Distillation tray

Abstract

Distillation trays having improved efficiency and capacity are described. The improvements are achieved through a unique downcomer jet arrangement and bubble promoters that provide equal liquid distribution to all areas of the tray. The ratio of the open area of a contact zone, including a portion of a bubble promoter and an associated platform area, to the open area of a downcomer jet zone on an adjacent tray for distributing liquid to that zone is substantially the same across the tray.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 175,662, filed April 16, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Multi-downcomer trays are widely used in distillation columns for separating light hydrocarbons such as propane-propylene and ethane-ethylene due to their high capacity and ease of expansion.

[0004] Figures 1A to 1B A conventional design for a multi-downcomer tray 100 is shown. It consists of a platform 105 and end-sealed downcomers 110. The platform 105 has perforations 115. Figure 1B Two trays 100 and 125 are shown. A downcomer 110 extends across the column cross-section and is supported by a ring 145. The top of the downcomer 110 is open for receiving liquid from platform 105, and the bottom of the downcomer 110 has an opening for discharging liquid into the lower tray 125. The ring 145 is attached to the column wall 150. Platform 105 is supported by the downcomer 110 and the ring 145. The downcomer 135 of tray 125 is offset by 90 degrees from the downcomer 110 of tray 100. An anti-jump baffle 120 is present above the downcomer 110 of tray 100. Figure 1A (Not shown in the image). The tray 125 has a platform 130 containing a downcomer 135 and an anti-jump baffle 140.

[0005] The effective vapor-liquid contact area on tray 100 is 70% to 90% of the column's cross-sectional area. The remaining portion of the column's cross-sectional area is blocked by downcomer 110, tray support ring 145, and platform supports on the side of the downcomer (not shown). Furthermore, due to the higher liquid head and less vapor passing through this area, the tray areas receiving liquid on the lower tray 125 below the downcomer 110 of the upper tray 100 are less effective than those tray areas further away from the downcomer 110.

[0006] Current multi-downcomer trays offer numerous advantages. Long downcomer weir lengths provide the capacity to handle high liquid loads. The 90-degree rotation of the downcomers between adjacent trays allows for the use of trays in large columns without large-scale distribution of uneven liquids. End-capped downcomers provide ample free space for vapor-liquid flow, contact, and separation.

[0007] However, there is a desire for a tray with a higher capacity than existing multi-downcomer trays to increase throughput in existing columns. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The existing design of a multi-downcomer tray is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is one embodiment of the multi-downcomer tray of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An implementation scheme showing the relationship between the downcomer of one tray and the bubble promoter of an adjacent tray is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 An embodiment of the bubble promoter of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 An embodiment of the tray according to the present invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The trays are shown, with downcomers from adjacent trays displayed.

[0014] Figures 7A to 7B A multi-flow tray according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] As described in U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 707,029, filed December 9, 2019, entitled "Multiple Downcomer Trays," the capacity of current multiple downcomer trays is increased by expanding the effective area of ​​the trays used for vapor-liquid flow, contact, and separation; the entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference. The increased effective tray area is achieved by adding a bubble promoter to the tray platform, located below the downcomer of the upper tray. With the bubble promoter, the effective tray area can be increased by 10% to 30%. Furthermore, the area below the downcomer of the upper tray becomes more efficient due to the reduced liquid head at this location.

[0016] Adding a bubble promoter to the tray platform also increases the efficiency of the tray. The bubble promoter promotes uniform vapor and liquid flow and contact across the platform.

[0017] To further increase tray efficiency and capacity, the amount of liquid allocated to each contact zone should be proportional to the area of ​​the openings in the contact zone used for vapor flow. This has been achieved through a unique downcomer jet device combined with a bubble promoter.

[0018] To distribute liquid proportionally to the orifice area of ​​each contact zone, the downcomer has at least one first nozzle zone on one side of its bottom and at least one second nozzle zone on the other side of its bottom. The orifice area of ​​each nozzle zone is proportional to the orifice area of ​​the corresponding contact zone on the platform of the adjacent tray. A common example of a potentially problematic situation is when the bubble promoter is near the edge of the tray. In this case, the area on the platform adjacent to one side of the bubble promoter may differ from the area of ​​the platform on the other side of the bubble promoter. The orifice area of ​​the corresponding nozzle zone on the adjacent tray can be designed to address this difference by providing an appropriate orifice area for that nozzle zone.

