Hub and spoke lateral assembly for fluid vessel

Abstract

Hub and spoke lateral assemblies and related methods of use that increase media utilization within filtration tanks and vessels. The hub and spoke lateral assemblies include one or more features that allow for flow arms to reside in close proximity to and substantially conform with an inner surface of a vessel, such as a vessel head or vessel floor so as to eliminate or reduce a gap between the flow arms and the vessel head or vessel floor and maximize the utilized media volume. The hub and spoke lateral assemblies can be utilized for both up flow and down flow conditions as well as with compressible (gas) and incompressible (liquid) fluid flows.

Description

[0001] HUB AND SPOKE LATERAL ASSEMBLY FOR FLUID VESSEL

[0002] RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 516,763 filed October 31, 2023, and entitled “HUB AND SPOKE LATERAL ASSEMBLY FOR FLUID VESSEL”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a hub and spoke lateral assembly for fluid handling in a media filled fluid vessel. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a hub and spoke lateral assembly that includes one or both of an upper and lower lateral assembly that are mounted to a central hub such that the upper and / or lower lateral assembly resides closely to and substantially conforms to a contour in a vessel headspace to maximize the utilized media volume within the fluid vessel.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] In various process applications, fluid vessels are filled with a desired media to filter, capture or entrain specific materials. Depending upon the application, this media can function in a filtration capacity to remove a contaminant from a process fluid. Alternatively, the media can function in a capture or concentration capacity to remove a desired material from the process fluid. When functioning in a capture of concentration capacity, the fluid vessel can be operated until the capture capacity of the media is reached or otherwise saturated, whereby the fluid vessel can then be backwashed to remove the desired material.

[0008] In conventional fluid vessels, there is generally some form of fluid distribution assembly proximate the upper and lower portions of the fluid vessel. Depending on the specific process and the mounting orientation of the fluid distribution assembly, there can be portions of the media located above and / or below the fluid distribution assemblies that is essentially unavailable to a backwash process whereby the desired material is recovered. As the media used in these process applications can be expensive, this presence of unused media within the fluid vessels is not desirable.

[0009] In view of the recovery inefficiencies that are inherent in conventional fluid vessels, it would be advantageous to improve upon current fluid distribution assemblies to reduce the presence of any unused media within a fluid vessel and increase the recovery capacity of the fluid vessel.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] As disclosed herein, embodiments of the present invention include hub and spoke lateral assemblies and related methods of use that increase media utilization within filtration tanks and vessels. Generally, the hub and spoke lateral assemblies include one or more features that allow for flow arms to reside in close proximity to and to substantially conform to an inner surface of a vessel head or floor so as to reduce any gap or space between the flow arms and the vessel head or vessel floor. The hub and spoke lateral assemblies can be utilized for both up flow and down flow conditions as well as with compressible (gas) and incompressible (liquid) fluid flow. The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a hub and spoke lateral assembly for mounting in a filtration tank or vessel. Generally, the hub and spoke lateral assembly can comprise one or both of a lower assembly mounted in proximity to a vessel floor and an upper assembly mounted in proximity to a vessel head. Generally, the vessel floor and the vessel head will define a dish-style configuration. In some embodiments, the lower assembly and the upper assembly are essentially identical structures that are mounted in opposed directions. Generally, each lower and upper assembly can comprise a central hub that is fluidly coupled to a lower flow pipe and an upper flow pipe respectively, wherein the direction of flow will dictate which flow pipe in an inlet pipe and which is an outlet pipe. A plurality' of flow arms are spaced apart and individually mounted around the central hub. Each flow arm can comprise a first arm segment and a second arm segment that are fluidly connected at an elbow. Each flow arm includes a plurality of apertures that allow flow into and out of the flow arm. Each flow arm further comprises an external screen member mounted over the flow arm such that media is prevented from entering the flow arm through the apertures. Generally, the elbow will be oriented toward the vessel surface, either the vessel floor or vessel head, such that there is little to no unutilized media located above or below the upper assembly and lower assembly respectively.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of eliminating areas of unused or underutilized media either above and-'or below fluid laterals. Generally, the method comprises mounting one or both of a lower lateral assembly and an upper lateral assembly to a lower vessel pipe and upper vessel pipe respectively. Mounting the lower lateral assembly and the upper lateral assembly can further comprise mounting a central hub to the lower vessel pipe and the upper vessel pipe respectively. The method can further comprise individually coupling a plurality of flow arms around the central hub wherein each flow arm comprises a first arm segment and a second arm segment that are coupled at an elbow. Coupling the flow arms about the central hub can further comprise positioning the elbow in proximity to the nearest vessel surface, for instance, a vessel floor for the lower lateral assembly and a vessel head for the upper lateral assembly such that the amount of media between the flow arm and the vessel surface is reduced.

