Plate grid distributor and method of using same

Abstract

According to one or more embodiments, a plate grid distributor for distributing fluid within a vessel may include a plate and an internal support system. The internal support system may include a plurality of column supports extending vertically from at or near a lower surface of the plate toward a floor of the vessel. One or more of the column supports may include a flexible upper member connecting a rigid upper support bracket to a rigid mid-beam and a flexible lower member connecting the rigid mid-beam to a rigid base support. According to one or more other embodiments, a method of distributing fluid through a plate grid distributor within a vessel may include passing a fluid into the vessel below the plate grid distributor and directing the fluid through the plate grid distributor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 216,768, filed June 30, 2021, and entitled “PLATE GRID DISTRIBUTORS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME,” a PCT application, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to chemical processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for distributing fluids through a distributor. [Background technology]

[0003] Gaseous chemicals may be fed to reactors or other vessels through distributors. Distributors can be utilized to facilitate balanced distribution of feed chemical streams to such reactors or vessels. Such distribution of feed chemicals can promote favorable reactions and maintain mass transfer equilibrium in the chemical system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In many chemical processes, chemical feed streams are delivered to high temperature environments, such as reactors or other vessels, through plate grid distributors. As the size of the reactor or vessel increases, additional mechanical supports may be required to help support the plate grid distributor. Furthermore, these high temperature environments may increase the temperature of the plate grid distributor, such as the plates of the plate grid distributor. As the temperature of the plate grid distributor may increase, the plates may thermally expand outward toward the outer walls of the reactor or other vessel. This is particularly problematic in fluidized bed vessels, where the high temperature environment may thermally expand and contract the plates of the plate grid distributor. Similarly, the thermal expansion and contraction of the plates may create difficulties in supporting the plates of the plate grid distributor. Thus, there is a continuing need for improved plate grid distributors. It has been discovered that a plate grid distributor having an internal support system may provide adequate support for the plates of the plate grid distributor while meeting the need to support the plates during thermal expansion and contraction of the plates. An embodiment of such a plate grid distributor is described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure meet this need by utilizing an internal support system that can flex during thermal expansion and contraction of the plate so that it can continue to provide support during thermal expansion and contraction of said plate.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a plate grid distributor for distributing fluid within a vessel may include a plate and an internal support system. The plate may include a plurality of openings. The plate may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The internal support system may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the plate. The internal support system may include a plurality of column supports extending substantially vertically from or near the lower surface of the plate to a floor of the vessel. One or more of the column supports may include a rigid upper support bracket, a rigid middle beam, a rigid base support bracket attached to the floor of the vessel, a flexible upper member connecting the rigid upper support bracket to the rigid middle beam, and a flexible lower member connecting the rigid middle beam to the rigid base support. The flexible upper and lower members may bend as the plate thermally expands or contracts, allowing the angle of the rigid middle beam from the vertical to change.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method of distributing a fluid through a plate grid distributor in a vessel may include passing a fluid through a fluid inlet below the plate grid distributor at reaction conditions into the vessel and directing the fluid through the plate grid distributor. The plate grid distributor may include a plate and an internal support system. The plate may include a plurality of openings. The plate may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The internal support system may contact the lower surface of the plate. The internal support system may include a plurality of column supports extending substantially vertically from at or near the lower surface of the plate to a floor of the vessel. One or more of the column supports may include a rigid upper support bracket, a rigid middle beam, a rigid base support bracket attached to the floor of the vessel, a flexible upper member connecting the rigid upper support bracket to the rigid middle beam, and a flexible lower member connecting the rigid middle beam to the rigid base support. The flexible upper and lower members curve as the plate thermally expands or contracts, allowing the angle of the rigid intermediate beam from the vertical to change.

[0007] Additional features and advantages are set forth in the Detailed Description below, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or will be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the Detailed Description below, and the claims.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to provide an overview or framework for describing the various embodiments and understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a vessel and a plate grid distributor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plate grid distributor and internal support system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a rigid upper support bracket of a column support of an internal support system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a rigid intermediate beam of a column support of an internal support system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a rigid base support bracket of a column support of an internal support system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a flexible upper or lower member of a column support of an internal support system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Reference will now be made in more detail to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to a plate grid distributor and methods for using such, according to one or more embodiments described herein. Generally, the plate grid distributor described herein may comprise a plate and an internal support system. The plate grid distributor described herein may be used to distribute fluids into a vessel. The vessel may include a gaseous feed conduit that may be distributed into the vessel by the plate grid distributor. Generally, the plate distributor described herein comprises an internal support system that may help support the plate. In some embodiments, such an internal support system may be required in addition to a skirt that may provide support around the periphery of the plate. As the chemical process proceeds in the vessel, the plate may thermally expand due to the reaction conditions. The internal support system may include a plurality of strut supports that may bend as the plate thermally expands and continue to support the plate as the chemical process proceeds in the vessel at high temperatures.