[0019] For a tray with more than two downcomers, all bubble promoters adjacent to the column wall on one side, but not all bubble promoters, may have different orifice areas in the contact area on the two sides of the bubble promoters. Therefore, the nozzle areas on the two sides of the downcomers aligned with those bubble promoters on adjacent trays will have different orifice areas, such that the ratio of the orifice areas in the contact area on the two sides of the bubble promoters is substantially the same as the ratio of the corresponding orifice areas on the two sides of the downcomers.

[0020] For the middle bubble promoter, the platform area on both sides of each bubble promoter is the same, so the orifice area on both sides of the adjacent downcomer is the same.

[0021] Therefore, the ratio of the opening area of ​​the contact zone, including one side of the bubble promoter and the associated platform, to the opening area of ​​the downcomer nozzle zone aligned with one side of the bubble promoter on the adjacent tray is substantially the same across the tray.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention is a tray. In one embodiment, the tray includes: a perforated platform; a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers extending through the platform, each downcomer having at least one first nozzle region on a first side of its bottom and at least one second nozzle region on a second side of its bottom; a plurality of perforated bubble promoters located on the platform, each bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoters being positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle region and at least one second nozzle region on a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers on an adjacent tray, the adjacent tray being rotated 90 degrees from the tray; on the adjacent tray The opening area of ​​at least one first nozzle region is proportional to the opening area of ​​a first contact region of the tray, the first contact region being defined by a first side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region; the opening area of ​​at least one second nozzle region on an adjacent tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a second contact region of the tray, the second contact region being defined by a second side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region; and wherein the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle region to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle region of the adjacent tray is 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first contact region to the opening area of ​​the second contact region of the tray.

[0023] The associated plateau region depends on the location of the bubble promoter on the platform. Each associated plateau region extends in length from the edge of one side of the bubble promoter to the edge of the platform or from the edge of one side of the bubble promoter to the midpoint between two adjacent bubble promoters, and in width extends between two adjacent downcomers or between the downcomer and the edge of the platform.

[0024] In some implementations, the bubble promoter has an inverted V-shaped shape with a vertical end.

[0025] In some implementations, the length of the nozzle area on the first tray is less than the length of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or the width of the nozzle area on the first tray is less than the width of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or both.

[0026] In some implementations, the size of the perforations in the platform differs from the size of the perforations in the bubble promoter.

[0027] In some implementations, the spacing of the perforations on the platform differs from the spacing of the perforations on the bubble promoter.

[0028] In some implementations, the size of the perforation in the first nozzle region is different from the size of the perforation in the second nozzle region.

[0029] In some implementations, the shape of the perforation in the first nozzle region is different from the shape of the perforation in the second nozzle region.

[0030] In some implementations, the opening area of ​​the platform is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the platform, or the opening area of ​​one of the bubble promoters is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the bubble promoter, or both of the above.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention is a pair of trays. In one embodiment, the pair of trays includes: a first tray comprising: a perforated platform; a plurality of parallel grooved downcomers extending through the platform, each downcomer having a first nozzle region on a first side at the bottom and a second nozzle region on a second side at the bottom, wherein the downcomer is located at an edge of the first tray; a plurality of perforated bubble promoters located on the platform, each bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoter being positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle region and at least one second nozzle region on a plurality of parallel grooved downcomers on an adjacent tray; a second tray comprising: a perforated platform; a plurality of parallel grooved downcomers extending through the platform, each downcomer having a first nozzle region and a second nozzle region at the bottom; at least one perforated bubble promoter located on the platform, the at least one bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoter being positioned aligned with a first nozzle region and at least one second nozzle region on a plurality of parallel grooved downcomers on an adjacent tray; and at least one perforated bubble promoter located on the platform, the at least one bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoter being positioned aligned with a first nozzle region and at least one second nozzle region on a parallel grooved downcomer on an adjacent tray. A first nozzle area and a second nozzle area on a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers on an adjacent tray are aligned; a semi-bubble promoter is located on the edge of the second tray; wherein the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle area on the tray adjacent to the first tray to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle area is 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the average opening area of ​​the first contact area of ​​the platform of the first tray and the average opening area of ​​the second contact area of ​​the platform of the first tray to the average opening area of ​​the second contact area of ​​the platform of the second tray; wherein the first contact area of ​​the first tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform area, the first contact area of ​​the second tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter or a semi-bubble promoter and an associated platform area, the second contact area of ​​the first tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform area, and the second contact area of ​​the second tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter or a semi-bubble promoter and an associated platform area.

