shaped. The inner and outer partitions are respectively connected to the two radial side plates to form a cavity. A plurality of fluid distribution units are disposed within the cavity. Each fluid distribution unit includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and, from top to bottom, an upper swirl assembly, an intermediate baffle, and a lower flow stabilizing assembly disposed between the upper and lower plates, wherein:

[0007] The upper plate and the lower plate are parallel, and each of the upper plate and the lower plate is provided with a plurality of flow guide holes;

[0008] A fluid channel is provided in the middle of the intermediate baffle;

[0009] The upper swirl assembly includes an upper baffle and at least two swirl guide vanes. The at least two swirl guide vanes are fixed to the middle baffle and are evenly arranged along 360 degrees with the center of the fluid channel as the center. The upper baffle is located above the fluid channel and is fixed to the at least two swirl guide vanes.

[0010] The lower flow stabilizing component includes at least two flow guide plates, which are fixed to the lower plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the cavity is provided with an intermediate partition and radial partitions. The two ends of the intermediate partition are connected to two radial side plates respectively, and the two ends of the radial partitions are connected to the outer partition and the intermediate partition respectively, so as to divide the cavity into three fluid distribution units with equal radial cross-sectional areas.

[0012] Furthermore, the swirl guide vane is arc-shaped, and the ratio of the inner arc diameter of the swirl guide vane to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel is between 0.1 and 10.

[0013] Furthermore, the at least two guide vanes are evenly arranged along the lower plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper baffle and the middle baffle are parallel to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the equivalent diameter of the upper baffle is larger than the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the lower flow stabilizing component also includes a lower baffle, which is located below the fluid channel and partially blocks the at least two guide plates.

[0017] Furthermore, the lower baffle and the middle baffle are parallel to each other.

[0018] Furthermore, the equivalent diameter of the lower baffle is larger than the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the ratio of the distance between the upper baffle and the lower baffle to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel is between 0.4 and 1.6.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the fluid distributors has the same radial cross-sectional area.

[0021] Furthermore, the at least two fluid distributors are arranged uniformly along a 360-degree angle.

[0022] Furthermore, the fluid distributor also includes inlet and outlet pipes, one end of which is connected to the upper plate and leads to the interior of the fluid distributor, and the other end leads to the exterior of the fluid distributor, for sending fluid out of the fluid distributor, or for transporting fluid from the exterior of the fluid distributor to the interior of the fluid distributor.

[0023] On the other hand, the present invention proposes an adsorption tower, including a cylindrical body, a plurality of solid particle beds, and the aforementioned fluid distribution device. The cylindrical body is provided with a central support along the axial direction, the plurality of solid particle beds are spaced apart inside the cylindrical body, and the fluid distribution device is provided between every two solid particle beds and is located between the central support and the inner wall of the cylindrical body.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention compared with the prior art are as follows:

[0025] This invention proposes a fluid distribution device in which swirling guide vanes can utilize the kinetic and static pressure energy of the fluid entering the fluid distributor to transform the fluid flow pattern into a stable swirling flow, making the fluid mix evenly on the upper side of the fluid channel. Furthermore, this swirling flow can promote the uniform distribution of the fluid after it passes through the fluid channel. The swirling guide vanes play a guiding role for the fluid, and compared with the method of using multiple baffles or fluid orifice injection, the fluid flow pressure drop is smaller. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fluid distribution device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid distributor in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid distribution unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the AA cross-section of the fluid distributor in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid flow direction in each fluid distribution unit of the fluid distributor in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the adsorption tower in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Among them, 300-fluid distributor, 1-upper plate, 2-lower plate, 3-upper swirl assembly, 31-swirl guide vane, 32-upper baffle, 4-middle baffle, 41-fluid channel, 5-lower flow stabilizing assembly, 51-guide plate, 52-lower baffle, 6-inlet and outlet pipes, 7-solid particle bed, 21-radial side plate, 22-middle partition, 200-central support, 24-outer zone, 25-inner partition, 26-inner zone, 27-radial partition, 28-outer partition, 100-cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] In this invention, the equivalent diameter is equal to four times the radial cross-sectional area divided by the perimeter of the cross-section. Equal radial cross-sectional areas mean that the differences between the radial cross-sectional areas are within 5%.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] This embodiment proposes a fluid distribution device placed between two layers of solid particle beds, combined with... Figure 1-3 As shown, the system includes at least two fluid distributors. Each fluid distributor includes an inner baffle 25, an outer baffle 28, and two radial side plates 21. The outer baffle 28 is arc-shaped. The inner baffle 25 and the outer baffle 28 are respectively connected to the two radial side plates 21 to form a cavity. The cavity is divided into several fluid distribution units. Each fluid distribution unit includes an upper plate 1, a lower plate 2, and an upper swirl assembly 3, an intermediate baffle 4, and a lower flow stabilizing assembly 5, which are arranged from top to bottom between the upper plate 1 and the lower plate 2.

