A channel liquid distributor
By optimizing the baffle assembly of the trough-type liquid distributor, and adopting a stepped baffle and combined flow guiding structure, the problem of uneven liquid distribution under high load was solved, the orderly dissipation of fluid kinetic energy and stable control of the flow field were achieved, and the separation efficiency and stability of the equipment were improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EAST CHINA UNIV OF SCI & TECH
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing trough-type liquid distributors suffer from uneven liquid distribution and insufficient kinetic energy dissipation under high-load operating conditions, resulting in local concentration of fluid kinetic energy and affecting the separation efficiency and operational stability of the tower equipment.
By optimizing the baffle assembly, designing a stepped baffle structure and combined flow guiding structure, including baffle assemblies for the main channel and sub-channels, the liquid flow gap is gradually reduced. Through the cooperation of horizontal and vertical baffles, multi-stage forced energy consumption and flow field reconstruction are achieved, dissipating fluid kinetic energy and ensuring uniform liquid phase distribution.
It achieves effective dissipation of fluid kinetic energy and stable control of the flow field under high liquid volume conditions, improves the rapid and uniform distribution of liquid phase, and enhances the separation efficiency and operational stability of the tower equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN122209302A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of chemical equipment technology, and in particular to a tank-type liquid distributor. Background Technology
[0002] Liquid distributors are key internal components of tower equipment, and their distribution performance directly affects the hydrodynamic performance, mass transfer efficiency, and operational stability of the tower equipment. However, current trough-type liquid distributors exhibit significant performance degradation under high-load operating conditions (i.e., when the liquid flow rate per unit tower cross-sectional area is large), mainly in two aspects: On the one hand, the baffles, overflow weirs and other guiding structures in the trough liquid distributor lack optimization. When the liquid enters the main tank and sub-tanks of the distributor at high liquid volume, it has a large kinetic energy, which can easily generate impact, splash and eddy currents at local structures such as baffles and overflow weirs, resulting in uneven liquid distribution, with some areas having too much liquid and other areas having too little liquid. On the other hand, the flow guiding structure of the trough liquid distributor is usually designed for medium load. Under high liquid volume, the flow guiding capacity is insufficient, the residence time of liquid in the trough is unevenly distributed, and it is easy to form flow deviation or dead zone. In severe cases, it can also cause local flooding, significantly reducing the separation efficiency and operational flexibility of the tower equipment. To address these issues, researchers have attempted to improve distribution performance by increasing the overflow weir height, adjusting the orifice size, or adding damping plates. However, these methods often have trade-offs: simply increasing resistance can suppress liquid impact, but it reduces the guiding capacity and exacerbates liquid level fluctuations; while simply optimizing the guiding structure makes it difficult to control adverse factors such as high momentum and severe splashing under high liquid volumes. Therefore, how to achieve effective energy dissipation and rapid, uniform distribution of liquid under high volumes while ensuring a low pressure drop has become a technical challenge in the design of trough-type liquid distributors. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a trough-type liquid distributor. The baffle assembly is optimized so that the liquid flow gap between the separating baffle and the bottom of the trough gradually decreases with the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the main trough, forming a stepped baffle structure. This structure can buffer the liquid and, together with the horizontal and vertical baffles, form a multi-stage forced energy dissipation + flow field reconstruction. Through periodic flow obstruction and diversion, the initial flow is diverted, and the kinetic energy of the core fluid region is gradually disassembled and dissipated, avoiding the formation of local high kinetic energy regions. This allows the fluid kinetic energy to be consumed in a segmented and orderly manner, achieving effective dissipation of fluid kinetic energy, stable flow field control, and rapid and uniform liquid distribution under high liquid volume conditions.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: a trough-type liquid distributor, comprising a distributor body, the distributor body including a main trough and sub-troughs, the main trough being located below the sub-troughs, the main trough including a main cavity, the main cavity including a main trough inlet area and a main trough outlet area, the main trough outlet area being located above the main trough inlet area, the main trough inlet area having a main trough inlet, the main trough outlet area having a main trough outlet, and main trough baffle assemblies arranged sequentially along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the main trough inlet area, the main trough baffle assembly including a main trough partition baffle and a main trough combined flow guiding structure, with a main flow channel between adjacent main trough partition baffles for upward liquid flow. The system includes a first channel for the main channel; a first gap for horizontal liquid flow between the main channel partition baffle and the bottom of the main channel inlet area; the first gap for the main channel gradually decreases along the arrangement direction of each main channel baffle assembly; a sub-channel inlet is provided in the sub-channel inlet area, a sub-channel outlet is provided in the sub-channel outlet area, and the main channel outlet is connected to the sub-channel inlet; the main channel combined flow guiding structure includes at least one main channel transverse baffle and at least one main channel vertical baffle, a second channel for liquid flow between the main channel vertical baffle and the main channel partition baffle, and the main channel transverse baffle is located on the path of the upward-flowing liquid entering the second channel of the main channel.
[0005] In one embodiment, the main tank partition baffles are all vertically arranged within the liquid inlet area of the main tank.
[0006] In one embodiment, the top end of the total groove partition baffle in each total groove baffle assembly is higher than the top end of the total groove vertical baffle, and the bottom end of the total groove partition baffle is lower than the bottom end of the total groove vertical baffle.