[0032] The associated plateau zones depend on the location of the bubble promoter and which tray it relates to. Each associated plateau zone extends in width from the edge of one side of the bubble promoter or the edge of the half-bubble promoter to the downcomer, and in length from one edge of the tray to the other.

[0033] In some implementations, downcomers are present on the edges of the two sides of the first tray.

[0034] In some implementations, semi-bubble promoters are present on the edges of the two sides of the second tray.

[0035] In some implementations, the bubble promoter has an inverted V-shaped shape with a vertical end.

[0036] In some implementations, the length of the nozzle area on the first tray is less than the length of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or the width of the nozzle area on the first tray is less than the width of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or both.

[0037] In some implementations, the size of the perforations in the platform differs from the size of the perforations in the bubble promoter.

[0038] In some implementations, the spacing of the perforations on the platform differs from the spacing of the perforations on the bubble promoter.

[0039] In some implementations, the size of the perforation in the first nozzle region platform differs from the size of the perforation in the second nozzle region.

[0040] In some implementations, the shape of the perforation in the first nozzle region is different from the shape of the perforation in the second nozzle region.

[0041] In some implementations, the opening area of ​​the platform is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the platform, or the opening area of ​​one of the bubble promoters is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the bubble promoter, or both of the above.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention is a mass transfer tower. In one embodiment, the mass transfer tower includes: at least two vertically spaced trays, each tray including: a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers extending through a platform, each downcomer having at least one first nozzle area on a first side of its bottom and at least one second nozzle area on a second side of its bottom; a plurality of perforated bubble promoters located on the platform, each bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoters of one tray being positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle area and at least one second nozzle area on the plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers of an adjacent tray, the adjacent tray being rotated 90 degrees; The opening area of ​​at least one first nozzle region on a first tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a first contact region on a second tray, the first contact region being defined by a first side of a bubble promoter and an associated platform region; the opening area of ​​at least one second nozzle region on the first tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a second contact region on the second tray, the second contact region being defined by a second side of a bubble promoter and an associated platform region; and wherein the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle region of the first tray to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle region is 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first contact region of the second tray to the opening area of ​​the second contact region.

[0043] In some implementations, the bubble promoter has an inverted V-shaped design.

[0044] Figures 2A to 2B An embodiment of the multi-downcomer tray 200 of the present invention is shown. It consists of a platform 205 and end-sealed downcomers 210. The platform 205 has perforations 215. An array of bubble promoters 260 (discussed in more detail below) is present on the platform 205, which are connected to the downcomers of the upper tray ( Figure 2B The tray 200 (not shown) is aligned. A downcomer 210 extends across the column cross-section and is supported on a ring 245. The ring 245 is attached to the column wall 250. An anti-jump baffle 220 is located above the downcomer 210 of the tray 200. Figure 2A (Not shown in the image). Tray 225 has a perforated platform 230 containing a downcomer 235 and an anti-jump baffle 240. For clarity, a portion of the anti-jump baffle 240 is not shown. The downcomer 235 of tray 225 is offset by 90 degrees from the downcomer 210 of tray 200. A bubble promoter 262 is present on platform 230.

[0045] In Figure 3 to Figure 4 The bubble promoter 262 is shown in more detail in the figure. Figure 3A An embodiment of a portion of multi-downcomer trays 200 and 225 is shown. A downcomer 210 extends across the cross-section of the tower via a platform 205 passing through tray 200. In this embodiment, the side of the downcomer 210 is vertical.

[0046] The platform 230 of tray 225 has perforations 265. A bubble promoter 262 with perforations 270 is present. (As shown) Figure 3A As shown, the bubble promoter 262 has an inverted V-shaped design. The bottom 295 of the downcomer 210 is partially open to allow liquid to flow downwards onto the bubble promoter 262.

[0047] Figure 3B Another embodiment of a portion of the multi-downcomer trays 200 and 225 is shown. In this embodiment, the downcomer 210 is sloped on the side below platform 205. The sloped side can be straight (as shown) or it can be curved.