[0037] The upper plate 1 and the lower plate 2 are parallel, and the upper plate 1 and the lower plate 2 are respectively provided with a plurality of flow guide holes.

[0038] A fluid channel 41 is provided in the middle of the intermediate baffle 4.

[0039] The upper swirl assembly 3 includes an upper baffle 32 and at least two swirl guide vanes 31. The at least two swirl guide vanes 31 are fixed to the intermediate baffle 4 and uniformly arranged 360 degrees around the center of the fluid channel 41. The upper baffle 32 is located above the fluid channel 41 and fixed to the at least two swirl guide vanes 31. The swirl guide vanes 31 utilize the kinetic and static pressure energy of the fluid entering the fluid distributor to transform the fluid flow pattern into a stable swirl, ensuring uniform mixing of the fluid from the upper solid particle bed and the fluid from the inlet / outlet pipes on the upper side of the fluid channel 41. This swirl promotes uniform distribution of the fluid after passing through the fluid channel 41. The upper baffle 32 effectively distributes the fluid entering from the upper plate 1, preventing the fluid from directly impacting the stable swirl induced by the swirl guide vanes 31, thus stabilizing the swirl.

[0040] The lower flow stabilizing assembly 5 includes at least two flow guide plates 51, which are fixed to the lower plate 2. In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the at least two guide plates 51 are evenly arranged along the lower plate 2.

[0041] The fluid distribution device proposed in this embodiment of the invention uses the swirl guide vane 31 to convert the flow pattern of the fluid into a stable swirling flow by utilizing the kinetic energy and static pressure energy of the fluid entering the fluid distributor. This allows the fluid to mix evenly on the upper side of the fluid channel 41, and the swirling flow can promote the uniform distribution of the fluid after passing through the fluid channel 41. The swirl guide vane 31 plays a guiding role for the fluid, and compared with the method of using multiple baffles or fluid orifice injection, the fluid flow pressure drop is smaller.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cavity is divided into three fluid distribution units, specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cavity is provided with a central partition 22 and radial partitions 27. The two ends of the central partition 22 are connected to two radial side plates 21, respectively. The two ends of the radial partitions 27 are connected to the outer partition 28 and the central partition 22, respectively, to divide the cavity into three fluid distribution units with equal radial cross-sectional areas. Figure 2 The diagram shows two external fluid distribution units 24 and one internal fluid distribution unit 26. The fluid distributor is internally divided into three fluid distribution units with equal radial cross-sectional areas, and each fluid distribution unit has an identical internal structure. The smallest unit of fluid flow remains the fluid distribution unit within a single fluid distributor block. The mixing and redistribution functions are also performed by the identical internal structure of the fluid distribution units, which helps to eliminate the scale-up effect of the adsorption tower. Of course, the cavity can also be divided into other numbers of fluid distribution units; the number of fluid distribution units is not limited to three.

[0043] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 As shown, the swirl guide vane 31 is arc-shaped, and the ratio of the diameter of the inner arc 313 of the swirl guide vane 31 to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel 41 is between 0.1 and 10. Due to this specific curvature of the swirl guide vane 31, the fluid will remain in a swirling flow after passing through the swirl guide vane 31, thereby ensuring that the fluid is fully and uniformly mixed.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the upper baffle 32 and the middle baffle 4 are parallel to each other. Parallelism means that the angle between the upper baffle 32 and the middle baffle 4 along their length (specifically, an angle less than 90°) does not exceed 5°. The parallelism between the upper baffle 32 and the middle baffle 4 can block the vertical impact of the fluid on the swirling guide vanes 31, ensuring the stability of the swirling flow.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the equivalent diameter of the upper baffle 32 is larger than the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel 41. In this way, the upper baffle can effectively block the direct impact of the fluid entering from the inlet / outlet pipe on the stable swirling flow induced by the swirling guide vanes 31 in the fluid channel 41.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lower flow stabilizing assembly 5 also includes a lower baffle 52, which is located below the fluid channel 41 to partially block the at least two guide plates 51. The lower baffle 52 can be fixed to the guide plates 51, although other methods can also be used for fixing. The lower baffle 52 prevents the fluid from directly impacting the next layer of solid particle bed. Preferably, the lower baffle 52 is parallel to the intermediate baffle 4. Parallelism means that the angle between the intermediate baffle 4 and the lower baffle 52 along their length directions (specifically, an angle less than 90°) does not exceed 5°.

