Liquid distributor

Abstract

Even if the horizontal precision of the liquid distributor is low, it distributes the liquid more uniformly to the target. [Solution] The liquid distributor comprises a storage section for storing the liquid to be distributed, and a distribution sheet having a predetermined width, which is formed of a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90 degrees. One end of the distribution sheet in a direction perpendicular to the width direction is immersed in the liquid, and the other end opposite to the first end is positioned outside the storage section, vertically below the liquid surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid distributor. [Background Art]

[0002] A liquid distribution mechanism for an absorption tower using chemical absorption or physical absorption (also referred to as a "distributor") is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The liquid distributor described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of liquid distribution boxes each having a large number of holes formed in a bottom portion thereof. The liquid that flows down into the liquid distribution box is distributed, through the plurality of holes, to a packing arranged vertically downward. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3261940 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] When the distribution of liquid by the liquid distribution mechanism is non-uniform, the performance of the packing cannot be sufficiently exhibited. Therefore, it is preferable for the liquid distribution mechanism to uniformly distribute liquid onto the upper surface of the packing. However, in the liquid distributor described in Patent Document 1, if the bottom of the liquid distribution box is not installed horizontally, uneven liquid level occurs in the liquid distribution box. As a result, in the vertical direction, a larger amount of liquid flows out from holes at positions where the liquid level is higher than from holes at positions where the liquid level is lower. That is, unevenness occurs in the amount of liquid flowing out from the plurality of holes. Therefore, in order to uniformly distribute liquid using the liquid distributor described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install the device horizontally.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to more uniformly distribute liquid to a target even when the horizontal installation accuracy of the liquid distributor is low. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be realized in the following forms.

[0007] (1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid distributor is provided. The liquid distributor comprises a storage section for storing a liquid to be distributed, and a distribution sheet having a predetermined width, which is formed of a porous body made of a material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90 degrees (°), wherein one end of the distribution sheet in a direction perpendicular to the width direction is immersed in the liquid, and the other end opposite to the one end is positioned outside the storage section and vertically below the liquid surface.

[0008] With this configuration, even if the liquid distributor is not installed horizontally, the liquid is distributed more uniformly downwards vertically from the distributor through the distribution sheet. For example, unlike this configuration, if the liquid distributor distributes liquid downwards vertically using gravity through a through-hole formed at the bottom, the amount of liquid distributed will vary depending on the tilt of the installed distributor. Specifically, if the liquid distributor is installed at an angle, the water level stored in the liquid reservoir will differ depending on the position according to the tilt. Therefore, the water pressure will differ depending on the position, and more liquid will be distributed from the position with higher water pressure. In contrast, in this configuration, the liquid passes through the distribution sheet. The flow velocity of the liquid passing through the distribution sheet is a constant value determined by the balance between gravity and flow resistance. The flow rate at each position within the distribution sheet is defined by the product of the flow velocity and the thickness of the distribution sheet. Therefore, since there is an upper limit to the flow rate at each position, the flow rate of the liquid distributed from each position is less likely to be uneven. Furthermore, in areas with low flow rates, the proportion of the porous body filled with liquid is lower compared to areas with high flow rates. Therefore, capillary force causes the liquid to move from areas with high flow rates to areas with low flow rates. As a result, in this configuration, even if the horizontal accuracy of the liquid distributor is low, the liquid is distributed more uniformly to the object positioned vertically below.

[0009] (2) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, the other end of the distribution sheet may have a plurality of protrusions projecting vertically downward, wherein the length in the width direction decreases as it approaches the tip in the vertical direction downward. In this configuration, the liquid that exits the pores of the distribution sheet at the other end flows along the convex shape of each of the multiple protrusions, towards the apex of the convex protrusion located at the lowest vertical point on each protrusion, and the liquid drips from near the apex of the protrusion. In other words, the phenomenon of uneven dripping due to the liquid flowing along the other end of the distribution sheet is less likely to occur. Therefore, the amount of liquid dripped from the other end of the distribution sheet is made uniform. In addition, because the position where the liquid drips is easy to identify, it becomes easier to distribute the liquid to the desired location.

[0010] (3) In the liquid distributor of the above embodiment, the distribution sheet extends vertically upward from one end immersed in the liquid, is in contact with the upper end of the storage section located vertically above the liquid surface, and extends vertically downward from the upper end with the other end not immersed in the liquid, and both sides may be exposed in at least a portion vertically above the liquid surface from the upper end to the other end. In this configuration, the other end of the distribution sheet, after contacting the upper end located vertically above the liquid surface, extends vertically downward without being submerged in the liquid. Therefore, the liquid moves vertically upward from one end through the distribution sheet by capillary action. Subsequently, the liquid moves vertically downward through the distribution sheet located above the upper end and drips from the other end. This configuration is easier to manufacture compared to the case where the distribution sheet hangs vertically downward from the bottom of the reservoir, which requires manufacturing ingenuity (such as high precision of the fit or joint filling) to prevent liquid leakage from the gap between the bottom and the distribution sheet. Furthermore, both sides of the distribution sheet extending from the upper end to the other end at a position higher than the liquid surface are exposed at least in part without contact with other materials. Therefore, the portion in contact with other materials is prevented from becoming a flow path and excessively flowing vertically downward. As a result, the liquid dripping vertically downward along the width direction from the other end of the distribution sheet becomes more uniform.

[0011] (4) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, the storage portion has a container shape having a bottom portion and a wall portion connected to the bottom portion and extending vertically upward, the distribution sheet extends from one end immersed in the liquid toward the upper end of the wall portion which is the upper end, folds back at the upper end and extends vertically downward along the outer circumference of the wall portion from the upper end toward the other end, and the liquid distributor may further include a space-forming portion which forms a space between the outer circumference of the wall portion and at least a portion of the distribution sheet that extends vertically downward from the upper end, vertically above the liquid surface. In this configuration, the distribution sheet folds back from one end at the upper end of the wall section, which serves as the upper end, and extends vertically downward along the side of the outer perimeter of the wall section to the other end. A space is formed between the outer perimeter of the wall section and the portion of the distribution sheet that extends from the upper end to the other end. This space prevents the formation of a flow path between the outer perimeter of the wall section and the distribution sheet, thus suppressing excessive flow of liquid vertically downward. As a result, the liquid distributed vertically downward from the distribution sheet becomes more uniform.

[0012] (5) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, the space forming portion may be a recess that is horizontally recessed on the outer circumference of the wall portion that extends parallel to the vertical direction, and is vertically above the liquid surface. In this configuration, the distribution sheet does not come into contact with the outer perimeter of the wall in the recessed portion formed in the wall. In other words, the simple shape of the recess allows the liquid distributed vertically downward from the distribution sheet to become more uniform.