[0014] The above summary’ is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a hidden side view of a vessel including a lower hub and spoke assembly and an upper hub and spoke assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a hidden, top perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of a lower hub and spoke assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom, perspective view of a central hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top, perspec tive view of the central hub of FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of the central hub of FIG. 4 with an access plate removed.

[0022] FIG. 7a is a side view of a flow arm according to an embodiment of the present invention with a pair of cylindrical screen members removed,

[0023] FIG. 7b is a side view of a flow arm according to an embodiment of the present invention with a pair of cylindrical screen members removed.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of the flow arm of FIG. 7 including the pair of cylindrical screen members.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view of the flow arm of FIG. 8.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective, end view of the flow arm of FIG. 8.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective, bottom view of the flow arm of FIG. 8 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 4.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view of the flow arm of FIG. 8 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a top, perspective view of hub and spoke assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a top, section view of a Iowrer hub and spoke assembly mounted in a vessel according to the embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a hidden, side view of the vessel of FIG. 14 including the lower hub and spoke assembly. FIG. 16 is a top view of a central hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the central hub of FIG. 16.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a top, perspective view of the central hub of Fig. 16.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a bottom, perspective view of the central hub of FIG. 16.

[0035] FIG. 20 is a side view of a flow arm according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 21 is an end view of the flow arm of FIG. 20.

[0037] FIG. 22 is top, perspective view of a pair of the flow arms of FIG. 20 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 16.

[0038] FIG. 23 is a side view of a pair of the flow arms of FIG. 20 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 16.

[0039] FIG. 24 is a top view of a pair of the flow arms of FIG. 20 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 16.

[0040] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of a pair of the flow arms of FIG. 20 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 16.

[0041] FIG. 26 is a hidden side view of a vessel including a lower hub and spoke assembly and an upper hub and spoke assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 27 is a top view of an upper hub and spoke assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 28 is a perspective top view of the upper hub and spoke assembly of FIG. 27.

[0044] FIG. 29 is a top view of a flow arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a perspective top view of the flow arm of FIG. 29.

[0045] FIG. 31 is a top view of the flow arm of FIG. 29 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 4

[0046] FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the flow arm of FIG. 29 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 4.

[0047] FIG. 33 is a top perspec tive view of the flow arm of FIG. 29 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 4.

[0048] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the flow arm of FIG. 29 coupled to the central hub of FIG. 4.

[0049] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contraiy, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The following detailed description of embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Embodiments disclosed herein include a hub and spoke lateral assembly that can be used within tanks or vessels to increase utilized media volume within the tanks or vessels. Such media can be used in a variety of processes, including but not limited to catalytic, molecular sieves, alumina drying, resin ion exchange, carbon filtering, and similar processes. Various fluids, including but not limited to liquid, gas, oil, water, etc., can be processed through the vessel. The vessel can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or in other orientations and configurations known in the art. The vessel can generally comprise a body and head portions coupled at opposite ends of the body to form a sealed interior vessel volume. The hub and lateral assembly can be disposed along and closely conform to an inner surface of upper and lower vessel heads so as to maximize media utilization and reduced areas of unused or unutilized media in the upper and lower vessel heads. Flow through the vessel is in either an up flow or down flow condition and can be a compressible (gas) or an incompressible (liquid) flow.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fluid processing vessel 50 generally comprises a cylindrical body 52 extending between a lower head 54 and an upper head 56. Generally, the lower head 54 defines a lower vessel surface 58 and an upper head 56 defines an upper vessel surface 60, wherein the lower vessel surface 58 and the upper vessel surface 60 define a lower arcuate profile 62 and upper arcuate profile 64 respectively. Generally, the lower head 54 and upper head 56 can include a lower flow pipe 66 and an upper flow pipe 68 respectively, The lower flow pipe 66 and upper flow pipe 68 can each function as either a flow inlet or flow outlet dependent upon whether fluid flow through the vessel 50 is in an upward or downward flow direction. Vessel 50 can be partially or completely filled with a desired filtration media 70.