[0007] In one embodiment, a second gap exists between the vertical baffle of the main tank and the bottom of the liquid inlet area of the main tank, and the second gap gradually decreases along the arrangement direction of each of the main tank baffle assemblies.
[0008] In one embodiment, it further includes an inlet pipe; the main tank includes two main cavities, and the main tank inlets of the two main cavities are connected to the inlet pipe; multiple main tank outlets are provided on both sides of the main tank outlet area, and each main tank outlet is connected to a sub-tank.
[0009] In one embodiment, the closer the sub-slot is to the inlet pipe, the longer the sub-slot.
[0010] In one embodiment, the dividing tank includes a dividing cavity, which includes a dividing tank inlet area and a dividing tank outlet area. The dividing tank outlet area is located above the dividing tank inlet area. The dividing tank inlet area is provided with a dividing tank inlet, and the dividing tank outlet area is provided with a dividing tank outlet. Dividing tank baffle assemblies are arranged sequentially along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the dividing tank inlet area. The dividing tank baffle assembly includes a dividing tank separating baffle and a dividing tank combined flow guiding structure. There is a first dividing tank channel between adjacent dividing tank baffles for upward flow of liquid. There is a first dividing tank gap between the dividing tank separating baffle and the bottom of the dividing tank inlet area for horizontal flow of liquid. The first dividing tank gap gradually decreases along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid. The dividing tank combined flow guiding structure includes at least one dividing tank horizontal baffle and at least one dividing tank vertical baffle. There is a second dividing tank channel between the dividing tank vertical baffle and the dividing tank separating baffle for liquid flow. The dividing tank horizontal baffle is located on the path of the upward flowing liquid entering the second dividing tank channel.
[0011] In one embodiment, the dividing baffle is vertically arranged within the liquid inlet area of the dividing tank.
[0012] In one embodiment, each of the sub-slots is provided with a plurality of sub-slot liquid outlets, which are arranged along the direction of horizontal liquid flow within the sub-slot.
[0013] In one embodiment, an overflow port is provided at the top of the dividing groove.
[0014] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: In this invention, the baffle assembly has been optimized. The baffle assembly includes a separating baffle and a combined flow guiding structure. The liquid flow gap between the separating baffle and the bottom of the tank gradually decreases with the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the main tank, forming a stepped baffle structure. This can buffer the liquid and form a multi-stage forced energy consumption + flow field reconstruction. Through periodic flow obstruction and diversion, the initial flow is diverted, and the kinetic energy of the core area of the fluid is gradually disassembled and dissipated, avoiding the formation of local high kinetic energy areas. This allows the fluid kinetic energy to be consumed in a segmented and orderly manner, effectively eliminating flow deviation, eddies and dead zones, and achieving effective dissipation of fluid kinetic energy, stable flow field control and rapid and uniform liquid distribution under high liquid volume conditions. The combined flow guiding structure includes horizontal baffles and vertical baffles. When the liquid flows from bottom to top in the liquid outlet area of the main tank, the horizontal baffles are set on the upward flow path of the liquid, which can buffer and divert the liquid to dissipate the liquid kinetic energy. The vertical baffles are also located on the upward flow path of the liquid, which can also divert and guide the liquid. This further realizes the segmented and orderly consumption of fluid kinetic energy, and achieves effective dissipation of fluid kinetic energy, stable control of the flow field, and rapid and uniform liquid distribution under high liquid volume conditions. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained by analyzing these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the trough-type liquid distributor in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the trough-type liquid distributor in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the trough-type liquid distributor in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the trough-type liquid distributor from a second perspective in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the trough-type liquid distributor from a third-view perspective in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the trough-type liquid distributor in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a side view of the main channel structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a side view of the slotted structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of one arrangement of the transverse partitions of the main channel in the main channel baffle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second arrangement of transverse partitions in the main channel baffle assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a comparison chart of experimental results and numerical calculation results under four liquid phase load conditions in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a graph showing the variation of the non-uniform distribution coefficient of the outlet section of two single-channel structures under seven different numbers of channel partition baffles in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 13 In the embodiments of the present invention, the main body of the distributor with two structures is 30m 3 / (m 2 ·h)~150m 3 / (m 2 ·h) The variation of the non-uniform distribution coefficient of the liquid phase under the operating condition.
[0017] Figure 14This is a graph showing the variation of the non-uniform distribution coefficient of the outlet section of the total channel structure under seven different numbers of total channel partition baffles in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 In an embodiment of the present invention, the total trough structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity vector calculation cloud map under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 16 In an embodiment of the present invention, the total trough structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution calculation cloud map under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 17 In an embodiment of the present invention, the total trough structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 ·h) Calculation cloud map of static pressure distribution under high liquid volume and high load conditions; Figure 18 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor without a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in the total tank under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 19 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor without a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in tank B under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 20 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor without a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in sub-tank A under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h) (d) Secondary tank C; Figure 21 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor without a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in tank C under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 22 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor with a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in the total tank under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 23 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor with a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in tank B under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 24In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor with a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in tank A under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 25 In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the distributor with a cooperative structure is 120m 3 / (m 2 Velocity distribution cloud map in tank C under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 26 The total channel structure without cooperative structure is at 120m 3 / (m 2 Calculation cloud map of velocity distribution under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 27 The total channel structure without cooperative structure is at 120m 3 / (m 2 Calculation cloud diagram of velocity vector under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 28 The total channel structure without cooperative structure is at 120m 3 / (m 2 Calculation cloud map of static pressure distribution under high liquid volume and high load conditions (h); Figure 29 It is 180m 3 / (m 2 h) Liquid level fluctuations in the spray density-type liquid distributor; Figure 30 These are structural diagrams of non-stepped and reverse-stepped arrangement of partition baffles; Figure 31 This is a diagram showing the liquid flow under non-stepped and reverse-stepped arrangement of baffles.
