An adjustable gas-liquid distributor

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of adjustable gas-liquid distributor, it is related to venturi type gas-liquid distributor technical field, including tower body, distributor is installed in tower body, the side of tower body is provided with feed inlet, distributor includes main shaft pipe, the both sides of main shaft pipe are threadedly connected with branch pipe, sealing ring layer is installed in the junction of branch pipe and main shaft pipe, the bottom of main shaft pipe and branch pipe is all set up opening, the front and back of branch pipe bottom are all set up chute, chute is horizontal, the side of branch pipe bottom close to chute is bolted with fixed strip, the utility model has realized stepless active regulation of flow area, substantially improves tower operation flexibility, by thermosensitive block drive fan-shaped folding piece, the effective flow area of each opening can be continuously adjustable above 15%-85% (adjustment ratio is greater than 1:10), completely get rid of the limitation that traditional fixed hole distributor can only adapt single working condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of pipe-type gas-liquid distributors, and in particular to an adjustable gas-liquid distributor. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of petrochemical, coal chemical, environmental desulfurization and denitrification, and fine chemical industries towards large-scale, variable-condition operation and high efficiency, increasingly higher requirements are being placed on the uniformity of gas-liquid distribution, load regulation capability, and long-term operational stability of gas-liquid distributors in packed towers. Especially under typical operating conditions with throughput fluctuations of 10%–150% and temperature variations of 20–80℃ (such as MDEA decarbonization towers, flue gas desulfurization towers, and distillation towers), gas-liquid distributors need to adapt in real time to significant changes in spray density and gas-liquid ratio to ensure that channeling, wall flow, or localized dry zones do not occur in the packing, thus avoiding a significant decrease in separation efficiency or absorption rate. Currently, the pipe-type gas-liquid distributor remains the most mainstream primary distributor form in packed towers with diameters of 0.8–14m due to its simple structure, low pressure drop, ease of processing, and minimal clogging. Its typical structure consists of a main pipe with multiple vertical or horizontal branch pipes with fixed small holes, relying on progressively enlarged orifice diameters for static pressure compensation.

[0003] However, existing pipe-type gas-liquid distributor technology still faces the following key technical challenges when dealing with variable operating conditions: 1. Fixed flow area, lacking active adjustment capability: Existing distributors all use a fixed aperture design, which can only achieve good uniformity under a single design condition. Once the actual liquid volume deviates from the design value by more than ±20%, serious flow deviation or insufficient liquid supply will occur, resulting in a 30%–70% decrease in the effective wetting area of ​​the packing, a significant reduction in mass transfer efficiency, and even mist entrainment or flooding, which greatly limits the operational flexibility of the tower.

[0004] 2. Sensitive to temperature (load) changes and unable to adaptively compensate: Industrial packed towers generally exhibit the objective law that "the higher the load, the higher the temperature inside the tower, and the greater the required spray volume." Furthermore, at high temperatures, the liquid viscosity decreases and the surface tension reduces, further exacerbating uneven flow distribution. Existing fixed-orifice distributors are completely unable to automatically adjust their opening according to temperature or load, resulting in chronic under-dispensing at the edges under high loads and over-spraying in the center under low loads. Uniformity fluctuates drastically with changing operating conditions, severely impacting the long-term stable operation of the unit. Therefore, an adjustable gas-liquid distributor is needed to solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an adjustable gas-liquid distributor.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an adjustable gas-liquid distributor, comprising a tower body, wherein a distributor is installed inside the tower body, a feed inlet is provided on one side of the tower body, the distributor includes a main shaft tube, and branch tubes are threadedly connected to both sides of the main shaft tube. A sealing ring is installed at the connection between the branch tubes and the main shaft tube, and openings are provided at the bottom of both the main shaft tube and the branch tubes. Sliding grooves are provided on the front and back sides of the bottom of the branch tubes, and the sliding grooves are transverse. A fixing strip is bolted to the side of the bottom of the branch tube near the sliding groove, and a moving strip is slidably connected to the other side of the bottom of the branch tube near the sliding groove. The moving strip and the sliding groove are mutually adapted.

