A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation

Abstract

This application relates to a novel structured packing mechanism for distillation, installed inside a distillation column, comprising an upper structured packing assembly and a lower tray assembly. The upper structured packing assembly includes at least one set of packing units, each packing unit comprising a cylindrical support frame with a packing layer within the support frame. The packing layer consists of multiple parallel corrugated plates, with a gas phase channel formed between adjacent corrugated plates. The lower tray assembly includes at least one tray group, each tray group comprising two tray units. Each tray unit has a gas phase channel and a downcomer, with adjacent downcomers staggered. The upper structured packing assembly and the lower tray assembly are connected by a support rod, and the top of the support rod is detachably fixed to the top of the distillation column. This invention offers advantages such as high mass transfer efficiency, stable operation, strong adaptability, and ease of installation and maintenance, and is applicable to various distillation processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of distillation equipment technology, and in particular to a novel structured packing mechanism for distillation. Background Technology

[0002] In the distillation process, the structural design of the column internals directly affects mass transfer efficiency, operational stability, and energy consumption. Currently, traditional distillation column internals are mainly divided into two categories: structured packing type and tray type.

[0003] Structured packings, by increasing the gas-liquid contact area and enhancing the membrane phase mass transfer process, exhibit high mass transfer efficiency and low pressure drop, performing excellently in precision separation and the handling of heat-sensitive materials. However, they are highly dependent on the initial liquid distribution. When handling high-volume, high-viscosity materials or experiencing operational fluctuations, liquid channeling and flow deviation can easily occur, leading to a decrease in localized mass transfer efficiency. Furthermore, structured packings have limited operational flexibility, making them difficult to adapt to significant changes in operating conditions. Tray-type internals (such as valve trays and sieve trays) primarily utilize gas-liquid bubbling or jet contact, offering wide operational flexibility, high throughput, and strong anti-clogging performance, making them suitable for handling large flow rates of materials or systems containing particulate impurities. However, due to the limitations of the gas-liquid contact method, the theoretical number of trays is relatively small, resulting in relatively low mass transfer efficiency and a large pressure drop, making them unsuitable for scenarios requiring high-precision separation.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this application designs a structured packing and tray combination distillation column internals that are structurally sound, have high mass transfer efficiency, and offer stable operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model addresses the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by providing a novel structured packing mechanism for distillation. By optimizing the structure and connection method of the structured packing assembly and the tray assembly, the distillation process can be made efficient, stable, and energy-saving.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is mainly achieved through the following solution:

[0007] A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation, installed inside a distillation column, includes an upper structured packing assembly and a lower tray assembly.

[0008] The upper structured packing assembly includes at least one set of packing units. Each packing unit includes a cylindrical support frame. A packing layer is provided inside the support frame. The packing layer uses multiple parallel corrugated plates, and a gas phase channel is formed between two adjacent corrugated plates.

[0009] The lower tray assembly includes at least one tray group, each tray group includes two tray units, each tray unit is provided with a gas phase channel and a downcomer, and the two adjacent downcomers are staggered.

[0010] The upper structured packing assembly and the lower tray assembly are connected by a support rod, and the top of the support rod is detachably and fixedly connected to the top of the distillation column.

[0011] Preferably, the support frame includes a top support ring, a bottom support ring, and a side strip connecting the top support ring and the bottom support ring. The upper surface of the top support ring and the lower surface of the bottom support ring are both provided with pressure strips, and the support rod passes through the pressure strips and is fixedly connected to them.

[0012] Preferably, the corrugated plate makes an angle of 30-60° with the horizontal direction.

[0013] Preferably, the spacing between two adjacent corrugated plates is 10-30 mm.

[0014] Preferably, the surface of the corrugated plate is provided with a plurality of micropores, the diameter of which is 0.5-2 mm, and the micropores are evenly distributed on the corrugated plate.

[0015] Preferably, both the top support ring and the bottom support ring have a sealing ring on their outer sidewalls, and the outer sidewall of the sealing ring is in contact with the inner sidewall of the distillation column.

[0016] Preferably, the upper surface of the tray unit is provided with a groove, one side of the groove is provided with an opening communicating with a downcomer, the downcomer is vertically connected to the lower surface of the tray unit, and an overflow plate is provided in the groove at the edge of the opening, the overflow plate dividing the groove into a liquid collection tank and a downcomer.

[0017] Preferably, the gas phase channel on the tray unit adopts several through holes evenly distributed on the liquid collection tank.