[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Main tank; 11. Main tank inlet; 12. Main tank partition baffle; 13. Main tank transverse baffle; 14. Main tank vertical baffle; 15. Main tank outlet; 2. Sub-tank; 21. Sub-tank outlet; 22. Overflow outlet; 23. Sub-tank partition baffle; 24. Sub-tank transverse baffle; 25. Sub-tank vertical baffle; 3. Inlet pipe.
[0019] Note: Figures 11 to 31 In China, only Figure 11 The experimental verification section uses the numerical calculation model with dimensions shown in Table 2 of this paper, which is a trough-type liquid distributor suitable for 190mm diameter tower equipment; the remaining numerical calculation results are as follows: Figures 12-31 Both calculations were performed using the geometric dimensions shown in Table 1, and are for trough-type liquid distributors suitable for 600mm diameter tower equipment. The numerical calculation models for the two trough-type liquid distributors have the same structure, and the dimensions are both proportionally 19:60.
[0020] Table 1 Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments analyzed and obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0022] The purpose of this invention is to provide a trough-type liquid distributor to solve the problems existing in the prior art. The baffle assembly is optimized so that the liquid flow gap between the separating baffle and the bottom of the trough gradually decreases with the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the main trough, forming a stepped baffle structure. This can buffer the liquid and form a multi-stage forced energy dissipation + flow field reconstruction. Through periodic flow obstruction and diversion, the initial flow is diverted, and the kinetic energy of the core fluid region is gradually disassembled and dissipated, avoiding the formation of local high kinetic energy regions. This enables the segmented and orderly consumption of fluid kinetic energy, achieving effective dissipation of fluid kinetic energy, stable flow field control, and rapid and uniform liquid distribution under high liquid volume conditions.
[0023] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: like Figures 1 to 31As shown, this embodiment provides a trough-type liquid distributor, including a distributor body. The distributor body includes a main trough 1 and sub-troughs 2, with the main trough 1 located below the sub-troughs 2. The layout of the main trough 1 below and the sub-troughs 2 above ensures that liquid entering the distributor body flows upward from the main trough 1 into the sub-troughs 2. The main trough 1 includes at least one main cavity, which includes a main trough inlet area and a main trough outlet area. Correspondingly, the main trough inlet area is also located below the main trough outlet area. The main trough inlet area has a main trough inlet 11, and the main trough outlet area has a main trough outlet 15. The main trough inlet 11 is located below the main trough outlet 15, allowing liquid to flow through the flow space within the main trough 1. Main trough baffle assemblies are arranged sequentially along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the main trough inlet area. The main trough baffle assembly includes a main trough partition baffle 12 and a combined flow guiding structure. There is a main trough first channel between adjacent main trough partition baffles 12 for upward liquid flow. There is a first gap between the main tank partition baffle 12 and the bottom of the main tank inlet area for horizontal liquid flow. The main tank partition baffle 12 is distributed in a stepped manner within the main tank 1, meaning that the first gap between the main tank partition baffle 12 and the bottom of the main tank inlet area gradually decreases along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid. The bottom of the sub-tank 2 has a sub-tank inlet for liquid entry, and the top of the sub-tank 2 has a sub-tank outlet 21 for liquid exit. The main tank outlet 15 is connected to the sub-tank inlet, buffering the liquid flow by flowing from bottom to top through the entire internal space of the main tank 1 and the sub-tank 2.
[0024] refer to Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, Figure 30 (A) is a non-stepped arrangement of the main channel partition baffles 12. Figure 31 (C) shows the liquid flow in the tank under a non-stepped arrangement. It is clear that although the non-stepped baffles can reduce the kinetic energy of the fluid in the distributor, they are not targeted enough and are prone to uneven liquid distribution and large liquid level fluctuations, resulting in extremely unstable liquid flow. Specifically, the non-stepped baffles are mostly single planes or simple structures, which can only play a single blocking role for the fluid. After the fluid hits the main tank partition baffle 12, the kinetic energy is only partially consumed at the moment of impact. The subsequent fluid tends to form a concentrated flow stream along the surface of the baffle, which cannot achieve uniform dissipation of kinetic energy. The fluid in some areas will still maintain a high flow velocity, forming a local high kinetic energy core area. At the same time, the single blocking structure is difficult to guide the fluid to form an orderly flow field. The liquid is prone to backflow, eddies and other phenomena in the main tank 1, which leads to uneven liquid distribution and large liquid level fluctuations. These situations not only affect the overall effect of kinetic energy reduction, but may also have an adverse effect on subsequent processes (such as heat exchange, reaction, separation, etc.).