[0012] 1, the plate grid distributor 100 of the present disclosure may be positioned within a vessel 110. The vessel 110 may have a variety of configurations. The vessel 110 may include one or more polyhedrons, spheres, cylinders, cones, irregular shapes, combinations thereof, and / or portions thereof. For example, the vessel 110 may include a straight hollow cylinder having a longitudinal axis. The vessel 110 may include a refractory lined inner wall 112, an outer wall 114, a bed 116, a top 118, a catalyst feed conduit receiving passage 120, and a gaseous feed conduit receiving passage 122.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, a plate grid distributor 100 for distributing a fluid within a vessel 110 may include a plate 102. The plate may include an upper surface 104 and a lower surface 106. The lower surface 106 may be opposite and spaced apart from the upper surface 104. The plate 102 may include an outer surface 108. The outer surface 108 may have a portion perpendicular to the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106. The outer surface 108 may be welded to the upper surface 104 and / or the lower surface 106. The plate 102 may have an average diameter of 5 feet (1.5 meters (m)) or more and 75 feet (22.9 m) or less, such as 10 feet (3.0 m) or more and 50 feet (15.2 m) or less. The plate 102 may be substantially planar (i.e., the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106 may be substantially parallel). However, in additional embodiments, it is contemplated that the plate 102 may be non-planar.

[0014] The lower surface 106, the upper surface 104, or both of the plate 102 may be refractory lined. Additionally or alternatively, other materials having insulating properties (e.g., insulating materials) may be disposed between the lower surface 106 and the upper surface 104 of the plate 102. The refractory lining, the insulating material, or both may help prevent the lower surface 106 of the plate 102 from heating up.

[0015] The plate 102 may include a plurality of openings 130. Each of the plurality of openings 130 may be in fluid communication with the lower surface 106 of the plate 102 and the upper surface 104 of the plate 102 via a first opening 132 and a second opening 134. The plurality of openings 130 may be flush with (i.e., do not extend farther than) the upper surface 104 and / or the lower surface 106. Alternatively, the plurality of openings 130 may extend beyond (i.e., below) the lower surface 106 and / or beyond (i.e., above) the upper surface 104. The plurality of openings 130 may include a lip that extends beyond the lower surface 106, the upper surface 104, or both. The second opening 134 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the first opening 132.

[0016] The first apertures 132 and the second apertures 134 of the plate 102 may have a uniform cross-sectional area or a varying cross-sectional area to aid in an even distribution of gas passing through each of the plurality of apertures 130. For example, the first apertures 132 closer to the gaseous feed conduit may have a larger pressure differential between the lower surface 106 and the upper surface 104 of the plate 102. Thus, the first apertures 132 of the plate 102 closer to the gaseous feed conduit may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the first apertures 132 further from the gaseous feed conduit to aid in balancing the pressure differential across the plate 102.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the plate 102 may include a lower surface 106 and an outer surface 108. The lower surface 106 may include a plurality of openings 130 formed by a first opening portion 132 of the plate 102. The plurality of openings 130 may be arranged around the catalyst feed conduit passage 136 in a geometric pattern. The geometric pattern may vary for various applications. For example, the plurality of openings 130 may be arranged around the catalyst feed conduit passage 136 in a grid and / or concentric circles. The plate 102 may include 10-50 openings 130 per square meter, for example, 20-35 openings per square meter. Other numbers of openings 130 per square meter are also contemplated.

[0018] The ratio of the inner diameter of the first opening 132 of the plate 102 to the inner diameter of the second opening 134 of the plate 102 may be 0.13 to 0.63, for example, 0.34 to 0.51. The ratio of the inner diameter of the first opening 132 of the plate 102 to the inner diameter of the container 110 may be 0.003 to 0.014, for example, 0.008 to 0.012. The ratio of the inner diameter of the second opening 134 of the plate 102 to the inner diameter of the container 110 may be 0.008 to 0.163, for example, 0.026 to 0.067.