[0018] Preferably, the lower surface of the overflow plate is in contact with the inner wall of the groove, and the upper surface of the overflow plate is lower than the top of the groove, and the lower surface of the upper downcomer is lower than the top of the groove in the lower tray unit.

[0019] Preferably, the support rod passes through and is fixedly connected to the tray unit, and a sealing ring is provided on the outer side wall of the tray unit, with the outer side wall of the sealing ring in contact with the inner side wall of the distillation column.

[0020] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] (1) In the upper section structured packing assembly of this utility model, the corrugated plate is at a certain angle to the horizontal direction and is provided with micropores. On the one hand, it increases the gas-liquid contact area, and on the other hand, the micropores can increase the liquid retention, prolong the gas-liquid contact time, and significantly improve the mass transfer efficiency. The lower section tray assembly adopts a staggered downcomer and gas phase channel structure, so that the gas and liquid can fully bubble and contact on the tray unit, forming a mass transfer synergy effect with the upper section structured packing assembly. Compared with a single internal structure, the overall mass transfer efficiency is more efficient.

[0022] (2) In this utility model, the downcomers of adjacent tray units are staggered and combined with the liquid collection tank and the downcomer tank to ensure that the liquid flows evenly between the tray units and avoids the flow deviation and flooding; the sealing rings set on the outer wall of the support frame and the tray unit prevent gas and liquid leakage and enhance the operational stability of the device under different working conditions.

[0023] (3) By setting up support rods, this utility model makes the upper section of the structured packing assembly and the lower section of the tower plate assembly firmly connected and easy to disassemble, which facilitates installation and maintenance; the overall structure is compact, which reduces manufacturing and installation costs while ensuring performance.

[0024] (4) This utility model combines the advantages of structured packing and tray, which can meet the requirements of high-precision separation and adapt to high load and fluctuating working conditions, and has strong adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the novel structured packing mechanism in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the upper and middle section structured packing assembly;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of the upper structured packing assembly in Example 2;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the lower section tray assembly of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tower plate unit in this utility model.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1-Upper structured packing assembly; 2-Lower tray assembly; 3-Corrugated plate; 4-Train tray unit; 5-Downcomer; 6-Support rod; 7-Top support ring; 8-Bottom support ring; 9-Side strip; 10-Pressure strip; 11-Sealing ring; 12-Groove; 13-Opening; 14-Overflow plate; 15-Liquid collection tank; 16-Downcomer tank; 17-Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the implementation of this utility model is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modifications and / or alterations made to this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Example 1

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model discloses a technical solution: a novel structured packing mechanism for distillation, installed in a distillation column, including an upper structured packing assembly 1 and a lower tray assembly 2.

[0033] The upper section structured packing assembly 1 includes at least one set of packing units. In this embodiment, a set of packing units is provided. The packing unit includes a cylindrical support frame. The support frame includes a top support ring 7, a bottom support ring 8, and a side strip 9 welded between the top support ring 7 and the bottom support ring 8. Multiple side strips 9 are uniformly arranged circumferentially along the axis of the support frame. A packing layer is provided inside the support frame. The packing layer uses multiple parallel corrugated plates 3, and a gas phase channel is formed between two adjacent corrugated plates 3.

[0034] The lower tray assembly 2 includes at least one tray group. In this embodiment, two tray groups are provided. Each tray group includes two tray units 4. Each tray unit 4 is provided with a gas phase channel and a downcomer 5, and the two adjacent downcomers 5 are staggered.

[0035] The upper structured packing assembly 1 and the lower tray assembly 2 are connected by support rods 6, and the top of the support rods 6 are detachably and fixedly connected to the top of the distillation column. In this embodiment, four support rods 6 are provided, which are located around the inside of the distillation column. The top of the distillation column is welded or bolted with a support plate (not shown in the figure), and the top of the support rods 6 are fixedly connected to the support plate at the top of the column by bolts.