[0025] The stepped baffles 12 of the main channel provide multi-stage forced energy dissipation and flow field reconstruction. Through their stepped, graded structure, the kinetic energy of the liquid flowing into the main channel from the inlet 11 is consumed in a segmented and orderly manner, while simultaneously reconstructing the fluid flow field. Each stage of the main channel baffles 12 forms an independent energy-dissipating unit. When the fluid flows through the first main channel baffle 12 in the main channel 1, it is blocked by that baffle, resulting in initial energy dissipation and a reduced flow velocity. Subsequently, as the fluid enters the area of the next main channel baffle 12, it is again blocked and impacted, further dissipating its kinetic energy while maintaining a relatively consistent energy dissipation across the main channel baffles 12. Through multi-stage circulation, the kinetic energy in the core fluid region is gradually disassembled and dissipated, preventing the formation of localized high-energy areas.
[0026] refer to Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, Figure 30 (B) is an inverted stepped arrangement of the main channel partition baffle 12. Figure 31 (D) illustrates the liquid flow within the tank under a reverse stepped arrangement; that is, the main tank partition baffle 12 gradually rises from one end of the inlet to the other (i.e., the first gap in the main tank between the main tank partition baffle 12 and the bottom of the main tank inlet area gradually increases along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid). This cannot achieve the same effect as the original structure and may even result in significantly unfavorable flow characteristics. The specific reasons and problems are as follows: After the stepped direction is reversed, a large amount of fluid will be intercepted at the first main tank partition baffle 12. After some liquid is intercepted by the first main tank partition baffle 12, because the height of subsequent main tank partition baffles 12 is not lower than the main tank partition baffle 12, a step-by-step guiding effect cannot be formed. The fluid can only continue to flow forward until it hits the end wall of the distribution tank before being significantly obstructed. The stepped inverted structure causes more liquid to be intercepted at the first main tank partition baffle 12, and the amount of liquid that can ultimately flow to the end wall of the distribution tank is less than... Figure 30 (A) Horizontal baffle structure. Under the condition of the same inlet flow velocity of the distribution channel. Figure 30 (B) Due to the first baffle intercepting more liquid, the local flow velocity increases significantly. During the upward flow of the fluid, its axial velocity is not fully converted into the vertical upward velocity component, which leads to flow deflection. At the same time, it is accompanied by problems such as high outflow velocity and reduced effective outflow area, which seriously affect the uniform distribution of fluid in the distribution channel.
[0027] The main channel combined flow guiding structure includes at least one main channel transverse baffle 13 and at least one main channel vertical baffle 14. A second channel for liquid flow is provided between the main channel vertical baffle 14 and the main channel partition baffle 12. The main channel vertical baffle 14 is parallel to the main channel partition baffle 12, ensuring unobstructed flow of liquid within the second channel. When liquid flows from bottom to top in the main channel outlet area, the main channel transverse baffle 13, positioned on the upward flow path, buffers and diverts the liquid. Similarly, the main channel vertical baffle 14, also located on the upward flow path, also diverts the liquid.
[0028] The transverse baffle 13 of the main tank is located on the path of the upward-flowing water entering the second channel of the main tank, that is, the transverse baffle 13 of the main tank is located below the middle position of the vertical baffle 14 and the partition baffle 12 of the main tank. When there are multiple vertical baffles 14 in the main tank, the number of transverse baffles 13 in the main tank also increases accordingly, so that the transverse baffle 13 of the main tank is set below the center position of the adjacent vertical baffles 14 and partition baffles 12 of the main tank, so that the transverse baffle 13 of the main tank buffers and diverts the liquid in the liquid outlet area of the main tank.
[0029] When there are multiple main tank vertical baffles 14, a third channel for the main tank is formed between adjacent main tank vertical baffles 14, through which liquid rises. After the main tank horizontal baffles 13 buffer and divert the liquid in the main tank inlet area, a portion of the liquid will pass between adjacent main tank vertical baffles 14 and then enter the sub-tank 2.
[0030] The main trough partition baffle 12 has two installation methods, see reference. Figure 9 As shown: One method involves providing a main channel partition baffle 12 below the second flow channel of the main channel in each main channel baffle assembly, where the main channel partition baffle 12 and the main channel vertical baffle 14 are located; Reference Figure 10 As shown: Another option is that, in addition to a main channel partition baffle 12 located below the second flow channel in each main channel baffle assembly, the main channel partition baffle 12 in the main channel baffle assembly and the main channel vertical baffle 14 in the adjacent main channel baffle assembly can also form a main channel second flow channel, and a main channel partition baffle 12 is also located below this main channel second flow channel.
[0031] In one embodiment of this example, the main tank partition baffle 12 is vertically arranged in the liquid inlet area of the main tank.
[0032] In one embodiment of this example, the shape of the main cavity is rectangular, and the main trough partition baffle 12 and the main trough vertical baffle 14 are both vertically arranged in the main trough and are arranged according to the flow direction of the horizontally flowing liquid in the main trough 1.
[0033] In one embodiment of this example, after the main groove partition baffle 12 and the main groove vertical baffle 14 are installed, the top of the main groove partition baffle 12 is higher than the top of the main groove vertical baffle 14, and the bottom of the main groove partition baffle 12 is lower than the bottom of the main groove vertical baffle 14.