[0048] Figure 4 A bubble promoter 400 is shown, which has perforated, sloping sides 405 and non-perforated vertical ends 410 forming an inverted V-shape (i.e., a tent shape). The two opposing non-perforated vertical ends 410 are parallel to the majority of the bubble promoters located in the middle of the tray, but may be non-parallel to some of the bubble promoters adjacent to the tower wall 250. Foam promoters with perforated trapezoidal sides or other shapes may also be used.

[0049] return Figures 2A to 2B Each bubble promoter 260 defines a region A (length L and width W of the bubble promoter 260) on a platform 205 located below the bubble promoter 260. The defined region A on the platform 205 has an opening. The opening can be a single hole or multiple holes. In some embodiments, the total opening area of ​​the defined region A is greater than or equal to 100% of the total opening area of ​​the bubble promoters in that defined region. Preferably, the total opening area of ​​the defined region A is greater than or equal to 120% of the total opening area of ​​the bubble promoters in that defined region.

[0050] The perforations 215 in platform 205 and the perforations 270 in bubble promoter 262 can have the same or different sizes, the same or different shapes, and the same or different spacing (number of perforations / area).

[0051] Figure 5An embodiment of a tray 500 with two downcomers is shown. The tray 500 has a platform 505 with two downcomers 510 and bubble promoters 515, 520, and 525. This platform 505 is divided into different platform regions 530, 535, 540, and 545 with different areas. There are three nozzle groups 550, 555, and 560. Each nozzle group 550, 555, and 560 has a first region A and a second region B. Nozzle regions 550A, 550B, 555A, 555B, 560A, and 560B correspond to the contact areas of adjacent trays.

[0052] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The tray 500 has a downcomer 510' (platform of the adjacent tray not shown) covering the adjacent tray immediately above it. The adjacent tray is rotated 90 degrees from the tray 500 such that the downcomer 510' is positioned on the tray 500 above the bubble promoters 515, 520. The nozzle region 550A' has a larger opening area than the nozzle region 550B' because the opening area of ​​half of the bubble promoters 515 and the associated platform region 545 is larger than the opening area of ​​the other half of the bubble promoters 515 and the associated platform region 540. The opening area of ​​the nozzle region 555B' is larger than the opening area of ​​the nozzle region 555A' because the opening area of ​​half of the bubble promoters 520 and the associated platform region 530 is larger than the opening area of ​​the other half of the bubble promoters 520 and the associated platform region 535. Nozzle region 560A' has a larger opening area than nozzle region 560B' because the opening area of ​​half of the bubble promoter 525 and its associated plateau region 545 is larger than that of the other half of the bubble promoter 525 and its associated plateau region 540. The opening areas of nozzle regions 550A', 550B', 555A', 555B', 560A', and 560B' are proportional to the opening areas of corresponding contact areas on adjacent trays, which include a side of bubble promoter 515 and its associated plateau regions 545, 540, a side of bubble promoter 520 and its associated plateau regions 535, 530, and a side of bubble promoter 525 and its associated plateau regions 545, 540. Furthermore, nozzle assembly 555 is larger than nozzle assemblies 550 and 560 because bubble promoter 520 and associated platform regions 530 and 535 are larger than bubble promoter 515 and associated platform regions 540 and 545, and bubble promoter 525 and associated platform regions 540 and 545.

[0053] Liquid from nozzle region 550A' is distributed to the contact area of ​​one half of the bubble promoter 515 and the associated platform region 545. Liquid from nozzle region 550B' is distributed to the other half of the bubble promoter 515 and the associated platform region 540. Liquid from nozzle region 555A' is distributed to bubble promoter 520 and the associated platform region 535. Liquid from nozzle region 555B' is distributed to the other half of the bubble promoter 520 and the associated platform region 530. Liquid from nozzle region 560A' is distributed to bubble promoter 525 and the associated platform region 545. Liquid from nozzle region 560B' is distributed to the other half of the bubble promoter 525 and the associated platform region 540.

[0054] The ratio of the perforation area on the contact area, which includes half of the bubble promoter and the associated platform area, to the perforation area of ​​the corresponding nozzle area on the downcomer on the adjacent tray across the tray is substantially the same.

[0055] Figures 7A to 7B A multi-flow tray assembly 600 with parallel downcomers is shown. As shown, tray 605 has a central downcomer 610 and two end downcomers 615. Tray 620 has two intermediate downcomers 625. Tray 630 has two intermediate downcomers 635 and has the same design as tray 620.