[0007] Preferably, a fan-shaped folding member is installed between the moving strip and the fixed strip. The fan-shaped folding member is foldable and is initially unfolded.

[0008] Preferably, an arc-shaped plate is installed on one side of the branch pipe, the arc-shaped plate is in close contact with the side wall of the branch pipe, a thermal block is installed inside the arc-shaped plate, and push rods are connected to the top and bottom of the front of the thermal block.

[0009] Preferably, the end of the push rod is connected to the moving bar.

[0010] Preferably, the thermal block is a shape memory alloy or a composite thermal block filled with a shape memory alloy spring, which undergoes reversible deformation or elongation at a preset temperature.

[0011] Preferably, the opening is an oval or rectangular elongated hole, and the fan-shaped folding component is composed of at least one or more stainless steel or titanium alloy sheets that are hinged to each other. In the initial state, the fan-shaped folding component completely or nearly completely covers the opening, and the effective flow area is less than 15% of the opening area. In the high-temperature state, after the fan-shaped folding component is folded up, the effective flow area is greater than 85% of the opening area.

[0012] Preferably, the arc-shaped plate is made of a thermally conductive material, and only the front side of the arc-shaped plate is open.

[0013] Beneficial effects This invention achieves stepless active adjustment of the flow area, significantly improving the operational flexibility of the tower. Driven by a thermally sensitive block, the fan-shaped folding component allows for continuous adjustment of the effective flow area of ​​each opening from 15% to over 85% (adjustment ratio greater than 1:10), completely overcoming the limitation of traditional fixed-orifice distributors that can only adapt to a single operating condition. Even if the liquid volume fluctuates drastically within the range of 50% to 150% of the design value, the distributor can automatically match the corresponding opening degree, ensuring uniform spraying across the entire tower cross-section. The effective wetting area of ​​the packing is always maintained above 95%, eliminating mist entrainment and flooding caused by flow deviation, insufficient liquid supply, or over-spraying. This improves the operational flexibility of the tower by 2-3 times compared to traditional pipe-type distributors.

[0014] This invention achieves fully passive adaptive compensation based on temperature (load) changes, requiring no external energy source or actuator. Utilizing the common principle in industrial packed towers that "the higher the load, the higher the temperature, and the greater the required spray volume," a shape memory alloy thermistor is directly coupled to the temperature of the medium inside the tower. When the temperature rises, it automatically pushes the fan-shaped folding component to retract and the opening rapidly enlarges, preventing insufficient liquid at the edges under high loads. When the temperature decreases, it automatically resets and the opening decreases, avoiding over-spraying in the center under low loads. The entire adjustment process requires no electricity, gas source, or any external actuators, operating entirely passively. It achieves highly load-matched adaptive compensation while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs to zero, making it particularly suitable for large-scale petrochemical and coal chemical plants with long operating cycles and unattended operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the distributor of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the distributor of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a side view of the distributor of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the closed fan-shaped folding component of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fan-shaped folding component of this utility model when opened.

[0016] Legend: 1. Tower body; 2. Distributor; 3. Feed inlet; 4. Main shaft tube; 5. Opening; 6. Branch tube; 7. Slide groove; 8. Fixing strip; 9. Sealing ring layer; 10. Arc-shaped plate; 11. Push rod; 12. Moving strip; 13. Fan-shaped folding piece; 14. Thermal block. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical means, creative features, and achieved objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model is further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in the implementation plan without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific Implementation Example 1: Reference Figure 1-5 An adjustable gas-liquid distributor includes a tower body 1, a distributor 2 installed inside the tower body 1, a feed inlet 3 on one side of the tower body 1, a main shaft tube 4 included in the distributor 2, branch tubes 6 threadedly connected to both sides of the main shaft tube 4, a sealing ring 9 installed at the connection between the branch tubes 6 and the main shaft tube 4, openings 5 ​​at the bottom of both the main shaft tube 4 and the branch tubes 6, and sliding grooves 7 on the front and back sides of the bottom of the branch tubes 6, the sliding grooves 7 being transverse, a fixing strip 8 bolted to the side of the bottom of the branch tubes 6 near the sliding grooves 7, and a sliding strip 12 slidably connected to the other side of the bottom of the branch tubes 6 near the sliding grooves 7, the sliding strip 12 and the sliding grooves 7 being mutually compatible.