[0013] (6) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, the distribution sheet comprises a flow sheet formed of a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, and a pumping sheet formed of a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, having weaker capillary force than the flow sheet, contacting the flow sheet in at least a part thereof, and having one end perpendicular to the width direction immersed in the liquid, wherein the flow sheet has one end that is immersed or not immersed in the liquid inside the storage section, and the other end opposite to the one end immersed in the liquid outside the storage section is located vertically below the liquid surface, and the pumping sheet has the other end opposite to the one end immersed in the liquid above the liquid surface. In this configuration, the distribution sheet has a pumping sheet with weak capillary action and a flowing sheet with strong capillary action. Liquid is distributed vertically downward from the other end of the flowing sheet that is below the liquid level. The pumping sheet is in contact with the flowing sheet and has less capillary action than the flowing sheet, so the liquid in the pumping sheet flows in a way that supplements the liquid in the flowing sheet. In other words, the flow rate of liquid above the liquid level in the flowing sheet is adequately supplemented by the liquid in the pumping sheet. As a result, the liquid distributed vertically downward from the flowing sheet becomes more uniform.

[0014] (7) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, the pumping sheet may be in contact with the flowing sheet vertically above the upper end. In this configuration, the other end of the pumping sheet is positioned at the highest point of both the flowing sheet and the pumping sheet. Therefore, the pumping sheet draws up liquid up to the point where the flowing sheet's suction capacity is at its lowest, thus adequately replenishing any liquid shortage in the flowing sheet.

[0015] (8) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, a communication hole that communicates with the outside may be formed in the wall portion. In this configuration, the liquid in the reservoir is discharged to the outside through the communication holes before it overflows. Therefore, the volume of liquid in the reservoir is regulated at the location where the communication holes are formed. This defines the upper limit of the amount of liquid distributed from the liquid distributor.

[0016] (9) In the liquid distributor according to the above embodiment, a detection unit for detecting the height of the liquid level may be further provided, and a control unit for releasing the liquid in the storage unit to the outside when the detected height of the liquid level exceeds a first threshold, and for replenishing the liquid in the storage unit when the detected height of the liquid level is less than or equal to a second threshold. With this configuration, the liquid level is controlled to be between the second threshold and the first threshold. In other words, the amount of liquid stored in the storage section is adjusted to stay within a certain range. This controls the upper and lower limits of the liquid volume distributed from the liquid distributor.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, as a liquid distributor, liquid distribution structure, liquid distribution device, distributor, gas-liquid contact device, liquid distribution method, gas-liquid contact method, and a system comprising these devices or implementing such methods, a computer program for executing these devices or methods, a server device for distributing the computer program, a non-temporary storage medium storing the computer program, and so on. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid distributor as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic front view of the other end of the distribution sheet. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory view of the distributed liquid amounts in Examples and Comparative Examples. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view of the liquid distributor according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified liquid distributor. [Figure 11] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified liquid distributor. [Figure 12] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified liquid distributor. [Figure 13] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified liquid distribution system. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid distributor 100 as one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the liquid distributor 100 comprises a storage section 10 for storing liquid LQ and a distribution sheet 20 with one end 20E1 immersed in the stored liquid LQ. In the liquid distributor 100 of this embodiment, the liquid LQ drawn up by the distribution sheet 20 from one end 20E1 is distributed from the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 that is not immersed in liquid LQ to an object such as a packing material placed vertically below. In this embodiment, the Cartesian coordinate system CS shown in Figure 1 is defined. The Cartesian coordinate system CS consists of a Z-axis parallel to the vertical direction, an X-axis perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and a Y-axis perpendicular to both the Z-axis and the X-axis. The storage section 10 and the distribution sheet 20 have a predetermined width along the X-axis. Hereafter, the direction along the X-axis will also be referred to as the "width direction". The Cartesian coordinate system CS shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the Cartesian coordinate system CS shown in Figures 2 and later.

[0020] The storage section 10 has a bottom (bottom surface) 11 parallel to the XY plane, and wall sections 12 and 13 connected to the bottom 11 and extending vertically upward. As shown in Figure 1, wall section 13 is connected to the end of the bottom 11 on the negative Y-axis side. Wall section 12 is connected to the end of the bottom 11 on the positive Y-axis side. On the outer surface of wall section 12 that does not store liquid LQ, a protrusion 12C is formed that projects toward the positive Y-axis side. Although not shown in Figure 1, the storage section 10 has wall sections at the positive and negative X-axis ends that have surfaces parallel to the YZ plane and are the same height as wall sections 12 and 13. Therefore, it can also be said that the storage section 10 has a recessed container shape for storing liquid LQ.

[0021] The distribution sheet 20 is formed of a porous material whose contact angle with the liquid is less than 90 degrees (°). In the case of water, this can be rephrased as the distribution sheet 20 being formed of a so-called hydrophilic material. The distribution sheet 20 has a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness along the X-axis. The thickness of the distribution sheet 20 is determined by the flow resistance of the liquid within the sheet and the desired flow rate of the liquid. As shown in Figure 1, one end 20E1 of the distribution sheet 20, perpendicular to the X-axis, is immersed in the liquid LQ in the reservoir 10. The distribution sheet 20 extends vertically from one end 20E1 along the inner circumferential surface of the wall 12 toward the upper end 12T of the wall 12. The distribution sheet 20 then folds back at the upper end 12T of the wall 12 and extends vertically downward along the outer circumference of the wall 12. The wall portion 12 has a flat plate portion 12F having a surface parallel to the ZX plane, and a convex portion 12C projecting from the outer circumferential surface of the flat plate portion 12F toward the positive Y-axis direction. Therefore, the distribution sheet 20 extends linearly toward the positive Y-axis direction as it moves vertically downward, from the Y-axis side end of the upper end 12T of the flat plate portion 12F toward the Y-axis side end of the convex portion 12C toward the Y-axis direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, a space SP1 is formed vertically above the convex portion 12C, enclosed by the flat plate portion 12F, the convex portion 12C, and the distribution sheet 20. Furthermore, it can be said that the portion of the distribution sheet 20 from the position in contact with the upper end 12T of the flat plate portion 12F to the position in contact with the convex portion 12C is exposed on both sides and is not in contact with other members. Note that the wall portion 12 and the distribution sheet 20 that form the space SP1 correspond to the space-forming portion.

[0022] The distribution sheet 20, which is in contact with the Y-axis positive side surface of the protrusion 12C, hangs down vertically below the protrusion 12C and is not in contact with the wall portion 12. The other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20, opposite to the end 20E1 that is immersed in the liquid LQ, is located outside the storage portion 10 and vertically below the liquid level LS of the liquid LQ inside the storage portion 10. Therefore, the liquid LQ stored in the storage portion 10 moves within the distribution sheet 20 from one end 20E1 to the other end 20E2 due to the capillary force of the distribution sheet 20, and drips vertically downward from the other end 20E2. In this embodiment, the space SP1 is located vertically above the liquid level LS of the liquid LQ inside the storage portion 10. Therefore, the liquid LQ drawn up by the capillary force of the distribution sheet 20 does not need to flow through the space SP1, and the flow path is restricted to the inside of the sponge in the exposed parts where both sides are not in contact with other components, thus defining an upper limit on the flow rate.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20. Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 hanging vertically downward outside the storage section 10. As shown in Figure 2, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 has a plurality of protrusions 20C that project vertically downward. The length in the width direction of the plurality of protrusions 20C decreases towards the tip that is vertically downward. In this embodiment, the protrusions 20C are triangular in shape with their vertices pointing vertically downward. Liquid LQ that has moved within the distribution sheet 20 drips from the vertex of the protrusion 20C that is vertically downward at the other end 20E2.