[0034] In one embodiment of this example, there is a second gap between the main tank vertical baffle 14 and the bottom of the main tank inlet area. The second gap gradually decreases along the arrangement direction of each main tank vertical baffle 14. That is, like the main tank dividing baffle 12, the main tank vertical baffle 14 is also distributed in a stepped manner. The stepped distribution of the main tank vertical baffle 14 can divert the upward flowing liquid in the main tank outlet area.
[0035] In one embodiment of this invention, an inlet pipe 3 is also included, which is connected to the inlet of the main tank. The main tank 1 includes two main cavities, each of which has a main tank inlet area and a main tank outlet area. The main tank inlets 11 of the main tank inlet areas of the two main cavities are connected and share the same inlet pipe 3, that is, the main tank inlets 11 of the two main cavities are located at the ends of the two main cavities that are close to each other. The liquid in the separation tower enters the main tank 1 through the inlet pipe 3. Under the action of gravity, the liquid entering the main tank 1 first enters the bottom of the main tank 1. As more liquid enters the main tank 1, the liquid in the main tank 1 gradually flows from bottom to top into the sub-tank 2.
[0036] Multiple main tank outlets 15 are provided on both sides of the main tank outlet area. Each main tank outlet 15 is connected to a branch tank 2. The branch tanks 2 are located on both sides of the main tank 1, with the direction of horizontal liquid flow in the main tank 1 as the reference. After the liquid flows out of the main tank outlet 15, it enters the branch tank 2 through the branch tank inlet. Preferably, the main tank outlets 15 on both sides of the main tank outlet area are symmetrically arranged, so that the branch tanks 2 on both sides of the main tank 1 are also symmetrically arranged.
[0037] In one embodiment of this invention, the lengths of the dividing channels 2 at different locations are not the same. The closer the dividing channel 2 is to the inlet pipe 3, the longer its length; the farther the dividing channel 2 is from the inlet pipe 3, the shorter its length. This makes the shape of the distributor body approximately circular from a top view, to accommodate the circular cross-section of the separation tower. While adapting the distributor body to the shape of the separation tower, it is necessary to maintain a diameter approximately 0.9 times the diameter of the separation tower to ensure the distributor body effectively distributes the liquid.
[0038] In one embodiment of this example, the cross-sections of the main tank outlet 15 and the sub-tank inlet are both rectangular. When liquid flows from the main tank 1 to the sub-tank 2, it needs to turn at a near right angle through the rectangular connecting opening. This local turning will inevitably affect the smoothness of liquid flow, easily causing local velocity reduction, flow stagnation, or even local impact phenomena. Theoretically, this will adversely affect the initial uniformity of liquid inlet in sub-tank 2. However, if the rectangular inlet of the main tank outlet and the sub-tank inlet is optimized into a circular transition or a gentle slope guiding structure, the sub-tank 2 will be filled with liquid during normal operation, resulting in a larger overall mass and a corresponding increase in the size of the local structure and the complexity of the stress. This places higher demands on the overall rigidity and material strength of the distributor, increasing the difficulty of processing and manufacturing. On the other hand, the gentle slope guiding structure will significantly change the liquid incident angle and initial momentum distribution, potentially introducing additional flow field disturbances, making the liquid flow pattern in the main tank 1 and sub-tank 2 more complex, which is not conducive to subsequent flow field analysis and structural pattern summarization.
[0039] In one embodiment of this invention, the dividing tank 2 includes a dividing cavity, which comprises a dividing tank inlet area and a dividing tank outlet area, which are connected. Dividing tank baffle assemblies are arranged sequentially along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid within the dividing tank inlet area. Each baffle assembly includes a dividing tank partition baffle 23 and a dividing tank combined flow guiding structure. A first dividing tank channel for upward liquid flow exists between adjacent dividing tank baffles. A first dividing tank gap for horizontal liquid flow exists between the dividing tank partition baffle 23 and the bottom of the dividing tank inlet area, and this first gap gradually decreases along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid. The arrangement of the dividing baffle 23 is the same as that of the main dividing baffle 12. The dividing baffle 23 is also arranged in a stepped manner. The stepped arrangement can also make the impact of the liquid on the dividing baffle 23 even, so that each dividing baffle 23 is evenly impacted. While the dividing baffle 23 divides the liquid in the liquid inlet area, the arrangement of the dividing baffle 23 can also protect the dividing baffle 23.
[0040] The trough-type combined flow guiding structure includes at least one trough-type horizontal baffle 24 and at least one trough-type vertical baffle 25. The trough-type vertical baffle 25 is arranged along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid. The trough-type horizontal baffle 24 is located below the center of the trough-type dividing baffle 23 and the trough-type vertical baffle 25. The trough-type vertical baffle 25 is used to divert the upward flowing liquid in the liquid outlet area of the trough, and the trough-type horizontal baffle 24 is used to buffer and divert the upward flowing liquid in the trough 2.
[0041] A third channel can also be formed between adjacent dividing baffles 25 for liquid to pass through. After the dividing horizontal baffle 24 buffers and diverts the liquid entering the liquid outlet area of the dividing tank, a portion of the liquid will pass through the vertical baffles 25 between adjacent dividing tanks and finally be discharged through the liquid outlet 21 of the dividing tank.