[0056] The nozzles are distributed along the length of the downcomer to distribute fluid to the lower trays. The length of the bubble promoter on the lower trays is the same as or slightly longer than the length of the downcomer nozzle section.

[0057] The full-tent bubble promoter 640 is located below the middle downcomer 635 of tray 630, and the bubble promoter 665 is located below the center downcomer 610 of tray 605. The half-bubble promoter 645 is located below the end downcomer 615.

[0058] The intermediate downcomer 635 has a first nozzle region 650A and a second nozzle region 650B. Liquid from the intermediate downcomer 635 is distributed through the first nozzle region 650A to a first contact region including a side portion 640A of the bubble promoter 640 and an associated platform region 655A, and through the second nozzle region 650B to a second contact region including a side portion 640B of the bubble promoter 640 and an associated platform region 655B.

[0059] Liquid from the central downcomer 610 is distributed to the full-tent bubble promoter 665 through a first nozzle area 660A and a second nozzle area 660B. The first contact area includes one side 665A of the bubble promoter 665 and an associated platform area 670A, and the second contact area includes the other side 665B of the bubble promoter 665 and an associated platform area 670B.

[0060] Liquid from the end downcomer 615 is distributed through the nozzle area 675 to the semi-bubble promoter 645 and the associated platform area 680.

[0061] The target ratio across the tray is substantially the same for the opening area of ​​the contact area including one side or half of the bubble promoter and the associated platform area 655A, and the opening area of ​​the corresponding nozzle area on the bottom of the upper downcomer. For example, the ratio of the opening area of ​​the contact area including one side of the bubble promoter 640A and the associated platform area 655A to the opening area of ​​the nozzle area 650A is 0.95 to 1.05 times that of the ratio of the opening area of ​​the contact area including one side of the bubble promoter 640B and the associated platform area 655B to the opening area of ​​the nozzle area 650B. When the opening areas of the vertically aligned contact areas on adjacent trays are different, the average opening area of ​​the two contact areas can be used to determine the opening area of ​​the nozzle area above the two trays. For example, the opening area of ​​a side of the bubble promoter 640B and the associated plateau region 655B on the first tray may be different from the opening area of ​​the half-bubble promoter 645 and the associated plateau region 680 on the second tray, and the average of the opening areas of the two contact areas may be used to determine the opening area of ​​the nozzle region 650B.

[0062] Figures 7A to 7B This diagram illustrates a multi-flow tray arrangement. The same design method, applying the ratio of the orifice area of ​​the downcomer nozzle region to the orifice area of ​​the contact region between adjacent trays, can be applied to other multi-flow tray arrangements with "n" downcomers on one tray and "n+1" downcomers on adjacent trays, where n = 1, 2 (e.g., ...). Figures 7A to 7B (as shown), 3, etc.

[0063] The same design approach for the ratio of the opening area of ​​the downcomer nozzle region to the opening area of ​​the contact region of the adjacent tray can be applied to any other tray with a downcomer and a bubble promoter that are capped below the downcomer on the adjacent tray.

[0064] Specific implementation plan

[0065] While the following description is presented in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the description is intended to illustrate, and not limit, the scope of the foregoing description and the appended claims.

[0066] A first embodiment of the present invention is a tray comprising: a perforated platform; a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers extending through the platform, each downcomer having at least one first nozzle area on a first side of its bottom and at least one second nozzle area on a second side of its bottom; a plurality of perforated bubble promoters located on the platform, each bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoters being positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle area and at least one second nozzle area on a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers on an adjacent tray, the adjacent tray being rotated 90 degrees from the tray; adjacent The opening area of ​​at least one first nozzle region on the tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a first contact region of the tray, the first contact region being defined by a first side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region; the opening area of ​​at least one second nozzle region on an adjacent tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a second contact region of the tray, the second contact region being defined by a second side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region; and wherein the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle region to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle region of the adjacent tray is 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first contact region to the opening area of ​​the second contact region of the tray. One embodiment of the invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments described in the first embodiment to the preceding embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the bubble promoter has an inverted V-shaped shape with a vertical end. Another embodiment of the invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments described in the first embodiment to the preceding embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the length of the nozzle region on the first tray is less than the length of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or the width of the nozzle region on the first tray is less than the width of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or both. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the first embodiment of this paragraph to the preceding embodiments described in this paragraph, wherein the size of the perforations in the platform is different from the size of the perforations in the bubble promoter. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the first embodiment of this paragraph to the preceding embodiments described in this paragraph, wherein the spacing of the perforations in the platform is different from the spacing of the perforations in the bubble promoter. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the first embodiment of this paragraph to the preceding embodiments described in this paragraph, wherein the size of the perforations in the first nozzle region is different from the size of the perforations in the second nozzle region. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the first embodiment of this paragraph to the preceding embodiments described in this paragraph, wherein the shape of the perforations in the first nozzle region is different from the shape of the perforations in the second nozzle region.One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the first embodiment of this paragraph to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the opening area of ​​the platform is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the platform, or wherein the opening area of ​​one of the bubble promoters is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the bubble promoter, or both of the above.