[0024] As described above, the liquid distributor 100 of this embodiment comprises a storage section 10 for storing liquid LQ and a distribution sheet 20 with one end 20E1 immersed in the stored liquid LQ. The other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20, opposite to the one end 20E1, is located outside the storage section 10 and vertically below the liquid level LS of the liquid LQ in the storage section 10. In this embodiment, the flow velocity of the liquid LQ passing through the distribution sheet 20 is a constant value determined by the balance between gravity and flow resistance. The flow rate at each position within the distribution sheet 20 is defined by the product of the flow velocity and the thickness of the distribution sheet 20, which defines its upper limit. Therefore, since the flow rate at each position has an upper limit, the flow rate of the liquid LQ distributed from each position is less likely to be uneven. Furthermore, at positions with a smaller flow rate compared to positions with a larger flow rate, the proportion of the porous body forming the distribution sheet 20 that is filled with liquid LQ is lower. Therefore, due to capillary force, the liquid LQ moves from the position with a high flow rate to the position with a low flow rate. As a result, in this embodiment, even if the horizontal accuracy of the installation of the liquid distributor 100 is low, the liquid LQ is distributed more uniformly to the object positioned vertically below.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 in this embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 20C that project vertically downward. The width of the plurality of protrusions 20C decreases as they approach the tip in the vertical direction downward. In this embodiment, the liquid that exits from the pores of the sheet at the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 flows along the convex shape of each of the plurality of protrusions 20C toward the apex of the protrusion 20C located vertically downward at each protrusion 20C, and the liquid LQ drips from near the apex of the protrusion 20C. In other words, the phenomenon of uneven dripping due to the flow of liquid LQ along the other end 20E of the distribution sheet 20 is less likely to occur. Therefore, the amount of liquid dripped from the other end 20E of the distribution sheet 20 is made uniform. In addition, since the position where the liquid LQ drips is easy to identify, it becomes easier to distribute the liquid LQ to the desired position.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distribution sheet 20 extends vertically from one end 20E1 along the inner circumferential surface of the flat plate portion 12F of the wall portion 12 toward the upper end 12T of the flat plate portion 12F. The distribution sheet 20 then folds back at the upper end 12T and extends vertically downward along the outer circumference of the convex portion 12C. In the portion of the distribution sheet 20 from the position in contact with the upper end 12T to the position in contact with the convex portion 12C, both sides are exposed and not in contact with other members, etc. In this embodiment, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20, after contacting the upper end 12T which is located vertically above the liquid surface LS, extends vertically downward while not immersed in the liquid LQ. Therefore, the liquid LQ moves vertically upward through the distribution sheet 20 by capillary force from one end 20E1, then moves vertically downward through the distribution sheet 20 located on the upper end 12T, and drips out from the other end 20E2. In this embodiment, compared to the case where the distribution sheet 20 hangs vertically downward from the bottom 11 of the storage section 10, which requires manufacturing ingenuity (such as improving the precision of the fit or filling the joints) to prevent liquid leakage from the gap between the bottom 11 and the distribution sheet 20, this embodiment is easier to manufacture. In addition, both sides of the distribution sheet 20 extending from the upper end 12T to the other end 20E2 at a position higher than the liquid level LS are exposed in at least a part without contact with other materials. Therefore, the portion in contact with other materials acts as a flow path, preventing excessive flow of liquid LQ vertically downward. As a result, the liquid LQ dripping vertically downward along the width direction from the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 becomes more uniform.

[0027] Furthermore, the wall portion 12 having a flat portion 12F and a convex portion 12C that form the space SP1 in this embodiment, and the distribution sheet 20 function as space-forming portions. In this embodiment, space SP1 is formed between the outer periphery of the wall portion 12 and the portion of the distribution sheet 20 extending from the upper end 12T to the other end 20E2. The formation of this space SP1 prevents the formation of a flow path between the outer periphery of the wall portion 12 and the distribution sheet 20, thereby suppressing excessive flow of liquid LQ vertically downward. As a result, the liquid LQ distributed vertically downward from the distribution sheet 20 becomes more uniform.

[0028] <Second Embodiment> Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor 100a of the second embodiment. The liquid distributor 100a of the second embodiment differs from the liquid distributor 100 of the first embodiment in that the distribution sheet 20a of the second embodiment includes a flow sheet 21 and pumping sheets 22-25. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the different configuration and shape from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same configuration and shape as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0029] The distribution sheet 20a of the second embodiment comprises a flow sheet 21 and four pumping sheets 22-25. The flow sheet 21 of the second embodiment is the same sheet as the distribution sheet 20 of the first embodiment. Each of the four pumping sheets 22-25 is made of the same material and has the same thickness. The pumping sheets 22-25 are formed of a porous material that has a contact angle with the liquid LQ of less than 90°, i.e., a hydrophilic material. Furthermore, the pumping sheets 22-25 are formed so that their capillary force is weaker than that of the flow sheet 21. The pumping sheets 22-25 have sufficient capillary force to draw the liquid LQ up to the upper end 12T of the wall portion 12. In addition, the pumping sheets 22-25 have sufficient water permeability and thickness to compensate for the liquid flow rate of the flow sheet.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the four pumping sheets 22-25 are superimposed on the flow sheet 21. Pumping sheet 22 is in direct contact with the flow sheet 21. The three pumping sheets 23-25 ​​are indirectly in contact with the flow sheet 21 via other sheets such as pumping sheet 22. One end 22E1-25E1 of each of the pumping sheets 22-25 is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10, just like one end 21E1 of the flow sheet 21. In addition, the other end 22E2-25E2 of each of the pumping sheets 22-25, opposite to one end 22E1-25E1, is located vertically above the upper end 12T of the wall section 12. Therefore, the liquid LQ, which is drawn up by the capillary force of the pumping sheets 22-25, can be moved to the flow sheet 21, which has a stronger capillary force than the pumping sheets 22-25.

[0031] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the liquid volume distributed in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1. In Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1, the liquid distributors 100 and 100a are installed at an angle to the horizontal direction such that the storage section 10 is positioned vertically downward as it approaches the positive X-axis. In this case, the weight of liquid LQ distributed from the liquid distributors 100 and 100a at each of the nine measurement positions along the X-axis is shown. In Example 1, the liquid distributor 100 of the first embodiment is used. In Example 2, the liquid distributor 100a of the second embodiment is used.