[0054] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hub and spoke lateral assembly 100 can be operably mounted within the vessel 50, for example, a lower assembly 102 can be fluidly coupled to the lower flow pipe 66 and an upper assembly 104 can be fluidly coupled to the upper flow pipe 68. It will be understood that depending upon the specific process, vessel 50 may not include both the lower assembly 102 and the upper assembly 104 but alternatively, can include either the lower assembly 102 or the upper assembly 104. Regardless of the particular arrangement, lower assembly 102 and upper assembly 104 are designed and fabricated to closely follow the contours of the lower arcuate profile 62 and upper arcuate profile 64 respectively. By locating the lower assembly 102 and upper assembly 104 in close approximation to the lower vessel surface 58 and upper vessel surface 60 respectively, the volume of media being exposed to fluid flow is maximized, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the fluid processing vessel 50.

[0055] As seen in FIG. 3, lower assembly 102 generally comprises a central hub 110 and a plurality of flow arms 112. Though not separately described, it will be understood that upper assembly 104 is essentially identical to the lower assembly 102 but is mounted in an opposed direction within the fluid processing vessel. Lower assembly 102 and upper assembly 104 can be fabricated of metallic or polymeric material that are selected to be compatible with the process fluid introduced into the fluid processing vessel 50. As will be further described, the individual components of the lower assembly 102 and the upper assembly 104 are disassemblable such that they can be passed through a manway in the vessel 50 to facilitate installation, maintenance and replacement. Though not illustrated, it will be understood that central hub 110 could comprise a variety of alternative shapes and configurations, for example, cylindrical or conical shaped or defining alternative cross-sectional shapes such as, for example, trapezoidal, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] As seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, central hub 110 generally comprises a body such as, for example, a polygonal body 120 defined by a plurality of lateral walls 122, an access plate 124 and a pipe connection plate 126. Alternatively, the body can comprise a non-polygonal variant such as, for example, a revolved, circular, curved, cylindrical or conical body. The number of lateral walls 122 will generally be selected based upon desired flow characteristics and the capacity / size of the vessel 50. Each lateral wall 122 defines a wall aperture 128 surrounded by a plurality of wall fasteners 130. In some embodiments, wall aperture 129 can define an internal or external thread. Each lateral wall 122 can be welded to the adjacent lateral walls 122 and to the pipe connection plate 126 and retention ring 132 to maintain structural rigidity and maintain the shape of the polygonal body 120. Retention ring 132 includes a plurality of retention fasteners 134. Access plate 124 generally defines a polygonal shape 136 that resembles but is slightly smaller than the polygonal body 120. The access plate 124 includes a plurality of access apertures 138 that are arranged to conform with the number and location of the retention fasteners 134 such that the access plate 124 can be removably attached to the retention ring 132. Access plate 124 can comprise a screen element, for example, a perforated plate or shaped wire screen member providing fluid flow though the access plate, either into or out of the polygonal body 120. Pipe connection plate 126 generally defines a flow aperture 140 and a plurality of pipe fasteners 142. The number and arrangement of pipe fasteners 142 will generally correspond to a connection flange on the lower flow pipe 66 (or alternatively the upper flow pipe 68) such that the central hub 110 can be fluidly coupled to the lower flow pipe 66 (or upper flow pipe 68). Alternatively, flow aperture 140 can define an internal or external thread allowing for central hub 110 to be threadably connected to the lower flow pipe 66 / upper flow pipe 68.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8, 9 and 10, flow arms 112 are generally defined between a mounting end 150 and an engagement end 152. Flow arm 112 includes a first arm segment 154 and a second arm segment 156 joined at an elbow 157. First arm segment 154 and second arm segment 156 are each fabricated from a length of pipe and include a plurality of pipe apertures 158. The number, size and arrangement of the pipe apertures 158 can vary based on desired flow parameters. For example, pipe apertures 158 can have a shared diameter seen in FIG. 7a or pipe apertures 158 can have differing diameters as illustrated in FIG. 7b. The size and spacing of pipe apertures 158 allow for the tailoring of flow properties through the flow arms 112, for example, pressure drops and flow velocities through the pipe apertures 158. Elbow 157 can be defined by a mitered connection between the first arm segment 154 and second arm segment 156 or alternatively can comprise a radiused elbow or be formed by bending a single pipe to defined first arm segment 154 and second arm segment 156. Along and surrounding the first aim segment 154 and second arm segment 156, the pipe apertures 158 can be covered by a cylindrical screen member 160 that is selected to retain and prevent the intrusion of the media into the pipe apertures 158. Screen member 160 can comprise any of a variety of screen types, for example, a shaped-wire screen or a perforated sheet.