[0019] 1 , the plate 120 may include a deflection plate 140. The deflection plate 140 may be spaced from a portion of the lower surface 106 of the plate 102. The deflection plate 140 may be connected to the lower surface 106 of the plate 102 by a number of deflection plate connectors 142. The deflection plate 140 may deflect and / or reduce the velocity of the gaseous feed entering the vessel 110. The deflection and / or redirection in velocity may cause the gaseous feed to be more evenly distributed through the multiple openings 130.

[0020] The plate grid distributor 100 may include an outer support 150. The outer support 150 may mount and support the plate 102 to the vessel 110 at or near the floor 116 of the vessel 110. The outer support 150 may extend down at or near the outer periphery of the plate 102. As used in this disclosure, the "outer periphery of the plate 102" may be the outermost (i.e., the portion closest to the refractory lined inner wall 112) 25% of the plate 102, or near that area. The average diameter of the outer support 150 may be greater than the average diameter of the frame 174. The outer support 150 may include a first end 152 and a second end 154. The first end 152 may be connected to the floor 116 of the vessel 110. The second end 154 may be connected to the plate 102. The first end 152 and the second end 154 may be spaced apart from one another. The space between the first end 152 and the second end 154 may define an outer flat surface 156. The outer flat surface 156 may be spaced apart from an inner flat surface 158. The outer flat surface 156 may be spaced apart from the refractory-lined inner wall 112. The outer flat surface 156 may be connected to a portion of the inner flat surface 158 proximate the second end 154 and away from the first end 152. In an embodiment, the packing of the plate grid distributor 100 may be disposed between a lower portion of the refractory-lined inner wall 112 closer to where the refractory-lined inner wall 112 connects to the floor 116 of the vessel 110 and the outer surface 108 of the plate 102. In an embodiment, the outer support 150 may be angled.

[0021] 1 and 2, a plate grid distributor 100 for distributing fluid within a vessel 110 may include an internal support system 160. The internal support system 160 may be in direct contact with the lower surface 106 of the plate 102. The internal support system 160 may include a plurality of column supports 162 extending substantially vertically from or near the lower surface 106 of the plate 102 toward the floor 116 of the vessel 110. As used in this disclosure, "substantially vertical" may refer to ±15 degrees from vertical when the system is cooled.

[0022] One or more of the column supports 162 may include a rigid upper support bracket 164 (as shown in FIG. 3A), a rigid middle beam 166 (as shown in FIG. 3B), and a rigid base support bracket 168 (as shown in FIG. 3C). In this disclosure, when used with respect to a component, "rigid" may refer to a component constructed of a material that is not flexible, cannot be bent, or cannot be forcibly deformed. The rigid upper support bracket 164, the rigid middle beam 166, and the rigid base support bracket 168 may be formed from any thermally gradient metal or alloy, for example, stainless steel or a high nickel alloy. The rigid upper support bracket 164, the rigid middle beam 166, and the rigid base support bracket 168 may be a substantially cylindrical pipe. The rigid upper support bracket 164 may be attached to the lower surface 106 of the plate 102. The rigid base support bracket 168 may be attached to the floor 116 of the vessel 110.

[0023] One or more of the column supports 162 may include a flexible upper member 170 (as shown in FIG. 3D) connecting the rigid top support bracket 164 to the rigid middle beam 166 and a flexible lower member 172 (also shown in FIG. 3D) connecting the rigid middle beam 166 to the rigid base support bracket 168. In this disclosure, when used with respect to a component, "flexible" may refer to a component constructed from a material that can bend without breaking and return to its original shape after bending. The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be formed from any temperature gradient metal or alloy, such as stainless steel or high nickel alloy. The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may have a Young's modulus of 30,000,000 psi or less at operating temperatures, such as 500-800° C., such as about 23,000,000, when utilizing 304H stainless steel. The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be substantially rectangular plates.

[0024] The Young's modulus of the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be lower than the Young's modulus of the rigid top support bracket 164, the rigid middle beam 166, and the rigid base support bracket 168. As described further in this disclosure, without being bound to any particular theory, this difference in Young's modulus between the flexible members (e.g., the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172) and the rigid members (e.g., the rigid top support bracket 164, the rigid middle beam 166, and the rigid base support bracket 168) may allow one or more of the column supports 162 to bend during chemical operations within the vessel 110.