[0032] The distribution sheet 20 in Example 1 and the flow sheet 21 in Example 2 are sheets with a pore size of 150 micrometers (μm) and a thickness of 1 millimeter (mm). Each of the pumping sheets 22-25 in Example 2 is a sheet with a pore size of 300 μm and a thickness of 1 mm. The material of the distribution sheet 20, the flow sheet 21, and the pumping sheets 22-25 in Example 1 is polyvinyl alcohol that has been partially acetalized. The width of the distribution sheet 20, the flow sheet 21, and the pumping sheets 22-25 along the X-axis is 500 mm. The spacing between the vertices of the nine protrusions 20C formed on the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 in Example 1 (the flow sheet 21 in Example 2) shown in Figure 2 is 55 mm.

[0033] The length of the bottom 11 of the storage section 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 along the Y-axis is 11 mm. The height of the walls 12 and 13 from the bottom 11 is 15 mm. The liquid distributors 100 and 100a are installed at an angle to the horizontal direction such that the end on the negative X-axis side of the storage section 10 is 2.3 percent (%) higher than the end on the positive X-axis side.

[0034] In Comparative Example 1, the amount of liquid LQ dripping from the through-holes was calculated for the case where nine identical through-holes were formed in the bottom 11 of the storage section 10, without using the distribution sheets 20 and 20a. The positions of the through-holes in the X-axis direction of the bottom 11 are the same as the positions corresponding to the vertices of the nine protrusions 20C formed on the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 shown in Figure 2. In Comparative Example 1, a different storage section from the storage section 10 shown in Figures 1 and 3 was used, and the water level LS was adjusted to 30 mm.

[0035] In Figure 4, the weight on the vertical axis is represented by the average weight of the distributed liquid obtained at nine measurement locations, with the average weight set to 1. The weights of the distributed liquid at the nine measurement locations are indicated by circles for Example 1, squares for Example 2, and triangles for Comparative Example 1. The solid lines are calculated using the least squares method from each weight at the measurement locations in Example 1. Similarly, the dashed lines are calculated from each weight in Example 2. The dotted lines are calculated from each weight in Comparative Example 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, Comparative Example 1 has the largest weight difference between the dropping positions. This is because the reservoir 10 is tilted along the X-axis, causing the height from the bottom of the reservoir to the liquid surface LS, i.e., the water level, to differ among the nine measurement positions. As a result, the water pressure differs at the nine through-holes, and calculations show that the weight of the distribution liquid dropping from the through-hole on the positive X-axis side, where the water pressure is higher, is greater. In contrast to Comparative Example 1, in Examples 1 and 2, the flow velocity of the liquid LQ flowing vertically downward through the distribution sheet 20 or the flow sheet 21 is limited to a constant value determined by the balance between gravity and flow resistance. The flow rate at each position within the sheet is determined by the product of the flow velocity and the sheet thickness, so the upper limit is defined and it is less prone to bias. Furthermore, within the sheet, the proportion of pores filled with liquid is lower in areas with low flow rates compared to areas with high flow rates, so the liquid LQ moves to the areas with low flow rates due to capillary force. This corrects the uneven distribution of liquid LQ within the sheet, resulting in a smaller weight imbalance in the partition liquids in Examples 1 and 2.

[0037] In both Examples 1 and 2, since the reservoir 10 is inclined along the X-axis, the height from the liquid surface LS to the upper end 12T of the wall 12 differs depending on the measurement position. At positions where the length from the liquid surface LS to the upper end 12T is large, the distance the liquid LQ travels through the sheet from the liquid surface LS to the upper end 12T is long, resulting in greater flow resistance. On the other hand, the capillary force is constant regardless of the length from the liquid surface LS to the upper end 12T. Therefore, at positions where the length from the liquid surface LS to the upper end 12T is large, the flow rate of liquid LQ drawn up by the distribution sheet in Example 1 and the flow-down sheet in Example 2 is smaller compared to positions where the length is small. As a result, in Example 1, as shown in Figure 4, the weight of the distribution liquid dripping from the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 is smaller on the negative X-axis side.

[0038] In Example 2, compared to Example 1, the distribution sheet 20a includes four pumping sheets 22-25 in addition to the same flowing sheet 21 as in Example 1. Therefore, the pumping sheets 22-25 also draw up liquid LQ in the same way as the flowing sheet 21 and supply liquid LQ to the flowing sheet 21. In this way, the pumping sheets 22-25 compensate for the flow rate of liquid LQ of the flowing sheet 21, which has a low suction rate. Furthermore, in Example 2, the other ends 22E2-25E2 of the pumping sheets 22-25 are located vertically above the liquid level LS. Therefore, the pumping sheets 22-25 do not supply liquid LQ to the flowing sheet 21 at a flow rate exceeding that which flows through the inside of the flowing sheet 21, and compensate for the amount of liquid LQ drawn up by the flowing sheet 21 without excess or deficiency.

[0039] As described above, the pumping sheets 22-25 of the second embodiment are formed of a porous material whose contact angle with the liquid LQ is less than 90°. Furthermore, the pumping sheets 22-25 are formed such that the capillary force is weaker than that of the flowing sheet 21. Pumping sheet 22 is in direct contact with the flowing sheet 21. The three pumping sheets 23-25 ​​are indirectly in contact with the flowing sheet 21 via other sheets such as the pumping sheet 22. In the second embodiment, the pumping sheets 22-25 are in contact with the flowing sheet 21a, and since their capillary force is weaker than that of the flowing sheet 21a, the liquid LQ in the pumping sheets 22-25 flows in a way that supplements the liquid LQ in the flowing sheet 21a. That is, the flow rate of liquid LQ at a position higher than the liquid level LS in the flowing sheet 21a is adequately supplemented by the liquid LQ in the pumping sheets 22-25. As a result, the liquid LQ distributed vertically downward from the flow sheet 21a becomes more uniform.

[0040] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the pumping sheets 22-25 are in direct or indirect contact with the flowing sheet vertically above the upper end 12T of the wall portion 12. The pumping sheets 22-25 draw up liquid LQ to the position where the amount of liquid drawn up by the flowing sheet 21a is at its lowest, forming a liquid movement path, thereby adequately replenishing any insufficient liquid LQ within the flowing sheet 21a.

[0041] <Third Embodiment> Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment. The liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment comprises a storage section 10b for storing liquid LQ, a flow sheet 21b, and a single pumping sheet 22b. The storage section 10b has a bottom 11 and wall sections 12b and 13 connected to the bottom 11 and extending vertically upward. A horizontally recessed recess 12D is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the wall section 12b connected to the end of the bottom 11 on the positive Y-axis side, as shown in Figure 5. The vertically upward side of the recess 12D is located vertically above the liquid level LS of the liquid LQ in the storage section 10b.