[0058] First arm segment 154 includes a mounting flange 162 and a first angled end 164. Mounting flange 162 generally defines an arm opening 166 and a plurality of flange apertures 168. Mounting flange 162 and flange apertures 168 are sized and arranged to correspond with the lateral wall 122 wall fasteners 130 such that when the mounting flange 162 is removably coupled to the lateral wall 122, the arm opening 166 is in fluid communication with the wall aperture 128. First angled end 164 generally has a first mitered opening 170 and can include one or more female notches 172. Alternatively, first arm segment 154 can comprise an external or internal thread at mounting end 150 configured to engage a corresponding thread at the corresponding wall aperture 128. Second arm segment 156 includes a second angled end 180 and an end plate 182. Second angled end 180 generally has second mitered opening 184 and can include one or more male projections 186 that correspond in size and shape to the female notches 172. End plate 182 closes off the second arm segment 156. The end plate 182 further includes an engagement bracket member 184 having a plurality of elongated engagement slots 186. An engagement tab 188 is operably coupled to the engagement bracket member 184, The engagement tab 188 includes an angled engagement edge 190 and a plurality of elongated tab slots 192. Generally, the elongated engagement slots 186 and the elongated tab slots 192 allow for the engagement tab 188 to be operably coupled to the engagement bracket member 184 with one or more suitable fasteners. Generally, the angled engagement edge 190 will reside against a lower vessel surface 58 (for the lower assembly 102 or alternatively against the upper vessel surface 60 in the case of the upper assembly 104). Depending upon the process and configuration of the vessel 50, the angled engagement edge 190 can be directly welded to the lower head 54 (or the upper head 56) or if the vessel is lined or otherwise coated can float or otherwise reside against tire liner / coating.

[0059] First arm segment 154 and second arm segment 156 are operably joined at elbow 157 by aligning the first mitered opening 170 with the second mitered opening 184. To ensure proper alignment, the one or more male projections 186 insert into the one or more female notches 172 whereby the resulting joint can be welded to form the flow arm 112.

[0060] As mentioned previously, lower assembly 102 and upper assembly 104 are installed within the vessel 50 by introducing the component through a manway on the vessel. Lower assembly 102 is attached to the lower flow pipe 66 by aligning and fastening the pipe fasteners

[0061] 142 on the pipe connection plate with corresponding apertures on the lower flow pipe. With the central hub 110 fluidly coupled to the lower flow pipe 66, each flow arm 112 can be operably coupled to the corresponding lateral wall 122 by aligning the flange apertures 168 with the wall fasteners 130 such that the mounting flange 162 is operably coupled to the lateral wall 122 as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12. Alternatively, certain embodiments may have designs in which there are fewer flow arms 112 than lateral walls 122 or alternatively, there may be more flow arms 112 than lateral walls 122. With the flow arms 112 coupled to the central hub 110, the presence of elbow 157 allows the flow arms 112 to reside very close to the lower vessel surface 58 (or upper vessel surface 60). The interaction of the elongated engagement slots 186 and the elongated tab slots 192 allow the engagement tab 188 to be adjustably positioned such that the angled engagement edge resides either directly against the lower vessel surface 58 (or upper vessel surface 60) in the case of non-lined or non-coated vessel or alternatively, against the liner / coating.