[0036] The internal components of the distillation column are designed as a combination of an upper structured packing assembly 1 and a lower tray assembly 2, which fully leverages the advantages of efficient mass transfer of structured packing and the high operational flexibility of the trays. The gas phase channel formed by the corrugated plates 3 in the upper structured packing assembly 1 provides ample space for gas-liquid contact, enhancing the mass transfer effect. The staggered arrangement of downcomers 5 in the lower tray assembly 2 ensures uniform liquid flow between the tray units 4, avoiding flow deviation and flooding. At the same time, the upper and lower sections are connected by support rods 6, and the top of the rods can be detachably fixed to the top of the column, facilitating installation, disassembly, and maintenance, thus improving the practicality and flexibility of the unit. Example 2

[0037] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the upper surface of the top support ring 7 and the lower surface of the bottom support ring 8 are both welded with interlaced pressure strips 10 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the support rod 6 passes through the pressure strip 10 and is fixedly connected to it. The side wall of the support rod 6 can be provided with external threads, and the support rod 6 and the pressure strip 10 are fixed by a nut. The cooperation between the pressure strip 10 and the support rod 6 makes the installation and disassembly of the packing unit more convenient, and also enhances the structural strength of the entire structured packing assembly, ensuring that the packing unit will not be displaced or loosened under the impact of gas-liquid flow, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the distillation process.

[0038] Specifically, the angle between the corrugated plate 3 and the horizontal direction is 30-60°. This angle can guide the liquid to flow evenly along the surface of the corrugated plate 3, increase the gas-liquid contact area and contact time, and promote full gas-liquid mass transfer. Compared with corrugated plates set horizontally or vertically, this angle can effectively reduce liquid channeling phenomenon and improve mass transfer efficiency and separation effect.

[0039] Specifically, the spacing between two adjacent corrugated plates 3 is 10-30mm, which can ensure that the gas can pass smoothly through the gas phase channel and that the liquid can form a liquid film of appropriate thickness on the surface of the corrugated plate 3 to ensure sufficient gas-liquid contact. This spacing avoids the problems of excessive gas phase resistance and increased risk of flooding due to too small a spacing, or insufficient gas-liquid contact and reduced mass transfer efficiency due to too large a spacing.

[0040] Specifically, the surface of the corrugated plate 3 is provided with multiple micropores (not shown in the figure), the diameter of which is 0.5-2 mm. The micropores are evenly distributed on the corrugated plate 3. The micropores enable the liquid to form more tiny droplets and liquid films in the packing layer, which greatly increases the gas-liquid mass transfer area and enhances the mass transfer process. At the same time, the presence of micropores can also play a certain role in disturbing the flow of liquid, breaking the liquid film boundary layer, promoting the exchange of substances between gas and liquid, thereby significantly improving the separation efficiency of distillation.

[0041] Specifically, a sealing ring 11 is bonded to the outer wall of both the top support ring 7 and the bottom support ring 8. The outer wall of the sealing ring 11 is in contact with the inner wall of the distillation column. The sealing ring 11 is made of rubber, which effectively prevents gas and liquid leakage between the packing unit and the column wall, avoids the problem of decreased mass transfer efficiency and poor distillation effect caused by leakage, improves the stability and reliability of the unit operation, and also reduces material loss and environmental pollution risks. Example 3

[0042] like Figure 4 , 5As shown, the difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 is that a groove 12 is coaxially formed on the upper surface of the tray unit 4, and an opening 13 communicating with the downcomer 5 is provided on one side of the groove 12. The downcomer 5 is vertically welded to the lower surface of the tray unit 4, and an overflow plate 14 is welded to the edge of the opening 13 in the groove 12. The overflow plate 14 divides the groove 12 into a liquid collection tank 15 and a downcomer 16. With the downcomer 5, the orderly flow and uniform distribution of liquid on the tray unit 4 are achieved. The liquid collection tank 15 collects the liquid flowing down from the upper tray unit 4. The liquid level is controlled by the overflow plate 14, so that the liquid flows smoothly into the downcomer 16 and into the downcomer 5, avoiding the accumulation and splashing of liquid on the tray. This ensures that the gas and liquid can fully contact and carry out the mass and heat transfer process on the tray, improving the mass transfer efficiency and operational stability of the tray.

[0043] Specifically, the gas phase channel on the tray unit 4 uses several through holes 17 evenly distributed on the liquid collection tank 15, so that the rising gas can pass through the liquid layer in the liquid collection tank 15 evenly, forming a large number of tiny bubbles, increasing the gas-liquid contact area, and enhancing the gas-liquid mass transfer effect.