[0047] In some embodiments, the equivalent diameter of the lower baffle 52 is larger than the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel 41. Thus, the lower baffle 52 can effectively block the direct impact of fluid entering from the fluid channel 41 below the lower baffle 52 on the stable swirling flow in the next layer of solid particle bed.

[0048] In some embodiments, if the diameter of the adsorption tower is large, such as Figure 2As shown, the fluid distribution device may include multiple fluid distributors, each with the same radial cross-sectional area. Each fluid distributor has a consistent shape and structure, facilitating mass production and avoiding the scaling-up effect that might occur due to inconsistent shapes. This is beneficial for the large-scale adsorption tower in which the fluid distribution device is placed. Specifically, the at least two fluid distributors are evenly arranged along a 360-degree angle, which makes the distribution effect more uniform and ensures more uniform mixing of the fluid before it reaches the next solid particle bed. Figure 1 As shown, there are 18 fluid distributors, evenly distributed in a 360-degree circle. The number of fluid distributors can be calculated based on the formulas of fluid mechanics in the prior art, taking into account the fluid flow pressure conditions. The distribution of other fluid distributors is similar to the above arrangement.

[0049] In some embodiments, the ratio of the distance between the upper baffle 32 and the lower baffle 52 to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel 41 is between 0.4 and 1.6. The ratio of the distance between the upper baffle 32 and the lower baffle 52 to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel 41 is an optimal ratio range calculated based on fluid dynamics, aiming to minimize the overall thickness of the fluid distributor while ensuring that the pressure drop and fluid distribution effect are not affected.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fluid distributor also includes an inlet / outlet pipe 6, one end of which is connected to the upper plate 1 and leads to the inside of the fluid distributor, and the other end leads to the outside of the fluid distributor, for sending fluid out of the fluid distributor, or for transporting fluid from outside the fluid distributor to the inside of the fluid distributor.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inlet / outlet pipe 6 is located above the upper baffle 32 and is not directly connected to the upper baffle 32. Because the inlet / outlet pipe 6 is not directly connected to the upper baffle 32, it can be installed after arriving at the site, facilitating transportation and on-site installation.

[0052] The working principle of this fluid distribution device is: combining Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the fluid converges from the upper plate 1 into the fluid distributor, and is fully mixed by the action of the upper baffle 32 and the swirling guide vane 31. Then it enters the fluid channel 41 and is sent to the lower flow stabilizing component. The upper baffle 32 can effectively distribute the fluid from the upper plate 1 and prevent the fluid from directly impacting the stable swirling flow caused by the swirling guide vane 31. The swirling guide vane 31 can use the kinetic energy and static pressure energy of the fluid entering the fluid distributor to transform the flow pattern of the fluid into a stable swirling flow, so that the fluid from the upper plate 1 is mixed evenly on the upper side of the fluid channel 41. This swirling flow can also promote the uniform distribution of the fluid after passing through the fluid channel 41. The fluid passes through the lower plate 2 of the fluid distributor by the action of the lower baffle 52 and the guide vane 51. In other words, the fluid distributor serves to gather the fluid into an area equivalent to the fluid channel 41 and cause the fluid to rotate and flow within that area. This produces a similar effect to the fluid being collected and mixed in a container with a stirring function, thus achieving a good fluid mixing effect. At the same time, the upper baffle 32 prevents the fluid entering from the inlet / outlet pipe 6 from directly impacting the swirling guide vanes 31, thus stabilizing the swirling flow. Since the swirling guide vanes 31 guide the fluid rather than deflect or inject through small holes, the pressure drop of the fluid flow is relatively small.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This invention provides an adsorption tower, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the device includes a cylindrical body 100, several solid particle beds 7, and the fluid distributor 300. The cylindrical body 100 is provided with a central support 200 along the axial direction. The several solid particle beds 7 are spaced apart inside the cylindrical body 100. The fluid distributor 300 is disposed between every two solid particle beds 7 and is located between the central support 200 and the inner wall of the cylindrical body 100.