[0062] With the lower assembly 102 and / or the upper vessel assembly 104 mounted in the vessel 50, the vessel 50 can be filled, either partially or completely filled, with the desired media. In the case of an upward flow process, the process fluid enters the vessel 50 through the lower flow pipe 66, whereby it enters the central hub 110. The process fluid is distributed through the wall aperture 128 whereby the process fluid enters the arm opening 166 of the first arms segment 154. The process fluid travels then exits the flow arm 112 through the pipe apertures 158 defined along the first arm segment 154 and second arm segment 156. The process fluid passes through the cylindrical screen members 160 and into the filter media.

[0063] The process fluid flows upward through the filter media whereby the process fluid encounters the upper assembly 104 in the upper head 56. The process fluid passes through the cylindrical screen members 160 and enters the pipe apertures 158. The process fluid flows through the flow arm 112 and enters the central hub 110 through the wall aperture 128. The process fluid then flows out through the upper flow pipe 68.

[0064] While the flow arrangement has been described with respect to an upward flow arrangement, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the process can essentially be reversed in the case of a downward flow arrangement. Furthermore, the process may utilize only one of the lower assembly 102 or upper assembly 104 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, another alternatively embodiment of a hub and spoke lateral assembly 200 can be similarly mounted and operated within the vessel 50. In some embodiments, a lower assembly 202 can be fluidly coupled to the lower flow pipe 66 and an upper assembly (not depicted) can be fluidly coupled to the upper flow pipe 68. The function of hub and spoke lateral assembly 200 is similar to hub and lateral spoke assembly 100 with the exception that the configuration of the hub and spoke lateral assembly 200 allows it to rest directly on the lower vessel surface 58 (or alternatively the upper vessel surface 60), therefore eliminating the need for the angled engagement edge 190 on engagement tab 188. Furthermore, it will be understood that in certain process applications, it can be advantageous to simultaneously use both the hub and spoke lateral assembly 100 and hub and spoke lateral assembly 200. For instance, hub and spoke lateral assembly 200 can be utilized as the lower assembly 202 and hub and spoke lateral assembly 100 can be used in the same vessel as the upper assembly 104. Referring again to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, lower assembly 202 generally comprises a central hub 210 and a plurality of flow arms 212. Though not separately described, it will be understood that upper assembly 204 is essentially identical to the lower assembly 202 but is mounted in an opposed direction within the fluid processing vessel. Lower assembly 202 and upper assembly 204 can be fabricated of metallic or polymeric material that are selected to be compatible with the process fluid introduced into the fluid processing vessel 50, As will be further described, the individual components of the lower assembly 202 and the upper assembly 204 are disasseniblable such that they can be passed through a manway in the vessel 50 to facilitate installation, maintenance and replacement.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19, central hub 210 generally comprises a polygonal body 220 having a plurality of layers, for example, a first polygonal layer 222 and a second polygonal layer 224. Though not depicted, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the polygonal body 220 can have three or more layers. Both the first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 are defined by a plurality of lateral walls 226. The first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 are staggered or otherwise offset from one another such that the lateral walls 226 of the first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 are in a non-planar orientation relative to each other. The first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 can be coupled together with a hub plate 227 that can be configured to mimic the non-planar orientation of the first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224. In some embodiments the first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 can be welded or otherwise fastened to opposed sides of the hub plate 227. In an alternative arrangement, hub plate 227 can comprise first and second hub plates corresponding to the first and second polygonal layers 222, 224 whereby the first and second hub plates are welded or otherwise fastened together to join the first and second polygonal layers 222 / 224. The first polygonal layer 222 includes an access plate 228 and the second polygonal layer 224 includes a pipe connection plate 230. The number of lateral walls 226 on the first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 will generally be selected based upon desired flow characteristics and tire capacity / size of the vessel 50. Each lateral wall 226 defines a wall aperture 232 surrounded by a plurality of wall fastener slots 234. Each lateral wall 226 can be welded to the adjacent lateral walls 226 to define the first polygonal layer 222 and second polygonal layer 224 with the pipe connection plate 230 welded to the second polygonal layer 224 and a retention ring 236 welded to the first polygonal layer 222 to maintain structural rigidity and maintain the shape of the polygonal body 220. Retention ring 236 includes a plurality of retention fasteners 238. The access plate 228 includes a plurality of access apertures 242 that are arranged to conform with the number and location of the retention fasteners 238 such that the access plate 228 can be removably attached to the retention ring 236. Pipe connection plate 230 generally defines a flow aperture 242 and a plurality of pipe apertures 244. The number and arrangement of pipe apertures 244 will generally correspond to a connection flange on the lower flow pipe 66 (or alternatively the upper flow pipe 68) such that the central hub 210 can be fluidly coupled to the lower flow pipe 66 (or upper flow pipe 68).