[0042] The transverse baffle 24 of the dividing tank is located on the path of the upward-flowing water entering the second channel of the dividing tank. That is, the transverse baffle 23 of the dividing tank is located below the middle position of the vertical baffle 25 and the dividing tank partition baffle 25. When there are multiple vertical baffles 25, the number of transverse baffles 24 of the dividing tank also increases accordingly, so that the transverse baffle 24 of the dividing tank is set below the center position of the adjacent vertical baffles 25 and the dividing tank partition baffle 23, so that the transverse baffle 24 of the dividing tank buffers and diverts the liquid in the liquid outlet area of the main tank.
[0043] In one embodiment of this example, the slotted partition baffle 23 is vertically arranged.
[0044] In one embodiment of this example, after the slotting partition baffle 23 and the slotting vertical baffle 25 are installed, the top of the slotting partition baffle 23 is higher than the top of the slotting vertical baffle 25, and the bottom of the slotting partition baffle 23 is lower than the bottom of the slotting vertical baffle 25.
[0045] In one embodiment of this invention, a second gap exists between the vertical baffle 25 and the bottom of the dividing tank 2, and this second gap gradually decreases along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid. Similarly, like the dividing baffle 23, the vertical baffle 25 is also distributed in a stepped manner within the dividing tank 2. This stepped distribution of the vertical baffle 25 can also achieve the purpose of mitigating and protecting the dividing baffle 23.
[0046] The liquid outlet 21 of the dividing tank serves as a working flow channel to achieve a uniform distribution of the liquid phase in the separation tower within the dividing tank 2. To ensure uniform distribution, the liquid outlet 21 of the dividing tank is circular in shape. The circular liquid outlet 21 of the dividing tank allows the liquid to be distributed downwards in a uniform dripping form, making the distribution more uniform.
[0047] In one embodiment of this invention, when the inlet flow rate is too high, the outlet 21 of the dividing tank cannot discharge the liquid in time, or the liquid level in the dividing tank 2 is too high, an overflow port 22 is provided at the top of the dividing tank 2 to ensure the drainage capacity of the dividing tank 2. Excess liquid can be discharged in time through the overflow port 22, avoiding the continuous rise of the liquid level in the dividing tank 2, which could lead to flooding, uneven overflow, or turbulent flow, thereby ensuring a stable and controllable liquid distribution process. The overflow port 22 can also be used to quickly empty the residual liquid in the dividing tank 2 during the start-up, shutdown, cleaning, or commissioning phases of the device.
[0048] In one embodiment of this invention, the overflow port 22 can be provided as an opening on the top of the sub-slot 2; the overflow port 22 can also be directly used as the top cover of the sub-slot 2. This design of the overflow port 22 makes the sub-slot 2 a topless structure. The shape of the overflow port 22 should be based on the actual situation, and those skilled in the art can adjust it according to the actual situation.
[0049] In one embodiment of this invention, the structure and arrangement of the slot baffle assembly can be exactly the same as the structure and arrangement of the main slot baffle assembly.
[0050] Due to the required liquid handling capacity and to accommodate different lengths of the sub-tanks 23, the height of the rectangular connecting opening (sub-tank outlet 21) of the sub-tank 2 is proportional to the number of sub-tank outlets 21. Longer sub-tanks 2 have more sub-tank outlets 21, and their rectangular connecting openings are also taller. Specifically, when there are 10 sub-tank outlets 21, the height of the rectangular connecting opening (total tank outlet 15) between the sub-tank 2 and the main tank 1 is 6.33 mm; when there are 8 sub-tank outlets 21, the height is 5.07 mm; and when there are 4 sub-tank outlets 21, the height is 2.53 mm. Those skilled in the art can adapt the number of sub-tank outlets 21 and the height of the sub-tank 2 to meet various needs by adjusting the tank-type liquid distributor according to actual requirements.
[0051] To facilitate differentiation between the different sizes of the sub-tanks 2, in this paper, sub-tank A has 10 outlets 21 with a height of 31.7 mm; sub-tank B has 8 outlets 21 with a height of 30.4 mm; and sub-tank C has 4 outlets 21 with a height of 27.8 mm. (Reference) Figure 2 As shown, among tanks A, B, and C, tank A is closest to inlet pipe 3, tank C is furthest from inlet pipe 3, and tank B is located between tanks A and C. That is, the four tanks A are located in the middle, the four tanks C are located on both sides, and the four tanks B are located between tanks A and C.
[0052] The CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) method was used to analyze the flow field characteristics and distribution failure mechanism of traditional trough-type liquid distributors under high liquid volume. To address the problems that easily occur under high liquid load conditions, such as large liquid surface fluctuations, development of large-scale backflow vortices, disordered lateral momentum distribution, and sharp deterioration of outflow uniformity, a lateral baffle and symmetrical vertical guide vanes were added to the stepped baffle to construct a resistance-guide coordinated control unit. Through staged kinetic energy dissipation and static pressure redistribution, the flow field is ordered, which significantly improves the uniformity of liquid distribution and operational stability under high liquid load.
[0053] To facilitate understanding of the tank-type liquid distributor in this embodiment, a specific experimental example of a tank-type liquid distributor is disclosed: I. Distributor structural parameters, see Table 2 for details.
[0054] Table 2
[0055] The spacing of the main slot partition baffle 12 is set to 4.75mm, and the height is 9.5mm; the spacing of the sub-slot partition baffle 23 is 6.33mm, and the height is also 9.5mm.