[0042] The flow sheet 21b of the third embodiment is a porous body made of the same material as the flow sheet 21b of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the flow sheet 21b is not immersed in the liquid LQ in the reservoir 10b. One end 21E1b of the flow sheet 21b is located vertically above the upper end 12Tb of the wall 12b. The other end 21E2b of the flow sheet 21b is located vertically below the liquid level LS. Of the flow sheet 21b, the portion from the upper end 12Tb of the wall 12b to the other end 21E2b extends vertically downward along the outer circumferential surface of the wall 12b. Therefore, the recess 12D formed in the wall 12b forms a space between the outer circumferential surface of the wall 12b and the flow sheet 21b.

[0043] The pumping sheet 22b of the third embodiment is a porous body formed from the same material as the pumping sheets 22-25 of the second embodiment. One end 22E1b of the pumping sheet 22b is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10b, as shown in Figure 5. The pumping sheet 22b extends vertically upward from one end 22E1b and overlaps the flowing sheet 21b vertically above the upper end 12Tb of the wall section 12b. The pumping sheet 22b extends further and, overlapping the flowing sheet 21b, extends vertically downward outside the wall section 12b. As shown in Figure 5, the other end 22E2b of the pumping sheet 22b is located vertically above the liquid level LS.

[0044] The recess 12D formed in the wall portion 12b is a recess with a depth d along the Y-axis. The recess 12D extends along the X-axis. The length of the recess 12D along the width direction is greater than the width direction of the flow sheet 21b. Let h be the height at which the gap between the outer wall and the sponge draws up the liquid. If the density of the liquid LQ is ρ, the surface tension of the liquid LQ is T, the contact angle between the liquid LQ and the wall portion 12b is θ1, and the contact angle between the liquid LQ and the material forming the flow sheet 21b is θ2, then the following equation (1) can be derived from the balance between the capillary force on the flow sheet 21b and gravity. dhρg=Tcosθ1+Tcosθ2 (1) g:Gravity acceleration

[0045] For the space between the wall portion 12b formed by the recess 12D and the flow sheet 21b to not be filled with liquid LQ, gravity must be greater than the capillary force in the gap between the flow sheet 21b and the wall surface. If the height of the recess in this case is defined as h1, the condition for the recess 12D not to be filled with liquid LQ can be expressed by the following relation (2). dh1>T(cosθ1+Tcosθ2) / (ρg)···(2)

[0046] By setting the depth d and height h of the recess 12D such that the above relation (2) is satisfied, the liquid LQ does not flow into the recess 12D. For example, when the storage section 10b including the wall section 12b is made of polyvinyl chloride and the flow sheet 21b is made of polyvinyl alcohol, the right-hand side of the above relation (2) is approximately 5.2 (mm 2 ) In this case, for example, it is sufficient if the depth d is 2 mm or more and the height h is 3 mm or more.

[0047] As described above, in the third embodiment, a horizontally recessed recess 12D is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 12b, as shown in Figure 5. The upper vertical end of the recess 12D is located vertically above the liquid level LS of the liquid LQ in the storage portion 10b. Therefore, the recess 12D forms a space between the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 12b and the flow sheet 21b. In the third embodiment, the flow sheet 21b does not come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 12b in the portion of the recess 12D formed in the wall portion 12b. In other words, the simple shape of the recess 12D makes the liquid LQ distributed vertically downward from the flow sheet 21b more uniform.

[0048] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor 100c of the fourth embodiment. The liquid distributor 100c of the fourth embodiment differs significantly from the liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment in that the flow sheet 21c is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10b, just like the pumping sheet 22c. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the different shapes and other features from the third embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same shapes and other features as the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0049] The liquid distributor 100c of the fourth embodiment includes a distribution sheet 20c having a flowing sheet 21c and a pumping sheet 22c. As shown in Figure 6, one end 21E1c of the flowing sheet 21c is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10b. The other end 21E2c of the flowing sheet 21c is located outside the storage section 10b and vertically below the liquid level LS in the storage section 10b.

[0050] In the fourth embodiment, one end 22E1c of the pumping sheet 22c is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10b, as shown in Figure 6. The other end 22E2c of the pumping sheet 22c is positioned vertically above the upper end 12Tb of the wall section 12b.

[0051] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor 100d of the fifth embodiment. The liquid distributor 100d of the fifth embodiment differs significantly from the liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment in that the flow sheet 21d overlaps the upper side of the pumping sheet 22d. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the differences in shape and other aspects from the third embodiment are described, and the descriptions of the same shape and other aspects as the third embodiment are omitted.

[0052] The liquid distributor 100d of the fifth embodiment includes a distribution sheet 20d having a flow sheet 21d and a pump sheet 22d. As shown in Figure 7, one end 22E1d of the pump sheet 22d is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10b. The other end 22E2d of the pump sheet 22d is positioned on the upper end 12Tb of the wall section 12b.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, in the fifth embodiment, one end 21E1d of the flowing sheet 21d overlaps the portion of the pumping sheet 22d that is positioned on the upper end 12Tb of the wall portion 12b, and is not immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage portion 10b. The other end 21E2d of the flowing sheet 21d is positioned outside the storage portion 10b and vertically below the liquid level LS in the storage portion 10b. In the fifth embodiment, the flowing sheet 21d does not directly draw up the liquid LQ in the storage portion 10b, but rather the liquid LQ drawn up from the storage portion 10b by the pumping sheet 22d moves into the flowing sheet 21d due to the difference in capillary force.

[0054] <Sixth Embodiment> Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor 100e of the sixth embodiment. The liquid distributor 100e of the sixth embodiment differs from the liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment in that a communication hole 13H is formed to control the overflow of liquid LQ in the storage section 10e from the storage section 10e. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the configurations that differ from those of the third embodiment will be described, and the configurations that are the same as those of the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0055] The storage section 10e of the sixth embodiment has a bottom section 11, a wall section 12b connected to the end of the bottom section 11 on the positive Y-axis side, and a wall section 13e connected to the end of the bottom section 11 on the negative Y-axis side. As shown in Figure 8, a communication hole 13H is formed in the wall section 13e, penetrating in the Y-axis direction, which is the thickness direction of the wall section 13e. The inside of the storage section 10e is in communication with the outside through the communication hole 13H.

[0056] As described above, the wall portion 13e of the storage portion 10e in the sixth embodiment has a communication hole 13H that communicates with the outside. In the sixth embodiment, the liquid LQ in the storage portion 10e is discharged to the outside through the communication hole 13H before it overflows from the highest vertical position in the wall portion 13b. Therefore, the liquid level LS of the liquid LQ in the storage portion 10e is adjusted at the position where the communication hole 13H is formed. This defines the upper limit of the amount of liquid distributed from the liquid distributor 100e.