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, flow arms 212 are generally defined between a mounting end 250 and a closed end 252. Flow arm 212 includes a first arm segment 254 and a second arm segment 256 joined at an elbow 257. First arm segment 254 and second arm segment 256 are each fabricated from a length of pipe and include a plurality of pipe apertures 258. The number, size and arrangement of the pipe apertures 258 can vary based on desired flow parameters.

[0068] Along and surrounding the first arm segment 254 and second arm segment 256, the pipe apertures 258 can be covered a cylindrical screen member 260 that is selected to retain and prevent the intrusion of the media into the pipe apertures 258. Screen member 260 can comprise any of a variety of screen types, for example, a shaped-wire screen or a perforated sheet.

[0069] First arm segment 254 includes a mounting end 262 and a first angled end 264. Mounting end 262 generally comprises a mounting flange 266 having an arm opening 268 and a plurality of flange slots 270. First angled end 264 generally has a first mitered opening 272 and can include one or more female notches 274.

[0070] Second arm segment 256 includes a second angled end 280 and an end plate 282. Second angled end 280 generally has second mitered opening 284 and can include one or more male projections 286 that correspond in size and shape to the female notches 274. End plate 282 closes off the second arm segment 256.

[0071] First arm segment 254 and second arm segment 256 are operably joined at elbow 257 by aligning the first mitered opening 272 with the second mitered opening 284. To ensure proper alignment, the one or more male projections 286 insert into the one or more female notches 274 whereby the resulting joint can be welded to form the flow arm 212.

[0072] Each flow arm 212 is operably coupled to the corresponding lateral wall 226 with an elbowrmember 290 as showm in FIGS. 22, 23, 24 and 25. Elbow member 290 generally comprises an elbow body 292 defining a 90° bend between a first flange member 294 and a second flange member 296. First flange member 294 defines a first opening 298 surrounded by a plurality of first connection slots 300 while second flange member 296 defines a second opening 302 surrounding by a plurality7of second connection slots 304. Generally, the first connection slots 300 are oriented relative to the wall fastener slots 234 such that the first flange member 294 is operably connected to the lateral wall 226 and the first opening 298 is fluidly connected to the wall aperture 232. The mounting flange 266 is then positioned proximate the second flange member 296 such that the second connection slots 304 are aligned with the flange slots 270. The interaction of the first connection slots 300 / wall fastener slots 234 and the second connection slots 304 / flange slots 270 essentially allow each flow arm 212 to be slightly rotated such that the elbow 257 is rotated downward (in the case of lower assembly 202) or upward (in the case of the upper assembly 204). While installed and mounted in a different configuration than the hub and lateral assembly 100, the process flow though the hub and lateral assembly 200 is in a generally similar fashion as previously described with respect to hub and lateral assembly 100.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 26-34, a hub and spoke lateral assembly 300 which is a variation of hub and spoke lateral assembly 100 can similarly be operably mounted within the vessel 50. Once again, hub and spoke lateral assembly 300 can include one or both of a lower assembly 302 and an upper assembly 304. Once again, lower assembly 302 and upper assembly 304 are designed and fabricated to closely follow the contours of the lower arcuate profile 62 and upper arcuate profile 64 respectively.