[0067] A second embodiment of the invention is a pair of trays, the pair of trays comprising: a first tray including: a perforated platform; a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers extending through the platform, each downcomer having a first nozzle area on a first side of its bottom and a second nozzle area on a second side of its bottom, wherein the downcomer is located at the edge of the first tray; a plurality of perforated bubble promoters located on the platform, each bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoters being positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle area and at least one second nozzle area on the plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers on the adjacent tray; and a second tray including: a perforated platform; a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers extending through the platform, each downcomer having a first nozzle area and a second nozzle area on its bottom; and at least one perforated bubble promoter located on the platform, the at least one bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, the bubble promoter being positioned aligned with the plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers on the adjacent tray. The first and second nozzle regions on the tube are aligned; a semi-bubble promoter is located on the edge of the second tray; wherein the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle region to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle region on the tray adjacent to the first tray is 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first contact region to the opening area of ​​the second contact region of the first tray, or 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the average opening area of ​​the first contact region of the first tray and the first contact region of the second tray to the average opening area of ​​the second contact region of the first tray and the second contact region of the second tray; wherein the first contact region of the first tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region, the first contact region of the second tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter or a semi-bubble promoter and an associated platform region, the second contact region of the first tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region, and the second contact region of the second tray is defined by a side of the bubble promoter or a semi-bubble promoter and an associated platform region. One embodiment of the invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the preceding to the second embodiments of this paragraph, wherein downcomers are present on the edges of the two sides of the first tray. One embodiment of the invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the preceding to the second embodiments of this paragraph, wherein semi-bubble promoters are present on the edges of the two sides of the second tray. One embodiment of the invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the preceding to the second embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the bubble promoter has an inverted V-shaped shape with a vertical end.One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the second embodiment to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the length of the nozzle region on the first tray is less than the length of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or the width of the nozzle region on the first tray is less than the width of the bubble promoter on the lower tray, or both. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the second embodiment to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the size of the perforations in the platform is different from the size of the perforations in the bubble promoter. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the second embodiment to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the spacing of the perforations in the platform is different from the spacing of the perforations in the bubble promoter. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the second embodiment to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the size of the perforations in the first nozzle region platform is different from the size of the perforations in the second nozzle region. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the second embodiment to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the shape of the perforations in the first nozzle region is different from the shape of the perforations in the second nozzle region. One embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the second embodiment to the previous embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the opening area of ​​the platform is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the platform, or wherein the opening area of ​​one of the bubble promoters is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the bubble promoter, or both of the above.

[0068] A third embodiment of the present invention is a mass transfer tower comprising: at least two vertically spaced trays, each tray including: a plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers extending through a platform, each downcomer having at least one first nozzle region on a first side of its bottom and at least one second nozzle region on a second side of its bottom; a plurality of perforated bubble promoters located on the platform, each bubble promoter having a first side and a second side, wherein the bubble promoters of one tray are positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle region and at least one second nozzle region on the plurality of parallel trough-shaped downcomers of an adjacent tray, the adjacent trays being rotated. 90 degrees; the opening area of ​​at least one first nozzle region on the first tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a first contact region on the second tray, the first contact region being defined by a first side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region; the opening area of ​​at least one second nozzle region on the first tray is proportional to the opening area of ​​a second contact region on the second tray, the second contact region being defined by a second side of the bubble promoter and an associated platform region; and wherein the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle region of the first tray to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle region is 0.95 to 1.05 times the ratio of the opening area of ​​the first contact region of the second tray to the opening area of ​​the second contact region. One embodiment of the invention is one, any, or all of the embodiments described in the preceding to the third embodiments of this paragraph, wherein the bubble promoter has an inverted V-shaped shape.