[0057] <Seventh Embodiment> Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the liquid distributor 100f of the seventh embodiment. Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage section 10f and the distribution sheet 20b. Figure 9 also shows a schematic block diagram of the liquid distributor 100f, which includes a control unit 30, a detection unit 40 that detects the height of the liquid level LS in the storage section 10f, and two valves 50 and 51. The liquid distributor 100f of the seventh embodiment differs significantly from the liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment in that the control unit 30 releases liquid LQ from the storage section 10f and replenishes liquid LQ into the storage section 10f according to the height of the liquid level LS detected by the detection unit 40. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the configurations that differ from the seventh embodiment will be described, and the configurations that are the same as those of the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0058] The liquid distributor 100f of the seventh embodiment includes a storage section 10f, a distribution sheet 20b, a control unit 30, a detection unit 40, valves 50 and 51, and flow paths 60 and 61. As shown in Figure 9, the storage section 10f has a wall section 13f connected to the end of the bottom section 11 on the negative Y-axis side. Communication holes 13H1 and 13H2 are formed in the wall section 13f at different height positions in the vertical direction. Communication hole 13H1 is connected to flow path 60. A valve 50 for opening and closing flow path 60 is located in flow path 60. Communication hole 13H2 is connected to flow path 61. A valve 51 for opening and closing flow path 61 is located in flow path 61. Flow paths 60 and 61 are connected to a tank for storing liquid LQ, which is not shown in Figure 9.

[0059] The detection unit 40 is, for example, a liquid level meter that detects the height position of the liquid level LS. The control unit 30 acquires the height position of the liquid level LS detected by the detection unit 40. When the acquired height position of the liquid level LS exceeds a preset first threshold, the control unit 30 releases the liquid LQ in the storage unit 10f into the tank. The control unit 30 opens the valve 51, allowing the liquid LQ in the storage unit 10f to flow into the tank via the flow path 61. The control unit 30 continues to release the liquid LQ in the storage unit 10f until the liquid level LS reaches the first threshold. In the seventh embodiment, the first threshold is set to a position higher vertically than the communication hole 13H2.

[0060] The control unit 30 replenishes liquid LQ from the tank into the storage section 10f when the height position of the acquired liquid level LS is below a preset second threshold (<first threshold). The control unit 30 opens the valve 50 to allow liquid LQ to flow from the tank into the storage section 10f via the flow path 60. The control unit 30 replenishes liquid LQ from the tank into the storage section 10f until the liquid level LS reaches the first threshold. In the seventh embodiment, the second threshold is set to a position lower vertically than the communication hole 13H1 and the first threshold.

[0061] As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the control unit 30 releases liquid LQ from the storage unit 10f when the height position of the acquired liquid level LS exceeds a preset first threshold. The control unit 30 replenishes liquid LQ in the storage unit 10f when the height position of the acquired liquid level LS is below a preset second threshold. In the seventh embodiment, the control unit 30 controls the height of the liquid level LS to be between the second threshold and the first threshold. That is, the amount of liquid LQ stored in the storage unit 10f is adjusted to be within a certain range. This controls the upper limit of the amount of liquid distributed from the liquid distributor 100f, and at the same time maintains the state in which the pumping sponge is immersed in liquid.

[0062] <Modified examples of embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, the following modifications are possible. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, some of the configurations implemented by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, some of the configurations implemented by software may be replaced with hardware.

[0063] <Example 1> In the first to seventh embodiments described above, examples of liquid distributors 100 to 100f were explained. However, the liquid distributor is formed of a porous body made of a material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, and is deformable within a range in which one end of the distributor sheet is immersed in the liquid LQ and the other end of the distributor sheet is positioned vertically below the liquid surface LS of the liquid LQ.

[0064] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic cross-sectional views of modified liquid distributors 100g and 100h. The modified liquid distributor 100g shown in Figure 10 differs significantly from the liquid distributor 100b of the third embodiment shown in Figure 5 in that the distribution sheet 20g is formed from a single sheet, and the distribution sheet 20g hangs vertically from the bottom 11g of the storage section 10g. The bottom 11g of the storage section 10g shown in Figure 10 has a through hole 11H that penetrates vertically. The wall portion 12g of the storage section 10g does not have a recess on its outer circumference corresponding to the recess 12D formed in the wall portion 12 of the third embodiment. The distribution sheet 20g is made of a porous material of the same material as the flow sheet 21b of the third embodiment. The distribution sheet 20g is a sheet with a predetermined thickness that extends vertically. The distribution sheet 20g extends parallel to the vertical direction through the through hole 11H, as shown in Figure 10. The distribution sheet 20g has a thickness and width that fills the through hole 11H. One end 20E1g of the distribution sheet 20g is immersed in the liquid LQ in the reservoir 10g. The other end 20E2g of the distribution sheet 20g is located vertically below the liquid level LS and the other end 20E1g. Therefore, even if the horizontal accuracy of the installation of the liquid distributor 100g is low, the capillary force and flow resistance using the distribution sheet 20g allow the liquid LQ to be distributed more uniformly vertically downwards from the liquid distributor 100g.

[0065] In the modified liquid distributor 100h shown in Figure 11, a major difference from the liquid distributor 100g shown in Figure 10 is that the other end 20E2h of the distribution sheet 20h hangs down from the outer circumference of the storage section 10h through a through hole 12H formed in the wall 12h of the storage section 10h. In the wall 12h of the storage section 10h shown in Figure 11, a through hole 12H is formed that penetrates along the thickness direction (horizontal direction) of the wall 12h. The liquid level LS in the storage section 10h is adjusted so that the height position at which the through hole 12H is formed in the vertical direction is lower than the liquid level LS in the storage section 10h. As shown in Figure 11, one end 20E1h of the distribution sheet 20h is immersed in the liquid LQ in the storage section 10h. The distribution sheet 20h extends horizontally from one end 20E1h to the other end 20E2h, passes through the through-hole 12H in the wall 12h, and hangs down along the outer circumference of the wall 12h. The other end 20E2h of the distribution sheet 20h is located vertically below the liquid level LS in the storage section 10h. As shown in the liquid distributors 100g and 100h in Figures 10 and 11, the distribution sheets 20g and 20h do not necessarily need to extend vertically above the liquid level LS.

[0066] <Modification 2> Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified liquid distributor 100i. Compared to the liquid distributor 100g shown in Figure 10, the liquid distributor 100i shown in Figure 12 differs in the shape of the wall portion 12i of the storage portion 10i and the shape and arrangement of the distribution sheet 20i. As shown in Figure 12, the wall portion 12i of the storage portion 10i extends parallel to the vertical from the portion connected to the end on the positive Y-axis side of the bottom portion 11, and extends towards the positive Y-axis side as it extends vertically upward along the way. In other words, the wall portion 12i extends diagonally upward from a certain point. The upper end 12Ti of the wall portion 12i is located vertically above the upper end 13T of the wall portion 13.