[0056] A single main channel flow guiding assembly includes thirteen main channel partition baffles 12, fourteen main channel transverse baffles 13, and twenty-eight symmetrically arranged main channel vertical baffles 14. The main channel transverse baffles 13 are positioned near the flow-facing side (the side facing the incoming liquid) of the main channel partition baffles 12, 0.32 mm from the side edge of the main channel partition baffles 12; the top of the main channel transverse baffles 13 is 3.2 mm from the bottom surface of the main channel partition baffles 12, primarily used to suppress and dissipate the kinetic energy of the fluid rising along the main channel partition baffles 12. The main channel vertical baffles 14 have a height of 3.2 mm, and their tops are 1 mm away from the tops of the main channel partition baffles 12. The two main channel vertical baffles 14 evenly divide the flow channel into three sub-regions, thereby guiding and stabilizing the flow path and enhancing the uniformity of the lateral distribution.
[0057] The number and design parameters of the slot partition baffles 23, slot transverse baffles 24 and slot vertical baffles 25 in the slotted flow guide assembly are the same as those in the main flow guide assembly.
[0058] Each compartment has a 7.9mm diameter outlet 21 on its side wall, spaced 15.8mm apart.
[0059] II. Photopolymerization 3D Printing Technology for Integrated Molding A DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printer with a light source wavelength of 405nm was used. The raw material was a chemically resistant photosensitive resin, exhibiting excellent resistance to alcohols, aromatics, and weak acids and alkalis. The layer thickness was set to 0.05mm, and the exposure time was 2.5s / layer to 4.0s / layer. After molding, uncured resin was removed by ultrasonic cleaning, followed by post-curing in a UV curing chamber for 30 minutes. The molding accuracy reached ±0.1mm, with all internal channels and microstructures formed in a single, seamless process. This eliminates the risks of seams, residual stress, and leakage associated with traditional distributors caused by welding, bolting, or gluing. Under high liquid volume impact, the one-piece molding structure exhibits better mechanical properties and fatigue resistance, avoiding blockage problems caused by weld corrosion or detachment. The 3D model optimized based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) can be directly imported into 3D printing equipment for rapid prototyping. The time from design to obtaining a physical prototype can be shortened to several days or even several hours, which facilitates cold model experimental verification and design iteration, and greatly accelerates the research and development process of new distributors.
[0060] III. CFD Calculations (CFD is short for Computational Fluid Dynamics) Before manufacturing, the following steps are used to perform resistance-guide flow synergy optimization: Modeling and Meshing: A 3D model of the distributor is established. All the main channel partition baffles 12, main channel transverse baffles 13, main channel vertical baffles 14, sub-channel partition baffles 23, sub-channel transverse baffles 24, and sub-channel vertical baffles 25 in the model use walls with no thickness to avoid interference caused by boundary effects. A polyhedral mesh is used to generate five boundary layer meshes in the wall area, each layer with a thickness of about 0.2 mm, the total thickness of the boundary layer is about 1 mm, and the total number of meshes is about 800,000.
[0061] Boundary conditions: The liquid phase is water with a density of 998 kg / m³. 3 The viscosity was 0.001 Pa·s; the gas phase was air. A Multi-fluidVOF (a multiphase flow numerical model in CFD, often called the multi-fluid volume fraction method) multiphase flow model coupled with an RNG·k-ε (Renormalization Group k-ε two-equation turbulence model) turbulence model was used to accurately calculate the gas-liquid interface, flow separation, vortex evolution, and pressure gradient distribution under different liquid volumes. The Multi-fluidVOF multiphase flow model was used, with the liquid inlet set as a velocity inlet boundary condition and the outlet as a pressure outlet boundary condition. The inlet flow rate was set to 30 m³ / s. 3 / (m 2 ·h)~120m 3 / (m 2 •h)(High load conditions).
[0062] Calculation results: at 30m 3 / (m 2 ·h)~120m 3 / (m 2 h) The mass flow rate results of each orifice of the liquid distributor under the spray density are as follows: Figure 11 The midpoint result is shown.
[0063] IV. Experimental Verification Based on the above optimization results, a physical distributor was manufactured and tested on a separation experimental tower (190mm diameter). High spray density of 120m³ was applied. 3 / (m 2 Under h), the flow rate of each distribution hole was measured by the collection method. The maximum relative deviation between the calculated results and the experimental results was 14.8%, and the average relative deviation was 5.1%, indicating that the numerical method used can reliably predict the flow characteristics of the distributor, thus verifying the accuracy of the numerical model.
[0064] The tank-type liquid distributor in this experimental example has the following beneficial effects: (1) By setting resistance elements (main tank partition baffle 12 and main tank transverse baffle 13, sub-tank partition baffle 23 and sub-tank transverse baffle 24) in the high liquid volume impact zone to dissipate liquid kinetic energy, and then guiding the liquid to flow in an orderly manner through downstream guiding elements (main tank vertical baffle 14 and sub-tank vertical baffle 25), the synergistic effect of "energy dissipation first, flow guidance later" is achieved. CFD results and experimental verification show that under high liquid volume conditions (e.g., spray density is 1.5 times that of traditional design load), the relative deviation of the outlet flow of each liquid distribution hole can be controlled within ≤5%, which is far better than traditional tank distributors (usually the relative deviation is >10% to 20%), effectively eliminating flow deviation, eddies and dead zones.