[0044] Specifically, the lower surface of the overflow plate 14 is in contact with the inner wall of the groove 12, and the upper surface of the overflow plate 14 is lower than the top of the groove 12. The lower surface of the upper downcomer 5 is lower than the top of the groove 12 in the lower tray unit 4, ensuring smooth flow and stable transfer of liquid between trays. The upper surface of the overflow plate 14 is lower than the top of the groove 12, ensuring that liquid can overflow smoothly into the downcomer 16. The lower surface of the upper downcomer 5 is lower than the top of the groove 12 in the lower tray unit 4, preventing liquid from splashing or backflowing during the downcomer process. This ensures orderly flow of liquid between trays, maintains the stability of tray operation, and avoids problems such as flooding or decreased mass transfer efficiency caused by poor liquid flow.

[0045] Specifically, the support rod 6 passes through the tray unit 4 and is fixedly connected to it. The side wall of the support rod 6 can be provided with external threads. The support rod 6 and the tray unit 4 are fixed by nuts. A sealing ring 11 is bonded to the outer side wall of the tray unit 4. The outer side wall of the sealing ring 11 is in contact with the inner side wall of the distillation column to prevent gas and liquid leakage between the tray unit 4 and the column wall.

[0046] This utility model provides a novel structured packing mechanism for distillation. During operation, the feed liquid enters from the top or middle of the column, and the gas phase enters from the bottom of the column. It first undergoes preliminary separation through the lower tray assembly 2. The gas phase rises through the through-hole 17 to the upper structured packing assembly 1, while the liquid phase flows downwards step by step through the downcomer 5. In the upper structured packing assembly, the gas and liquid are in full contact to achieve high-precision separation. This mechanism designs the internal components of the distillation column as a combination structure of the upper structured packing assembly 1 and the lower tray assembly 2, giving full play to the advantages of efficient mass transfer of structured packing and the high flexibility of tray operation, and is suitable for various distillation processes.

[0047] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A new structured packing mechanism for rectification, installed in a rectification column, characterized in that: The apparatus includes an upper structured packing assembly (1) and a lower tray assembly (2); The upper section structured packing assembly (1) includes at least one set of packing units. The packing unit includes a cylindrical support frame. The support frame is provided with a packing layer. The packing layer uses multiple parallel corrugated plates (3), and a gas phase channel is formed between two adjacent corrugated plates (3). The lower section tray assembly (2) includes at least one tray group, each tray group includes two tray units (4), each tray unit (4) is provided with a gas phase channel and a downcomer (5), and the two adjacent downcomers (5) are staggered. The upper structured packing assembly (1) and the lower tray assembly (2) are connected by a support rod (6), and the top of the support rod (6) is detachably fixed to the top of the distillation column.

2. The novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame includes a top support ring (7), a bottom support ring (8), and a side strip (9) connecting the top support ring (7) and the bottom support ring (8). The upper surface of the top support ring (7) and the lower surface of the bottom support ring (8) are provided with pressure strips (10). The support rod (6) passes through the pressure strips (10) and is fixedly connected to them.

3. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The corrugated plate (3) has an angle of 30-60° with the horizontal direction.

4. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spacing between two adjacent corrugated plates (3) is 10-30 mm.

5. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the corrugated plate (3) is provided with a plurality of micropores, the diameter of which is 0.5-2 mm, and the micropores are evenly distributed on the corrugated plate (3).

6. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer walls of the top support ring (7) and the bottom support ring (8) are each provided with a sealing ring (11), and the outer wall of the sealing ring (11) is in contact with the inner wall of the distillation column.

7. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the tray unit (4) is provided with a groove (12), and one side of the groove (12) is provided with an opening (13) that communicates with the downcomer (5). The downcomer (5) is vertically connected to the lower surface of the tray unit (4), and an overflow plate (14) is provided in the groove (12) at the edge of the opening (13). The overflow plate (14) divides the groove (12) into a liquid collection tank (15) and a downcomer tank (16).

8. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The gas phase channel on the tray unit (4) is provided by several through holes (17) evenly distributed on the liquid collection tank (15).

9. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower surface of the overflow plate (14) is in contact with the inner wall of the groove (12), and the upper surface of the overflow plate (14) is lower than the top of the groove (12), and the lower surface of the upper downcomer (5) is lower than the top of the groove (12) in the lower tray unit (4).

10. A novel structured packing mechanism for distillation according to claim 9, characterized in that: The support rod (6) passes through the tray unit (4) and is fixedly connected to it. The outer side wall of the tray unit (4) is provided with a sealing ring (11), and the outer side wall of the sealing ring (11) is in contact with the inner side wall of the distillation column.

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