[0067] As shown in Figure 12, one end 20E1i of the distribution sheet 20i is immersed in the liquid LQ in the reservoir 10i. The distribution sheet 20i extends from one end 20E1i to the other end 20E2i, in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the wall portion 12i which extends diagonally upward, up to the upper end 12Ti, and hangs vertically downward from the end of the upper end 12Ti on the positive Y-axis side. As shown in Figure 12, the other end 20E2i of the distribution sheet 20i is formed such that the thickness of the distribution sheet 20i (length along the Y-axis) decreases as it extends vertically downward. The portion of the distribution sheet 20i that is located outside the reservoir 10i is not in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 12i, as in the flow sheet 21b of the third embodiment shown in Figure 5. In other words, the distribution sheet 20i is exposed on both sides from the upper end 12Ti to the other end 20E2i of the wall portion 12i. Therefore, in the modified liquid distributor 100i, the liquid LQ in the storage section 10i moves vertically upward through the distribution sheet 20i by capillary force from one end 20E1i. Subsequently, the liquid LQ moves vertically downward through the distribution sheet 20i located above the upper end 12Ti and drips from the other end 20E2i. Both sides of the distribution sheet 20i extending from the upper end 12Ti to the other end 20E2i at a position higher than the liquid level LS are exposed without contact with other materials. Therefore, the portion of the distribution sheet 20i that is in contact with other materials becomes a flow path, preventing excessive flow of liquid LQ vertically downward. As a result, the liquid LQ dripping vertically downward from the other end 20E2i of the distribution sheet 20i becomes more uniform.

[0068] In the liquid distributor 100i shown in Figure 12, both sides of the distribution sheet 20i hanging down from the upper end 12Ti of the wall portion 12i were exposed. However, exposure is not required; for example, the side of the distribution sheet 20i facing the wall portion 12i may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 12i. It is preferable that at least a portion of both sides of the distribution sheet 20i hanging down from the upper end 12Ti is exposed vertically above the liquid level LS.

[0069] <Variation 3> Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified liquid distribution system 200. The liquid distribution system 200 shown in Figure 13 comprises a liquid distributor 100c and a liquid distributor 100j, as shown in Figure 6. Compared to liquid distributor 100c, liquid distributor 100j has a different shape for the wall portion 13j in the storage portion 10j. The wall portion 13j of the storage portion 10j extends vertically upward from the end on the negative Y-axis side of the bottom portion 11j. The wall portion 13j has the same thickness and height as the wall portion 12b. A recess 13D is formed on the outer circumferential surface (the Y-axis negative side) of the wall portion 13j. The depth and height of the recess 13D are the same as the recess 12D formed in the wall portion 12b. The outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 13j is in contact with the Y-axis positive side surface of the flow sheet 21c provided in liquid distributor 100c, as shown in Figure 13. As shown in the liquid distribution system 200 in Figure 13, multiple liquid distributors 100c and 100j may be arranged in parallel. In this case, compared to linear distribution by a single liquid distributor, it becomes possible to distribute the liquid over a surface area.

[0070] In the liquid distribution system 200 shown in Figure 13, liquid distributors 100c and 100j may be arranged horizontally with a gap between them. Specifically, liquid distributors 100c and 100j are arranged such that the Y-axis positive side of the flow sheet 21c of liquid distributor 100c is not in contact with the Y-axis negative side of the wall portion 13j of liquid distributor 100j. By arranging them in this way, the gap formed between liquid distributors 100c and 100j allows for the movement of the gas phase along the vertical direction.

[0071] In the liquid distribution system 200 shown in Figure 13, multiple liquid distributors are arranged horizontally, but multiple liquid distributors may also be arranged vertically. For example, a packing material is placed vertically below the liquid distribution system 200 as the target of liquid distribution. Furthermore, a different liquid distribution system from the liquid distribution system 200 may be placed vertically below the packing material, and yet another packing material may be placed vertically below that liquid distribution system. In this case, the liquid distribution system placed vertically between the two packing materials can recover liquid LQ supplied from vertically above and distribute the liquid LQ to the packing material located vertically below.

[0072] <Modification 4> In the second embodiment described above, the capillary force of the flowing sheet 21 was stronger than that of the pumping sheets 22-25, but the capillary force of the flowing sheet 21 and the capillary force of the pumping sheets 22-25 may be the same. Also, the capillary forces of the pumping sheets 22-25 may be different.

[0073] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 2, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 had a plurality of protrusions 20C that projected vertically downward, but it may have a different shape. For example, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 may be a straight line parallel to the horizontal direction. In this case, even if the horizontal accuracy of the installation of the liquid distributor 100 is low, the liquid LQ moves within the distribution sheet 20 from the position with a high flow rate to the position with a low flow rate due to capillary force. Therefore, compared to the method in which the liquid LQ in the storage section 10 is distributed vertically downward through through holes formed in the bottom 11 of the storage section 10, it is easier to distribute it uniformly to the target.

[0074] In the first embodiment described above, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 was located vertically below the liquid distributor 100 and spaced apart from the object to which the liquid LQ was distributed. However, the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 may be in contact with the object along the width direction (X-axis direction). When the other end 20E2 of the distribution sheet 20 and the object are in contact, the phenomenon of liquid droplets traveling along the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 12 to which the other end 20E2 or the distribution sheet 20 is in contact, which may occur when they are not in contact, is suppressed. Furthermore, the distribution sheet 20 may be formed integrally with the packing material as the object to which the liquid LQ is distributed.

[0075] In the distribution sheet 20 of the first embodiment and the flow sheet 21 of the second embodiment described above, it is preferable that the product of the flow velocity and the sheet thickness is constant in the width direction (X-axis direction). This constant product ensures that the liquid flow rate within the distribution sheet 20 or the flow sheet 21 is uniform in the width direction. In this specification, "constant product" means that the product of the flow velocity and the sheet thickness at each position is 90% or more and 110% or less of the average value of the entire sheet of the distribution sheet 20 or the flow sheet 21. In the first embodiment described above, it was assumed that the more uniform the liquid distribution, the better the gas-liquid contact performance within the packing. However, if the gas-liquid contact performance improves when the liquid supply to the top surface of the packing has a specific bias, the flow rate or thickness of the flow sheet 21 can be adjusted to achieve that specific bias.

[0076] The embodiments of this specification have been described above based on the embodiments and modifications described above. The embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this specification and do not limit it. This specification may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit and the scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in this specification. Furthermore, any technical features that are not described as essential in this specification may be deleted as appropriate.