[0025] In an embodiment, the interior support system 160 may comprise a frame 174. The frame 174 may be in direct contact with the lower surface 106 of the plate 102. The frame 174 may be attached to one or more rigid upper support brackets 164 of the column support 162. The frame 174 may be continuous or discontinuous. The frame 174 may be the same shape as the plate 102. In an embodiment, the frame 174 may comprise a ring shape. The frame 174 may have an average diameter of 5 feet (1.5 m) to 50 feet (15.2 m), for example, 10 feet (3.0 m) to 40 feet (12.2 m), or 20 feet (6.1 m) to 40 feet (12.2 m). With reference to FIG. 2, the rigid upper support bracket 164 may comprise an upper rigid upper support bracket notch 164A having a complementary profile to the plate 102, the frame 174, or both. The plate 102, the frame 174, or both, may fit into and be attached to the rigid upper support bracket 164 via the upper rigid upper support bracket notch 164A. The rigid upper support bracket 164 may have a lower rigid upper support bracket notch 164B having a complementary profile to the flexible upper member 170. The flexible upper member 170 may fit into and be attached to the flexible upper member 170 via the lower rigid upper support bracket notch 164B.

[0026] The rigid intermediate beam 166 may have an upper rigid intermediate beam notch 166A having a complementary contour to the flexible upper member 170. The flexible upper member 170 may fit into and be attached to the rigid intermediate beam 166 via the upper rigid intermediate beam notch 166A. The rigid intermediate beam may have a lower rigid upper support notch 166B having a complementary contour to the flexible upper member 170. The flexible lower member 172 may fit into and be attached to the rigid intermediate beam 166 via the lower rigid intermediate beam notch 166B.

[0027] The rigid base support bracket 168 may be attached to the floor 116 of the vessel 110. The rigid base support bracket 168 may have an upper rigid base support bracket notch 168A having a complementary contour to the flexible lower member 172. The flexible lower member 172 may fit into and be attached to the rigid support bracket 168 via the upper rigid base support bracket notch 168A.

[0028] The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be oriented to curve in only one direction. In an embodiment, the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be oriented to curve only outward (i.e., toward the outer surface 108 of the plate 102). The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be disposed tangentially to the outer surface 108 of the plate 102. The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be disposed tangentially to the frame 174. In other words, the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may be perpendicular to the radius of the plate 102 or the radius of the frame 174. The faces of the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may face toward the center of the plate 102.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may bend when the plate 102 thermally expands or contracts. When a chemical process is operated in the vessel 110, the plate 102 may expand outward due to growth of the plate 102 resulting from reaction conditions in the vessel 110. The internal support system 160 may support the plate 102 and may bend to continue to support the plate 102 as it thermally expands or contracts. The flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may allow the angle of the rigid middle beam 166 to change from the vertical. The rigid top support bracket 164, the rigid middle beam 166, and the rigid base support bracket 168 may provide the necessary strength to continue to support the plate 102, while the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member 172 may allow the angle of the rigid middle beam 166 to change from the vertical.

[0030] It is contemplated that the internal support system 160 of the present disclosure is applicable to many different distributors, such as the plate grid distributor 100 of the present disclosure.

[0031] 1 , the vessel 110 may include a gaseous feed conduit 123. The gaseous feed conduit 123 may be connected to a gaseous feed conduit receiving passage 122 that extends through the bed 116 of the vessel 110. The vessel 110 may include multiple gaseous feed conduits 123. In an embodiment, multiple gaseous feed conduits may be connected to multiple gaseous feed conduit receiving passages 122. The multiple gaseous feed conduit receiving passages 122 may circumscribe the longitudinal axis of the vessel 110.

[0032] The gaseous feed conduit 123 may be mounted flush with the refractory-lined inner wall 112 or may extend beyond the refractory-lined inner wall 112. The ratio of the inner diameter of the gaseous feed conduit 123 to the inner diameter of the vessel 110 may be between 0.06 and 0.77, for example, between 0.20 and 0.23.