[0020] A fan-shaped folding member 13 is installed between the moving strip 12 and the fixed strip 8. The fan-shaped folding member 13 is foldable and is initially unfolded.

[0021] An arc-shaped plate 10 is installed on one side of the branch pipe 6. The arc-shaped plate 10 and the side wall of the branch pipe 6 are closely fitted. A thermal block 14 is installed inside the arc-shaped plate 10. The thermal block 14 is arc-shaped. Push rods 11 are connected to the top and bottom of the front of the thermal block 14. The thermal block 14 is restricted by the arc-shaped plate 10, so it can only expand forward. At the same time, a heating wire can be installed in the arc-shaped plate 10 to assist heating.

[0022] The end of the push rod 11 is connected to the moving bar 12.

[0023] The thermal block 14 is a shape memory alloy or a composite thermal block filled with a shape memory alloy spring, which undergoes reversible deformation or elongation at a preset temperature.

[0024] The opening 5 is an oval or rectangular elongated hole. The fan-shaped folding component 13 is composed of at least 3 or more stainless steel or titanium alloy sheets that are hinged to each other. In the initial state, the fan-shaped folding component 13 completely or nearly completely blocks the opening 5, and the effective flow area is less than 15% of the opening area. In the high temperature state, after the fan-shaped folding component 13 is folded up, the effective flow area is greater than 85% of the opening area.

[0025] The curved plate 10 is made of heat-conducting material, and only the front side of the curved plate 10 is open. Specific Implementation Example 2: Reference Figure 1-5 After the gas-liquid mixture or liquid enters the distributor 2 from the feed inlet 3 of the tower body 1, it first flows into the main shaft pipe 4, and then is distributed through the branch pipes 6 connected by threads on both sides of the main shaft pipe 4.

[0027] After the liquid establishes a certain level in the branch pipe 6, it tends to flow out from the opening 5 at the bottom of the branch pipe 6 under the action of gravity and static pressure. The opening 5 is an oval or rectangular elongated hole, and its effective flow area is controlled by the fan-shaped folding member 13.

[0028] In the initial low-temperature state, the thermal block 14 (a composite thermal block of shape memory alloy or internally filled with shape memory alloy spring) is in a contracted or flat state and does not generate forward thrust. At this time, the push rod 11 does not apply thrust to the moving strip 12, the moving strip 12 is located at the outermost position of the slide groove 7, the distance between the fixed strip 8 and the moving strip 12 is at its maximum, the fan-shaped folding piece 13 is fully pulled open and spread above the opening 5, almost completely blocking the opening 5, the effective flow area is only less than 15% of the opening area, and the liquid can only pass through a small amount through the tiny gaps of the fan-shaped folding piece 13, thus adapting to low-load and low-spray conditions.

[0029] When the temperature inside the tower rises or the load increases, the liquid or gas in the branch pipe 6 transfers heat through the pipe wall to the arc-shaped plate 10 (thermal conductive material). Since only the front of the arc-shaped plate 10 is open and the rest is in close contact with the outer wall of the branch pipe 6, it forms a semi-closed cavity, and the heat is quickly concentrated and transferred to the arc-shaped heat-sensitive block 14 inside the cavity.

[0030] After the thermal block 14 is heated to the preset phase change temperature, it undergoes reversible shape recovery or axial elongation. Due to the rigid constraint of the arc-shaped plate 10 on both the back and sides of the thermal block 14, it can only make effective displacement forward (i.e. towards the opening 5). The top and bottom push rods 11 on the front of the thermal block 14 move forward accordingly, and the ends of the push rods 11 directly push the moving strip 12 to slide along the transverse groove 7 towards the fixed strip 8.