[0077] The present invention can also be realized in the following forms. [Application Example 1] A liquid distributor, A storage section for storing the liquid to be distributed, A distribution sheet having a predetermined width is formed from a porous material whose contact angle with the liquid is less than 90 degrees (°), Equipped with, The aforementioned distribution sheet is One end in the direction perpendicular to the width direction is immersed in liquid. A liquid distributor in which one end opposite to the other end is positioned outside the storage section and vertically below the liquid level. [Application Example 2] The liquid distributor described in Application Example 1, A liquid distributor, wherein the other end of the distribution sheet has a plurality of protrusions projecting vertically downward, the length of which decreases towards the tip in the vertical direction. [Application Example 3] A liquid distributor as described in Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, The aforementioned distribution sheet is One end immersed in the liquid extends vertically upward, touching the upper end of the reservoir located vertically above the liquid surface, while the other end, not immersed in the liquid, extends vertically downward from the upper end. A liquid distributor in which both sides are exposed at least a portion of the area vertically above the liquid surface from the upper end to the other end. [Application Example 4] A liquid distributor described in any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, The storage section has a container shape with a bottom surface and a wall section connected to the bottom surface and extending vertically upward. The distribution sheet extends from one end immersed in the liquid toward the upper end of the wall portion, which serves as the upper end, folds back at the upper end, and extends vertically downward along the outer circumference of the wall portion from the upper end to the other end. The aforementioned liquid distributor further, A liquid distributor comprising a space-forming section that forms a space between the outer circumference of the wall and at least a portion of the distribution sheet that extends vertically downward from the upper end, vertically above the liquid surface. [Application Example 5] A liquid distributor described in any one of the application examples 1 to 4, The space-forming portion is a recess that is horizontally recessed on the outer circumference of the wall portion extending parallel to the vertical direction, and is located vertically above the liquid surface, in the liquid distributor. [Application Example 6] A liquid distributor described in any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, The aforementioned distribution sheet is A flow sheet formed from a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, A pumping sheet is formed of a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, has weaker capillary action than the flowing sheet, is in contact with the flowing sheet in at least a portion, and has one end perpendicular to the width direction immersed in the liquid, It has, The flowing sheet has one end that is either immersed in or not immersed in the liquid inside the storage section, while the other end opposite to the other end is located outside the storage section, vertically below the liquid level. The aforementioned pumping sheet is a liquid distributor in which one end opposite to the other end is positioned vertically above the liquid surface. [Application Example 7] A liquid distributor according to any one of the application examples 1 to 6, A liquid distributor wherein the pumping sheet is in contact with the flow sheet vertically above the upper end. [Application Example 8] A liquid distributor according to any one of the application examples 1 to 7, A liquid distributor having a communication hole formed in the wall portion that communicates with the outside. [Application Example 9] A liquid distributor according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8, further, A detection unit for detecting the height of the liquid level, A control unit that releases the liquid in the storage unit to the outside when the detected liquid level exceeds a first threshold, and replenishes the liquid in the storage unit when the detected liquid level is below a second threshold, A liquid distributor equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 10, 10b, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j… Storage section 11,11b,11g,11j...Bottom part (bottom part) 11H...Through hole 12,12b,12g,12h,12i,13,13b,13e,13f,13j...Wall part 12C... protruding part 12F…Flat plate part 12D, 13D… recessed 12H…Through hole 12T, 12Tb, 12Th, 12Ti, 13T... Upper part of the wall 13H, 13H1, 13H2…Communication hole 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20g, 20h, 20i… Distribution Sheet 20C... protruding part 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d... Flow-through sheets 22, 22b, 22c, 22d, 23, 24, 25... Pumping sheet 30…Control Unit 40...Detection unit 50, 51… valve 60, 61…flow channels 100,100a,100b,100c,100d,100e,100f,100g,100h,100i,100j…liquid distributor 200... Liquid distribution system 20E1, 20E1g, 20E1h... one end of the distribution sheet 20E2, 20E2g, 20E2h, 20E2i… the other end of the distribution sheet 21E1, 21E1b, 21E1c, 21E1d... One end of the flow-through sheet 21E2b, 21E2c, 21E2d... The other end of the flow sheet 22E1, 22E1b, 22E1c, 22E1d, 23E1~25E1... One end of the pumping sheet 22E2, 22E2b, 22E2c, 22E2d, 23E2~25E2...the other end of the pumping sheet CS… Cartesian coordinate system LQ...Liquid LS…Liquid level SP1…Space

Claims

1. A liquid distributor, A storage section for storing the liquid to be distributed, A distribution sheet having a predetermined width is formed from a porous material whose contact angle with the liquid is less than 90 degrees (°), Equipped with, The aforementioned distribution sheet is One end in the direction perpendicular to the width direction is immersed in liquid. A liquid distributor in which one end opposite to the other end is positioned outside the storage section and vertically below the liquid level.

2. A liquid distributor according to claim 1, A liquid distributor, wherein the other end of the distribution sheet has a plurality of protrusions projecting vertically downward, the length of which decreases towards the tip in the vertical direction.

3. A liquid distributor according to claim 1, The aforementioned distribution sheet is One end immersed in the liquid extends vertically upward, touching the upper end of the reservoir located vertically above the liquid surface, while the other end, not immersed in the liquid, extends vertically downward from the upper end. A liquid distributor in which both sides are exposed at least a portion of the area vertically above the liquid surface from the upper end to the other end.

4. A liquid distributor according to claim 3, The storage section has a container shape with a bottom surface and a wall section connected to the bottom surface and extending vertically upward. The distribution sheet extends from one end immersed in the liquid toward the upper end of the wall portion, which serves as the upper end, folds back at the upper end, and extends vertically downward along the outer circumference of the wall portion from the upper end to the other end. The aforementioned liquid distributor further, A liquid distributor comprising a space-forming section that forms a space between the outer circumference of the wall and at least a portion of the distribution sheet that extends vertically downward from the upper end, vertically above the liquid surface.

5. A liquid distributor according to claim 4, The space-forming portion is a recess that is horizontally recessed on the outer circumference of the wall portion extending parallel to the vertical direction, and is located vertically above the liquid surface, in the liquid distributor.

6. A liquid distributor according to claim 4, The aforementioned distribution sheet is A flow sheet formed from a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, A pumping sheet is formed of a porous material having a contact angle with the liquid of less than 90°, has weaker capillary action than the flowing sheet, is in contact with the flowing sheet in at least a portion of the area, and has one end perpendicular to the width direction immersed in the liquid. It has, The flowing sheet has one end that is either immersed in or not immersed in the liquid inside the storage section, while the other end opposite to the other end is located outside the storage section, vertically below the liquid level. The aforementioned pumping sheet is a liquid distributor in which one end opposite to the other end is positioned vertically above the liquid surface.

7. A liquid distributor according to claim 6, A liquid distributor wherein the pumping sheet is in contact with the flow sheet vertically above the upper end.

8. A liquid distributor according to claim 4, A liquid distributor having a communication hole formed in the wall portion that communicates with the outside.

9. A liquid distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further, A detection unit for detecting the height of the liquid level, A control unit that releases the liquid in the storage unit to the outside when the detected liquid level exceeds a first threshold, and replenishes the liquid in the storage unit when the detected liquid level is below a second threshold, A liquid distributor equipped with the following features.

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