[0033] 1 , the vessel 110 may include a catalyst feed conduit 121. The catalyst feed conduit 121 may be connected to a catalyst feed conduit receiving passage 120 that extends through the bed 116 of the vessel 110. In an embodiment, the vessel 110 may include multiple catalyst feed conduits 121. The multiple catalyst feed conduits 121 may be connected to multiple catalyst feed conduit receiving passages 120. The multiple catalyst feed conduit receiving passages 120 may circumscribe a longitudinal axis of the vessel 110.

[0034] The catalyst feed conduit 121 may include a first end 121A and a second end 121B. The catalyst feed conduit 121A may extend through the refractory lined inner wall 112 and the outer wall 114 of the vessel 110. The second end 121B may be positioned above the upper surface 104 of the plate 102. The catalyst feed conduit 121 may extend through the catalyst feed conduit receiving passage 120 and the catalyst feed conduit passage 136 such that the second end 121B extends beyond the upper surface 104 of the plate 102. The catalyst feed conduit cap 125 may be connected to the second end 121B by one or more connectors 127. The one or more connectors 127 may define a gap 129 through which catalyst can flow to the vessel 110. The ratio of the inner diameter of the catalyst feed conduit 121 to the inner diameter of the vessel 110 may be from 0.08 to 0.23, for example, from 0.12 to 0.15.

[0035] 1, the plate grid distributor 100 may include a catalyst feed conduit housing 180. The catalyst feed conduit 121 may be slidably received within the catalyst feed conduit housing 180. The catalyst feed conduit 121 may be spaced from an inner surface of the catalyst feed conduit housing 180. The catalyst feed conduit 121 may be slidably received within the catalyst feed conduit housing 180 to allow for expansion of the catalyst feed conduit 121. For example, the catalyst feed passing through the catalyst feed conduit 121 may be heated, causing the catalyst feed conduit 121 to expand in length and diameter. Thus, compared to the vessel 110 in which the catalyst feed conduit 121 is welded in place, the catalyst feed conduit 121 may expand, which may result in the possibility of cracking the weld.

[0036] The catalyst feed conduit housing 180 may include a first end 180A adjacent the bed 116 of the vessel 110. The catalyst feed conduit housing 180 may include a second end 180B spaced from the bed 116 of the vessel 110 and adjacent the top surface 104 of the plate 102. The catalyst feed conduit housing 180 may include an outer surface 181 spaced from an inner surface 182 of the catalyst feed conduit housing 180. The outer surface 181 of the catalyst feed conduit housing 180 may be connected to the inner circumferential surface of the catalyst feed conduit passage 136 and the catalyst feed conduit receiving passage 120. The inner diameter of the top surface 104 and / or the bottom surface 106 may be welded to and / or supported by the catalyst feed conduit housing 180.

[0037] A catalyst feed conduit insulating packing may be disposed between the catalyst feed conduit 121 and the inner surface 182 of the catalyst feed conduit housing 180. The catalyst feed conduit insulating packing may help maintain the temperature of the catalyst feed. For example, the temperature of the gaseous feed entering through the gaseous feed conduit 123 may be different than the temperature of the catalyst feed entering through the catalyst feed conduit 121. For example, when a particular reaction is being carried out in the vessel 110, the gaseous feed may enter through the gaseous feed conduit 123 at 25 degrees Celsius (°C) to 700°C, and the catalyst may enter the catalyst feed conduit 121 at 600°C to 900°C. Thus, when the gaseous feed contacts the catalyst feed conduit 121, the catalyst may heat up to 600°C to 900°C as a result of flowing through the catalyst feed conduit, and the gaseous feed may begin to coke and clog the vessel 110 and / or the plate grid distributor 100.

[0038] In an embodiment, catalyst feed conduit 121 may include a catalyst backflow diverter 184. Catalyst backflow diverter 184 may be connected to catalyst feed conduit 121 proximate second end 121B of catalyst feed conduit 121 above upper surface 104 of plate 102. Catalyst backflow diverter 182 may extend from catalyst feed conduit 121 and extend beyond second end 180B of catalyst feed conduit housing 180. Catalyst backflow diverter 182 may reduce catalyst introduction into the catalyst feed conduit insulation packing.

[0039] 1 , the present disclosure is also directed to a method of distributing a fluid through a plate grid distributor 100 in a vessel 110. The method of distributing a fluid through a plate grid distributor 100 in a vessel 110 may include passing a fluid through the vessel 110 at reaction conditions through a fluid inlet below the plate grid distributor 100 and directing the fluid through the plate grid distributor 100.