[0031] As the movable strip 12 slides inward, the distance between the fixed strip 8 and the movable strip 12 shortens. The fan-shaped folding member 13 (composed of at least three interlocking stainless steel or titanium alloy sheets) then gradually folds from its unfolded state, rapidly reducing the area originally obstructing the opening 5 and continuously increasing the exposed area of ​​the opening 5. When the temperature is sufficiently high and the heat-sensitive block 14 has fully recovered or extended, the fan-shaped folding member 13 shrinks to its minimum volume, and the effective flow area of ​​the opening 5 reaches more than 85% of the opening area, allowing for a large flow rate of liquid to pass through, meeting the requirements of high-load, high-volume spray conditions.

[0032] When the temperature inside the tower decreases, the thermal block 14 cools down and returns to its low-temperature shape. The thrust disappears or contracts in the opposite direction. The moving bar 12 automatically resets to the outside along the slide groove 7 under the elasticity or gravity of the fan-shaped folding part 13. The fan-shaped folding part 13 re-spreads out to block the opening 5, and the effective flow area decreases again, realizing a completely passive adaptive adjustment without the need for external energy.

[0033] If accelerated response or forced adjustment is required under special circumstances, the thermistor block 14 can be electrically heated by the heating wire pre-embedded in the arc-shaped plate 10, so that it can quickly reach the phase change temperature and actively increase the effective flow area of ​​the opening 5.

[0034] The entire adjustment process relies solely on the mechanical linkage of the temperature-triggered thermosensitive block 14, push rod 11, moving bar 12, fan-shaped folding piece 13, slide groove 7, and fixed bar 8, without the need for any external actuators, thus achieving automatic, stepless, and reversible adjustment according to changes in tower temperature (load).

[0035] It should be noted that the thermal block 14 preferably uses a trained Ti-Ni or Ti-Ni-Cu shape memory alloy spring (wire diameter 0.8–1.5 mm, spring outer diameter 8–12 mm, and middle diameter that fits into the inner cavity of the arc-shaped plate 10), or multiple such shape memory alloy springs are connected in parallel and then encapsulated in heat-resistant silicone rubber / PTFE to form an arc-shaped composite block.

[0036] The austenite initiation temperature As of this shape memory alloy is set in the range of 45–70°C (those skilled in the art can customize it with the supplier according to the specific tower's operating temperature range, the most common being As=55°C, Af=65°C).

[0037] Within a temperature range of 55–75℃, a single spring can provide a stable reversible elongation of 6–12 mm, and the thrust of two springs connected in parallel is no less than 35–50 N, which is more than enough to overcome the slight friction of the fan-shaped folding piece 13 and drive the moving strip 12 to slide.

[0038] These memory alloy springs have a cycle life greater than 2×10⁻⁶ at temperatures below 75°C. 5 It has been used for more than 15 years (equivalent to continuous operation), and its corrosion resistance in common tower media such as amine liquid, slurry, and hydrocarbon is comparable to that of 316L. It has been operating stably for more than 3 years in multiple desulfurization, decarbonization, and distillation tower distributor renovation projects.

[0039] When using a potting composite block, the outer layer of silicone rubber or PTFE further isolates the medium, completely eliminating the risk of scaling and jamming.

[0040] The heating wire (optional) is made of Φ0.5mm nickel-chromium wire wrapped with a PTFE insulation layer. The power of a single hole does not exceed 3W. It is only used as an auxiliary means for starting at extreme low temperatures or for forced hole opening and is not powered on under normal circumstances.