[0074] As seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, upper assembly 304 generally comprises a central hub 110 and a plurality of flow arms 312. Central hub 1 10 can be substantially identical to that utilized in hub and spoke lateral assembly 100 or alternatively, flow arms 312 can be utilized with central hub 210. Though not separately described, it will be understood that lower assembly 302 is essentially identical to the upper assembly 304 but is mounted in an opposed direction within the fluid processing vessel. Lower assembly 302 and upper assembly 304 can be fabricated of metallic or polymeric material that are selected to be compatible with the process fluid introduced into the fluid processing vessel 50. As will be further described, the individual components of the lower assembly 302 and the upper assembly 304 are disassemblable such that they can be passed through a manway in the vessel 50 to facilitate installation, maintenance and replacement.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, flow arms 312 are generally defined between a mounting end 350 and a pair of engagement ends 352a, 352b. Flow arm 312 includes a first arm segment 354 and a second Y-arm segment 356 joined at an elbow 357. First arm segment 354 and second Y-arm segment 356 are each fabricated from a length of pipe and include a plurality of pipe apertures 358. The number, size and arrangement of the pipe apertures 358 can vary based on desired flow parameters. Along and surrounding the first arm segment 354 and second Y-arm segment 356, the pipe apertures 358 can be covered by a cylindrical screen member 360 that is selected to retain and prevent the intrusion of tire media into the pipe apertures 358. Screen member 360 can comprise any of a variety of screen types, for example, a shaped-wire screen or a perforated sheet.

[0076] First arm segment 354 includes a mounting flange 362 and a first angled end 364. Mounting flange 362 generally defines an arm opening 366 and a plurality of flange apertures 368. Mounting flange 362 and flange apertures 368 are sized and arranged to correspond with the lateral wall 122 wall fasteners 130 such that when the mounting flange 362 is removably coupled to the lateral wall 122, the arm opening 366 is in fluid communication with the wail aperture 128. First angled end 364 generally has a first mitered opening 370 and can include one or more female notches 372.

[0077] Second Y-arm segment 356 includes a manifold end 380, a pair second arm segments 381a, 381b and a pair of end plates 382a, 382b. Manifold end 380 generally has a second mitered opening 384 and can include one or more male projections 386 that correspond in size and shape to the female notches 372. End plate 382a, 382b closes off the corresponding second arm segment 381a, 381b. The second arm segments 381a, 381b each define a mitered arm surface 388a, 388b whereby the mitered arms surfaces 388a, 388b can be joined / welded to define the manifold end 380.

[0078] First arm segment 354 and second Y-arm segment 356 are operably joined at elbow 357 by aligning the first mitered opening 370 with the second mitered opening 384. To ensure proper alignment, the one or more male projections 386 insert into the one or more female notches 372 whereby the resulting joint can be welded to form the flow arm 312.

[0079] Installation of the central hub 110 is the same as that previously described with respect to hub and spoke lateral assembly 100. Each flow arm 312 can be operably coupled to the corresponding lateral wall 122 on the central hub 110 by aligning the flange apertures 368 with the wall fasteners 130 such that the mounting flange 362 is operably coupled to the lateral wall 122 as seen in FIGS. 31-34. With the flow arms 312 coupled to the central hub 110, the presence of elbow 357 allows the flow arms 312 to reside very close to the lower vessel surface 58 (or upper vessel surface 60).