[0040] As discussed above in this disclosure, the plate grid distributor 100 may include a plate 102 with a plurality of openings 130. The plate 102 may include an upper surface 104 and a lower surface 106 opposite the upper surface 104. The plate grid distributor 100 may include an internal support system in contact with the lower surface 106 of the plate. The internal support system may include a plurality of column supports 162 extending substantially vertically from or near the lower surface 106 of the plate 102 toward the floor 116 of the vessel 110. One or more of the column supports 162 may include a rigid upper support bracket 164, a rigid intermediate beam 166, a rigid base support bracket 168 attached to the floor 116 of the vessel 110, a flexible upper member 170 connecting the rigid upper support bracket 164 to the rigid intermediate beam 166, and a flexible lower member 172 connecting the rigid intermediate beam 166 to the rigid base support bracket 168. Also, as discussed above in this disclosure, the flexible upper member 170 and the flexible lower member may curve as the plate 102 thermally expands or contracts, allowing the angle of the rigid intermediate beam 166 from the vertical to change.

[0041] The plate grid distributor 100 may have any of the features discussed above in this disclosure for the plate grid distributor 100.

[0042] During operation of the vessel, the floor 116 of the vessel 110 may be at a lower temperature than the upper portions of the vessel, such as the plates 102 of the plate grid distributor 100. In an embodiment, the floor 116 of the vessel 110 may be at a temperature in the range of from 100° C. to 200° C. during operation. The plates 102 of the plate grid distributor 100 may be at a temperature in the range of from 500° C. to 700° C. during operation. The temperature difference between the floor 116 of the vessel 110 and the plates 102 of the plate grid distributor may be at least 100° C. during operation.

[0043] The plates 102 of the plate grid distributor 102 may have a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the floor 116 of the vessel 110. Thus, due to the greater coefficient of thermal expansion and higher temperatures during operation, the amount of expansion in the plates 102 may be greater than the amount of expansion in the floor 116. As described above in this disclosure, one or more column supports 162 of the interior support system 160 may be curved to continue to support the plate grid distributor 100 as the plates 102 expand outward during operation.

[0044] One or more aspects of the disclosure are described herein. A first aspect may include a plate grid distributor for distributing fluid within a vessel, the plate grid distributor comprising: a plate with a plurality of openings, the plate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface; and an internal support system in direct contact with the lower surface of the plate, the internal support system comprising a plurality of column supports extending substantially vertically from at or near the lower surface of the plate to a floor of the vessel, one or more of the column supports comprising: a rigid upper support bracket; a rigid middle beam; a rigid base support bracket attached to the floor of the vessel; a flexible upper member connecting the rigid upper support bracket to the rigid middle beam; and a flexible lower member connecting the rigid middle beam to the rigid base support, the flexible upper member and the flexible lower member 172 bending as the plate thermally expands or contracts to allow the angle of the rigid middle beam from the vertical to change.

[0045] A second aspect of the present disclosure may include the first aspect, wherein the internal support system further comprises a frame in direct contact with the lower surface of the plate, the frame being attached to one or more rigid upper support brackets of the column support.

[0046] A third aspect of the present disclosure may include the second aspect, wherein the frame comprises a ring shape.

[0047] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include either the second or third aspects, in which the frames are contiguous.

[0048] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the plate is substantially planar.

[0049] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rigid upper support bracket comprises an upper rigid upper support bracket notch having a complementary contour to the plate, the frame, or both, and a lower rigid upper support bracket notch having a complementary contour to the flexible upper member.

[0050] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the rigid intermediate beam has an upper rigid intermediate beam notch having a contour complementary to the flexible upper member, and a lower rigid intermediate beam notch having a contour complementary to the flexible lower member.

[0051] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the rigid base support bracket includes an upper rigid base support bracket notch having a complementary contour to the flexible lower member.

[0052] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the plate has an average diameter of at least 5 feet (1.5 m) and not more than 75 feet (22.9 m).

[0053] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the frame has an average diameter of 5 feet (1.5 meters) or more and 50 feet (15.2 meters) or less.

[0054] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising an outer support extending downward from at or near the periphery of the plate.

[0055] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure may include the eleventh aspect, wherein the outer support is angled.

[0056] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include the eleventh aspect, wherein the average diameter of the outer support is greater than the average diameter of the frame.