[0055] The adsorption tower proposed in this embodiment of the invention has a fluid distributor that collects the fluid from the upper solid particle bed and sends the fluid out of the adsorption tower through the inlet and outlet pipes, or mixes the fluid with the fluid sent from the inlet and outlet pipes through the action of the upper baffle and the swirl guide vanes, and then sends it into the fluid channel to the lower flow stabilization component. The upper baffle can effectively distribute the fluid from the inlet and outlet pipes and prevent the fluid from directly impacting the stable swirling flow caused by the swirl guide vanes. The swirl guide vanes can use the kinetic energy and static pressure energy of the fluid entering the fluid distributor to transform the flow pattern of the fluid into a stable swirling flow, so that the fluid from the upper solid particle bed and the fluid from the inlet and outlet pipes are mixed evenly on the upper side of the fluid channel. Furthermore, the swirling flow can promote the uniform distribution of the fluid after passing through the fluid channel. The fluid is uniformly distributed before entering the surface of the next solid particle bed through the action of the lower baffle and guide plate. In this adsorption tower, the swirling guide vanes guide the fluid, resulting in a smaller pressure drop compared to methods using multiple baffles or fluid jets. The fluid distributor is divided into three fluid distribution units with equal radial cross-sectional areas, and each fluid distribution unit has the same internal structure. The smallest unit of fluid flow remains the fluid distribution unit within a single fluid distributor, and the same internal structure of the fluid distribution unit is used for mixing and redistribution, which helps to eliminate the scale-up effect of the adsorption tower.

[0056] In the detailed description above, various features are combined together in a single embodiment to simplify this disclosure. This approach to disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that embodiments of the claimed subject matter require more features than are explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the invention is presented with fewer features than all of the features in a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims are hereby explicitly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim representing a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0057] The foregoing description includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is certainly impossible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods in order to describe the above embodiments, but those skilled in the art will recognize that further combinations and arrangements of the various embodiments are possible. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the term "comprising" as used in the specification or claims is interpreted in a manner similar to the term "including," as interpreted when used as a conjunction in the claims. Additionally, the use of any term "or" in the specification of the claims is intended to mean "non-exclusive or."

Claims

1. A fluid distribution device, characterized in that, The system includes at least two fluid distributors, each comprising an internal partition, an external partition, and two radial side plates. The external partition is arc-shaped. The internal and external partitions are connected to the two radial side plates to form a cavity. The cavity contains several fluid distribution units. Each fluid distribution unit includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and, from top to bottom, an upper swirl assembly, an intermediate baffle, and a lower flow stabilizing assembly, arranged sequentially between the upper and lower plates. The upper plate and the lower plate are parallel, and each of the upper plate and the lower plate is provided with a plurality of flow guide holes; A fluid channel is provided in the middle of the intermediate baffle; The upper swirl assembly includes an upper baffle and at least two swirl guide vanes. The at least two swirl guide vanes are fixed to the middle baffle and are evenly arranged along 360 degrees with the center of the fluid channel as the center. The upper baffle is located above the fluid channel and is fixed to the at least two swirl guide vanes. The lower flow stabilizing component includes at least two flow guide plates, which are fixed to the lower plate.

2. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The cavity is provided with a middle partition and radial partitions. The two ends of the middle partition are connected to two radial side plates respectively, and the two ends of the radial partitions are connected to the outer partition and the middle partition respectively, so as to divide the cavity into three fluid distribution units with equal radial cross-sectional areas.

3. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The swirl guide vane is arc-shaped, and the ratio of the inner arc diameter of the swirl guide vane to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel is between 0.1 and 10.

4. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The at least two guide vanes are evenly arranged along the lower plate.

5. The fluid distribution device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper baffle and the middle baffle are parallel to each other.

6. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The equivalent diameter of the upper baffle is larger than the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel.

7. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The lower flow stabilizing assembly also includes a lower baffle, which is located below the fluid channel and partially blocks the at least two guide plates.

8. The fluid dispensing device of claim 7, wherein, The lower baffle is parallel to the middle baffle.

9. The fluid dispensing device of claim 7, wherein, The equivalent diameter of the lower baffle is larger than the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel.

10. The fluid dispensing device of claim 7, wherein, The ratio of the distance between the upper baffle and the lower baffle to the equivalent diameter of the fluid channel is between 0.4 and 1.

6.

11. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, Each of the fluid distributors has the same radial cross-sectional area.

12. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The at least two fluid distributors are evenly arranged along a 360-degree axis.

13. The fluid distribution device according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The fluid distributor also includes inlet and outlet pipes, one end of which is connected to the upper plate and leads to the interior of the fluid distributor, and the other end leads to the exterior of the fluid distributor, for sending fluid out of the fluid distributor or for transporting fluid from the exterior of the fluid distributor to the interior of the fluid distributor.

14. An adsorption column, characterized by The device includes a cylindrical body, a plurality of solid particle beds, and a fluid distribution device as described in any one of claims 1-13. The cylindrical body is provided with a central support along the axial direction, the plurality of solid particle beds are spaced apart inside the cylindrical body, and the fluid distribution device is provided between every two solid particle beds and is located between the central support and the inner wall of the cylindrical body.

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