[0065] (2) This tank-type liquid distributor maintains stable liquid distribution performance across low, medium, and high load ranges. The resistance element has minimal impact on flow at low liquid volumes, while automatically dissipating energy at high liquid volumes. The main tank 1 and the sub-tank 2 provide orderly flow paths under all loads. Therefore, the distributor's operational flexibility (maximum / minimum spray density ratio) can be increased from 6 times that of traditional structures to more than 12 times, adapting to industrial scenarios with large fluctuations in raw material flow.
[0066] (3) The resistance elements in the main tank 1 and the sub-tank 2 are arranged in the high kinetic energy areas such as the feed impact zone and the inlet of the diversion channel. By setting the position reasonably, the large liquid flow is dispersed into uniform fine streams, which greatly reduces the local flow velocity of the liquid and reduces the fluctuation of the outlet liquid surface, thus creating stable inlet conditions for the uniform distribution of the liquid outlets 21 of each sub-tank.
[0067] (4) The trough-type liquid distributor is integrally formed using photopolymerization 3D printing technology, eliminating the risks of seams, residual stress, and leakage caused by welding, bolting, or gluing in traditional distributors. Under high liquid volume impact, the integrally formed structure has better mechanical properties and fatigue resistance, avoiding blockage problems caused by weld corrosion or detachment. The CFD-optimized 3D model can be directly imported into 3D printing equipment for rapid prototyping, shortening the time from design to obtaining a physical prototype to several days or even hours, facilitating cold model experimental verification and design iteration, and greatly accelerating the research and development process of the new distributor.
[0068] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
Claims
1. A trough-type liquid distributor, characterized in that: The device includes a distributor body, which comprises a main tank and sub-tanks. The main tank is located below the sub-tanks. The main tank includes a main cavity, which includes a main tank inlet area and a main tank outlet area. The main tank outlet area is located above the main tank inlet area. The main tank inlet area is provided with a main tank inlet, and the main tank outlet area is provided with a main tank outlet. Main tank baffle assemblies are arranged sequentially along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the main tank inlet area. The main tank baffle assembly includes a main tank partition baffle and a main tank combined flow guiding structure. There is a main tank first channel between adjacent main tank partition baffles for the liquid to flow upward. There is a first gap between the main tank partition baffle and the bottom of the main tank liquid inlet area for horizontal liquid flow. The first gap of the main trough in each of the main trough baffle assemblies gradually decreases along the arrangement direction; the sub-trough liquid inlet area is provided with a sub-trough liquid inlet, the sub-trough liquid outlet area is provided with a sub-trough liquid outlet, and the main trough liquid outlet is connected to the sub-trough liquid inlet; the main trough combined flow guiding structure includes at least one main trough transverse baffle and at least one main trough vertical baffle, and there is a main trough second channel for liquid flow between the main trough vertical baffle and the main trough dividing baffle, and the main trough transverse baffle is located on the path of the upward flowing liquid entering the main trough second channel.
2. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main tank partition baffles are all vertically installed within the liquid inlet area of the main tank.
3. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that: In each of the main channel baffle assemblies, the top of the main channel partition baffle is higher than the top of the main channel vertical baffle, and the bottom of the main channel partition baffle is lower than the bottom of the main channel vertical baffle.
4. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that: There is a second gap between the vertical baffle of the main tank and the bottom of the liquid inlet area of the main tank, and the second gap gradually decreases along the arrangement direction of each baffle assembly of the main tank.
5. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes an inlet pipe; the main tank includes two main cavities, and the main tank inlets of the two main cavities are connected to the inlet pipe; multiple main tank outlets are provided on both sides of the main tank outlet area, and each main tank outlet is connected to a sub-tank.
6. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The closer the dividing channel is to the inlet pipe, the longer the length of the dividing channel.
7. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dividing channel includes a divided cavity, which includes a dividing channel inlet area and a dividing channel outlet area. The dividing channel outlet area is located above the dividing channel inlet area. The dividing channel inlet area is provided with a dividing channel inlet, and the dividing channel outlet area is provided with a dividing channel outlet. Dividing channel baffle assemblies are arranged sequentially along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid in the dividing channel inlet area. The dividing channel baffle assembly includes a dividing channel separating baffle and a dividing channel combined flow guiding structure. There is a first dividing channel channel between adjacent dividing channel baffles for upward flow of liquid. There is a first dividing channel gap between the dividing channel separating baffle and the bottom of the dividing channel inlet area for horizontal flow of liquid. The first dividing channel gap gradually decreases along the horizontal flow direction of the liquid. The dividing channel combined flow guiding structure includes at least one dividing channel transverse baffle and at least one dividing channel vertical baffle. There is a second dividing channel channel between the dividing channel vertical baffle and the dividing channel separating baffle for liquid flow. The dividing channel transverse baffle is located on the path of the upward flowing liquid entering the second dividing channel.
8. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The dividing baffle is vertically installed within the liquid inlet area of the dividing tank.
9. The trough-type liquid distributor according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the sub-slots is provided with multiple sub-slot liquid outlets, which are arranged along the direction of horizontal liquid flow within the sub-slot.
10. The tank-type liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: An overflow port is provided at the top of the trough.