[0057] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a refractory material in direct contact with and covering substantially all of an upper surface of the plate.

[0058] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include a method of distributing a fluid through a plate grid distributor in a vessel, the method comprising passing a fluid at reaction conditions into the vessel through a fluid inlet below the plate grid distributor and directing the fluid through the plate grid distributor, the plate grid distributor comprising a plate with a plurality of openings, the plate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and an internal support system in contact with the lower surface of the plate, the internal support system comprising a plurality of column supports extending substantially vertically from at or near the lower surface of the plate to a floor of the vessel, one or more of the column supports comprising a rigid upper support bracket, a rigid middle beam, and a rigid base support bracket attached to the floor of the vessel, a flexible upper member connecting the rigid upper support bracket to the rigid middle beam, and a flexible lower member connecting the rigid middle beam to the rigid base support, the flexible upper member and the flexible lower member bending as the plate thermally expands or contracts to allow the angle of the rigid middle beam to change from vertical.

[0059] Finally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, this specification is intended to cover such modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A plate grid dispenser for distributing fluid within a container, said plate grid dispenser comprising a plate having a plurality of openings, an upper surface, and a lower surface opposite said upper surface; an internal support system in direct contact with said lower surface of said plate, said internal support system comprising a plurality of strut supports extending substantially vertically from said lower surface of said plate or in the vicinity thereof towards the floor of said container, one or more of said strut supports comprising a rigid upper support bracket; a rigid intermediate beam; a rigid base support bracket attached to said floor of said container; a flexible upper member connecting said rigid upper support bracket to said rigid intermediate beam; a flexible lower member connecting said rigid intermediate beam to said rigid base support, and said flexible upper member and flexible lower member being capable of bending when said plate thermally expands or thermally contracts, allowing the angle from the vertical line of said rigid intermediate beam to change, an internal support system. A plate grid dispenser.

2. The plate grid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said internal support system further comprises a frame in direct contact with said lower surface of said plate, said frame being attached to one or more of said rigid upper support brackets of said strut supports.

3. The plate grid dispenser according to claim 2, wherein said frame has a ring shape.

4. The plate grid dispenser according to claim 2, wherein said frame is continuous.

5. The plate grid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said plate is substantially planar.

6. said rigid upper support bracket being An upper rigid upper support bracket notch having a complementary outer shape to the plate, the frame, or both; A lower rigid upper support bracket notch having a complementary outer shape to the flexible upper member, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 1, comprising: **Claim 7** The rigid intermediate beam is An upper rigid intermediate beam notch having a complementary outer shape to the flexible upper member, and A lower rigid intermediate beam notch having a complementary outer shape to the flexible lower member, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 1, comprising: **Claim 8** The rigid base support bracket is An upper rigid base support bracket notch having a complementary outer shape to the flexible lower member, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 1, comprising: **Claim 9** The plate has an average diameter of 5 feet (1.5 m) or more and 75 feet (22.9 m) or less, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 1. **Claim 10** The frame has an average diameter of 5 feet (1.5 m) or more and 50 feet (15.2 m) or less, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 1. **Claim 11** The plate grid dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising an outer support extending downward from the outer periphery or near the outer periphery of the plate. **Claim 12** The outer support is angled, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 11. **Claim 13** The average diameter of the outer support is larger than the average diameter of the frame, the plate grid dispenser according to claim 11. **Claim 14** The plate grid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a refractory material that is in direct contact with and covers substantially all of the upper surface of the plate.

15. A method of distributing fluid through a plate grid dispenser within a container, the method comprising: passing the fluid through a fluid inlet below the plate grid dispenser into the container under reaction conditions; directing the fluid through the plate grid dispenser, the plate grid dispenser comprising: a plate having a plurality of openings, the plate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface; an internal support system in contact with the lower surface of the plate, the internal support system comprising a plurality of strut supports extending substantially vertically from the lower surface of the plate or in the vicinity thereof towards the floor of the container, one or more of the strut supports comprising: a rigid upper support bracket; a rigid intermediate beam; a rigid base support bracket attached to the floor of the container; a flexible upper member connecting the rigid upper support bracket to the rigid intermediate beam; a flexible lower member connecting the rigid intermediate beam to the rigid base support, the internal support system comprising: the flexible upper member and the flexible lower member being curved when the plate thermally expands or contracts, allowing an angle from a vertical line of the rigid intermediate beam to change.

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