[0069] Although no further detailed description has been provided, it is believed that those skilled in the art will be able to make full use of the invention by employing the foregoing description and will be able to readily identify the essential features of the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and to make various changes and modifications to adapt it to various uses and situations. Therefore, the foregoing preferred embodiments should be understood as illustrative only and not as limiting the remainder of this disclosure in any way, and are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0070] In the foregoing, all temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius, and all portions and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A pair of trays, comprising: First tray (605), the first tray includes: Perforation platform; Multiple parallel trough-shaped downcomers (610) extend through the platform, each downcomer (610) having a first nozzle area (660A) on a first side of the bottom and a second nozzle area (660B) on a second side of the bottom, and wherein a downcomer (615) is present at the edge of the first tray; A plurality of perforated bubble promoters (640) are located on the platform, each bubble promoter (640) having a first side (640A) and a second side (640B), the bubble promoters (640) being positioned aligned with at least one first nozzle area (650A) and at least one second nozzle area (650B) on a plurality of parallel grooved downcomers (635) on an adjacent tray (630), wherein the adjacent tray is a second tray (620); The second tray (620) comprises: Perforation platform; Multiple parallel trough-shaped downcomers (625) extend through the platform, each downcomer (625) having a first nozzle area and a second nozzle area at the bottom; At least one perforated bubble promoter (665) is located on the platform, the at least one bubble promoter (665) having a first side (665A) and a second side (665B), the bubble promoter (665) being positioned to align with the first nozzle area (660A) and the second nozzle area (660B) on a plurality of parallel grooved downcomers (610) on an adjacent first tray (605); Half of the bubble promoter (645) located on the edge of the second tray (620); The ratio of the opening area of ​​the first nozzle region (650A) to the opening area of ​​the second nozzle region (650B) on the second tray (630) adjacent to the first tray (605) is 0.95 to 1.05 times the following ratio: (a) The ratio of the opening area of ​​the first contact area to the opening area of ​​the second contact area of ​​the first tray (605), or (b) The ratio of the average opening area of ​​the first contact area of ​​the first tray (605) and the first contact area of ​​the second tray (620) to the average opening area of ​​the second contact area of ​​the first tray (605) and the second contact area of ​​the second tray (620); and The first contact area of ​​the first tray (605) is defined by a side (640A) of the bubble promoter (640) and an associated plateau area (655A); the first contact area of ​​the second tray (620) is defined by a side or half of the bubble promoter (665) and an associated plateau area (670A, 680); the second contact area of ​​the first tray (605) is defined by a side (640B) of the bubble promoter (640) and an associated plateau area (655B); and the second contact area of ​​the second tray (620) is defined by a side (665B) of the bubble promoter (665) or half of the bubble promoter (645) and an associated plateau area (670B, 680). The bubble promoter described therein has an inverted V-shaped shape with a vertical end.

2. The pair of trays according to claim 1, wherein each associated platform region extends in width from the edge of one side of the bubble promoter or half the edge of the bubble promoter to the downcomer, and in length from one edge of the tray to the other edge.

3. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the nozzle region (650A, 650B) on the first tray is less than the length of the bubble promoter on the lower second tray, or the width of the nozzle region (650A, 650B) on the first tray is less than the width of the bubble promoter on the lower second tray, or both of the above.

4. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the perforation size of the platform (505) is different from the perforation size of the bubble promoter.

5. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing of the perforations in the platform (505) is different from the spacing of the perforations in the bubble promoter.

6. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the size of the perforation in the first nozzle region (650A, 660A) is different from the size of the perforation in the second nozzle region (650B, 660B).

7. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the perforation in the first nozzle region (650A, 660A) is different from the shape of the perforation in the second nozzle region (650B, 660B).

8. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening area of ​​the platform is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the platform, or wherein the opening area of ​​one of the bubble promoters is in the range of 5% to 30% of the total area of ​​the bubble promoter, or both of the above.

9. The pair of trays according to claim 1 or 2, wherein downcomers (615) are present on the edges of the two sides of the first tray (605); or wherein half of a bubble promoter (645) is present on the edges of the two sides of the second tray (620); or both of the above.

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