[0041] In summary: 1. In this structural design, the functions of each component are clearly defined: the tower body 1 is the overall installation foundation, the feed inlet 3 is the medium inlet, the distributor 2 realizes the medium distribution through the main shaft tube 4 and the branch tube 6, and the opening 5 is the gas-liquid outflow channel; the sealing ring 9 ensures the seal, the sliding groove 7 provides a sliding track for the moving strip 12, the fixed strip 8 cooperates with the moving strip 12 to realize the unfolding and folding of the fan-shaped folding part 13, thereby controlling the effective flow area of ​​the opening 5; the arc-shaped plate 10 realizes efficient heat transfer, and the thermal block 14, as the temperature sensing core, converts thermal deformation into the driving force of the moving strip 12 through the push rod 11. All components work together to form a complete gas-liquid distribution and regulation system.

[0042] 2. In the initial low-temperature state, the thermal block 14 (a composite thermal block of shape memory alloy or internally filled with shape memory alloy spring) is in a contracted or flat state and does not generate forward thrust. At this time, the push rod 11 does not apply thrust to the moving strip 12. The moving strip 12 is located at the outermost position of the slide groove 7. The distance between the fixed strip 8 and the moving strip 12 is at its maximum. The fan-shaped folding piece 13 is fully extended and spread above the opening 5, almost completely blocking the opening 5. The effective flow area is only less than 15% of the opening area. Liquid can only pass through a small amount through the tiny gaps of the fan-shaped folding piece 13, thus adapting to low-load and low-spray conditions.

[0043] When the temperature inside the tower rises or the load increases, the liquid or gas in the branch pipe 6 transfers heat through the pipe wall to the arc-shaped plate 10 (thermal conductive material). Since only the front of the arc-shaped plate 10 is open and the rest is in close contact with the outer wall of the branch pipe 6, it forms a semi-closed cavity, and the heat is quickly concentrated and transferred to the arc-shaped heat-sensitive block 14 inside the cavity.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustable gas-liquid distributor, comprising a tower body (1), characterized in that: A distributor (2) is installed inside the tower body (1). A feed inlet (3) is provided on one side of the tower body (1). The distributor (2) contains a main shaft tube (4). Both sides of the main shaft tube (4) are threadedly connected to branch tubes (6). A sealing ring (9) is installed at the connection between the branch tube (6) and the main shaft tube (4). An opening (5) is provided at the bottom of both the main shaft tube (4) and the branch tube (6). A sliding groove (7) is provided on the front and back sides of the bottom of the branch tube (6). The sliding groove (7) is horizontal. A fixing strip (8) is bolted to the side of the bottom of the branch tube (6) near the sliding groove (7). A moving strip (12) is slidably connected to the other side of the bottom of the branch tube (6) near the sliding groove (7). The moving strip (12) and the sliding groove (7) are adapted to each other.

2. The adjustable gas-liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fan-shaped folding member (13) is installed between the moving strip (12) and the fixed strip (8). The fan-shaped folding member (13) is foldable and is initially unfolded.

3. An adjustable gas-liquid distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that: An arc-shaped plate (10) is installed on one side of the branch pipe (6). The arc-shaped plate (10) and the side wall of the branch pipe (6) are closely fitted. A thermal block (14) is installed inside the arc-shaped plate (10). The thermal block (14) is arc-shaped. Push rods (11) are connected to the top and bottom of the front of the thermal block (14).

4. An adjustable gas-liquid distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the push rod (11) is connected to the moving bar (12).

5. An adjustable gas-liquid distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thermal block (14) is a shape memory alloy or a composite thermal block filled with a shape memory alloy spring, which undergoes reversible deformation or elongation at a preset temperature.

6. An adjustable gas-liquid distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The opening (5) is an oval or rectangular elongated hole. The fan-shaped folding piece (13) is composed of at least 3 or more stainless steel or titanium alloy sheets that are hinged to each other. In the initial state, the fan-shaped folding piece (13) completely or nearly completely covers the opening (5), and the effective flow area is less than 15% of the opening area. After the fan-shaped folding piece (13) is folded up, the effective flow area is greater than 85% of the opening area.

7. An adjustable gas-liquid distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arc-shaped plate (10) is made of a heat-conducting material, and only the front side of the arc-shaped plate (10) is open.

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