[0080] With the lower assembly 302 and / or the upper vessel assembly 304 mounted in the vessel 50, the vessel 50 can be filled, either partially or completely filled, with the desired media 70. In the case of an upward flow process, the process fluid enters the vessel 50 through the lower flow pipe 66, whereby it enters the central hub 110. The process fluid is distributed through the wall aperture 128 whereby the process fluid enters the arm opening 366 of the first arm segment 354. The process fluid travels through then exits the flow arm 312 through the pipe apertures 358 defined along the first arm segment 354 and second arm segments 381a, 381b. The process fluid passes through the cylindrical screen members 360 and into the filter media 70.

[0081] The process fluid flows upward through the filter media 70 whereby the process fluid encounters the upper assembly 304 in the upper head 56. The process fluid passes through the cylindrical screen members 360 and enters the pipe apertures 358. The process fluid flows through the second ami segments 381a, 381b and first ami segment 354 and enters the central hub 110 through the wall aperture 128. The process fluid then flows out through the upper flow pipe 68. As mentioned previously, the flow arrangement can be reversed in the case of a downward flow arrangement without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0082] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments described. For example, words such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” and “downward” merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the referenced components can be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. Throughout this disclosure, where a process or method is shown or described, the method can be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that the method depends on certain actions being performed first. Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0083] Persons of ordinary' skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0084] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0085] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0086] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hub and spoke lateral assembly, comprising; a central hub having a pipe connection plate and a body defining a plurality of lateral walls; and a plurality of flow arms, each flow arm having a first segment and a second segment fluidly coupled at an elbow, the first segment and second segment including a plurality of apertures that are covered with a screen member, wherein the flow arms are operably attached to the lateral walls, wherein the pipe connection plate provides for connection to a vessel flow pipe, and wherein the elbow is positioned proximate a nearest vessel surface so as to reduce a gap between each flow arm and the nearest vessel surface.

2. The hub and lateral spoke assembly of claim 1, wherein the nearest vessel surface is a vessel floor.

3. The hub and lateral spoke assembly of claim 1, wherein the nearest vessel surface is a vessel head.

4. The hub and lateral spoke assembly of claim 1, wherein the centr al hub further comprises a second body having plurality of second lateral walls and wherein the body and the second body are coupled in an offset orientation such that the plurality of lateral walls and the plurality of second lateral walls are arranged in a non-planar orientation and wherein the number of flow arms correspond to the total number of the lateral walls and second lateral walls.

5. The hub and lateral spoke assembly of claim 1, wherein the second segment comprises aY-arm segment having a manifold end and a pair of second aim segments, the manifold end being coupled to the elbow6. An upper lateral assembly comprising the hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1.

7. The upper lateral assembly of claim 6, wherein the nearest vessel surface comprises a vessel head.

8. A lower lateral assembly comprising the hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1.

9. The lower lateral assembly of claim 8, wherein the nearest vessel surface comprises a vessel floor.

10. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1, wherein the central hub further comprises an access plate.

11. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1, wherein the access plate comprises a perforated plate or a shaped-wire screen member allowing fluid flow through the access plate.

12. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of apertures has a different diameter.

13. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1, wherein spacing varies between each of the plurality of apertures.

14. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a polygonal body.

15. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1 wherein the number of flow arms is equal to the number of lateral walls.

16. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1 wherein the number of flow arms is less than the number of lateral walls.

17. The hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1 wherein the number of flow arms is greater than the number of lateral walls.

18. A fluid processing vessel, comprising at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1.

19. The fluid processing vessel of claim 18, wherein the at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly comprises an upper lateral assembly.

20. The fluid processing vessel of claim 18, wherein the at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly comprises a lower lateral assembly.

21. The fluid processing vessel of claim 18, wherein the at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly comprises a lower lateral assembly and an upper lateral assembly.A method of increasing media utilization in a fluid processing vessel, comprising: installing at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly of claim 1 in the fluid processing vessel.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein installing the at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly comprises: installing a lower lateral assembly in the fluid processing vessel.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein installing the at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly comprises: installing an upper lateral assembly in the fluid processing vessel.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein installing the at least one hub and spoke lateral assembly comprises: installing an upper lateral assembly in the fluid processing vessel; andinstalling a lower lateral assembly in the fluid processing vessel.

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