Flow straightening device and method of assembly

Abstract

A flow straightening device is provided for use in delivering a fluid stream into a vessel and includes a plurality of first tubes and a plurality of second tubes and optional third tubes that are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that operate to reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device. The first tubes are joined with the second tubes and third tubes by fasteners to facilitate assembly and / or installation from within the vessel.

Description

FLOW STRAIGHTENING DEVICE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLYBACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vessels in which phase separation of a fluid stream occurs and, more particularly, to devices used to deliver the fluid stream to an inlet device that is positioned within the vessel for redirecting the fluid stream as it enters the vessel and for facilitating the separation of a liquid phase from the fluid stream.

[0002] Various types of inlet devices are used in vessels such as separators and distillation towers to redirect and reduce the momentum of a fluid stream as it is introduced into the vessel. These inlet devices additionally facilitate the removal of a liquid phase from a gas phase in the fluid stream so that a lower liquid load is presented to a mist eliminator or other type of internal that may be positioned downstream from the inlet device.

[0003] One type of inlet device, referred to as a vane inlet device, uses first and second arrays of curved vanes that converge toward each other in the direction of the inflow of the fluid stream. The vanes partition the feed stream into smaller segments and redirect them out the sides of the vane inlet device for outward flow across the internal area of the vessel. An example of a vane inlet device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,484,822, which is assigned to Koch-Glitsch, LP.

[0004] The vane inlet device in U.S. Patent No. 11,484,822 includes a flow straightening device at an inlet end of the vane inlet device for reducing the turbulence of the fluid stream before it encounters the vanes in the vane inlet device. The flow straightening device is formed as a gridlike structure that extends a preselected distance into an inlet nozzle that delivers the fluid stream to the vessel. The flow straightening device is conventionally formed by assembling and then welding together slotted sheets to form an interlocking matrix of ducts whose sidewalls are formed by the sheets and are square in cross section. The slots extend into each sheet from a downstream or upstream edge and each slot is positioned to slide into a facing slot in a perpendicularly extending sheet. In some applications, the sheets are formed into subassemblies outside the vessel in order to facilitate insertion through a manway or other opening in the vessel. The subassemblies are then joined together within the vessel to form the flow straightening device.

[0005] While the conventional method of assembling the flow straightening device is satisfactory, a need remains for a flow straightening device that is easier to install within the vessel,uses less material, and may be adjustable to accommodate irregularities in the inlet nozzle or other conduit in which the flow straightening device is installed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] This brief description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description below. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a flow straightening device for use in delivering a fluid stream into a vessel. The flow straightening device comprises: a plurality of first tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the first tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other; a plurality of second tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the second tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal length of each second tube is positioned at a location between the upstream end and the downstream end of the first tubes, and wherein the first tubes and the second tubes are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that will reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a vessel comprising: an external shell defining an interior volume; an opening in the external shell for delivering a fluid stream into the interior volume of the external shell; an inlet flange surrounding the opening and extending outwardly from the external shell; an inlet device positioned at least primarily in the interior volume of the external shell of the vessel and positioned in alignment with the opening to redirect a flow of the fluid stream after entering the interior volume of the external shell; a flow straightening device at least partially positioned within the inlet flange. The flow straightening device comprises: a plurality of first tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the first tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other; a plurality of second tubes that each have alongitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the first tubes, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the second tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal length of each second tube is positioned at a location between the upstream end and the downstream end of the first tubes, and wherein the first tubes and the second tubes are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that substantially fill a cross section of the inlet flange and reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device.

[0009] In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a flow straightening device for use in a cylindrical conduit that delivers a fluid stream into a vessel. The flow straightening device comprises: a plurality of first tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the first tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other; a plurality of second tubes that each have a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the first tubes, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the second tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes; a plurality of third tubes that each have a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the first tubes, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the third tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, each third tube being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from one of the second tubes, wherein the second tubes are positioned at the downstream end of the first tubes and the third tubes are positioned at the upstream end of the first tubes, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal length of each second tube is positioned at a location between the upstream end and the downstream end of the first tubes, and wherein the first tubes and the second tubes are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that will substantially fill a cross section of the conduit and reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device. The method comprises: sequentially positioning the second tubes in relationship to the first tubes and securing together the second tubes and the first tubes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0011] Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of a vessel, with a portion of an external shell of the vessel broken away to show an embodiment of a flow straightening device positioned partially within an inlet nozzle for reducing turbulence of a fluid stream as it flows through the flow straightening device and a schematically represented inlet device positioned within an internal region of the vessel for receiving and redistributing the fluid stream from the flow straightening device;

[0012] Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the vessel of Fig. 1 taken in horizontal section above the flow straightening device and showing an embodiment of the inlet device;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a further enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the vessel of Fig. 2;

[0014] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the vessel of Fig. 2 taken in horizontal section above the embodiments of the flow straightening device and the inlet device;

[0015] Fig. 5 is an elevation view of a fragmental portion of the vessel taken in the direction of flow of the fluid stream through the embodiments of the flow straightening device and the inlet device;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the flow straightening device shown in Figs. 1-5; and

[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the flow straightening device similar to the view shown in Fig. 6 but showing the flow straightening device partially assembled.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The subject matter of the present disclosure is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different components, combinations of components, steps, or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

[0019] Turning now to the drawings in greater detail and initially to Fig. 1, a flow straightening device 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown mounted in a position to direct a fluid stream into a vessel 12. The flow straightening device 10 operates to reduce turbulence or otherwise calm the fluid stream as it flows through the flow straightening device 10. The flow straightening device 10 has an upstream end for receiving the fluid stream and an opposite downstream end for discharging the fluid stream.

[0020] The vessel 12 may be one in which mass transfer and / or heat exchange processes are intended to occur and / or in which separation of fluid phases in a fluid stream is intended. The vessel 12 includes an external shell 14 that is generally cylindrical in configuration, although other configurations, including polygonal, are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure. The shell 14 is of any suitable diameter and length and is constructed from one or more rigid materials that are desirably inert to, or are otherwise compatible with, the fluids and conditions present within the vessel 12. The shell 14 may be oriented vertically or horizontally and defines an internal region 16 in which various internals may be located.

[0021] In one embodiment, the vessel 12 is a mass transfer column of a type used for processing fluid streams, typically liquid and vapor streams, to obtain fractionation products and / or to otherwise cause mass transfer and / or heat exchange between the fluid streams. For example, the vessel 12 can be one in which atmospheric distillation of crude oil, lube vacuum distillation, fluid or thermal cracking fractionating, coker or visbreaker fractionating, coke scrubbing, reactor offgas scrubbing, gas quenching, edible oil deodorization, pollution control scrubbing, and other processes occur. In another embodiment, vessel 12 is a separator for removing or reducing the amount of a liquid phase that is present in the gas phase of the fluid stream.

[0022] The vessel 12 includes a flanged inlet nozzle 18 for connecting to a feed line 20 to introduce the single-phase or multi-phase fluid stream into the internal region 16 of the vessel 12. In one embodiment, the flow straightening device 10 can be positioned in the inlet nozzle 18 and / or the feed line 20. Other inlet nozzles may be positioned at other locations on the vessel 12 to introduce other fluid streams into the vessel 12. The vessel 12 will also typically include an overhead nozzle 22 for removing a vapor stream and a bottom stream takeoff nozzle 24 for removing a liquid stream from the vessel 12. A manway 26 can be provided for allowing a person to enter the internal region 16 of the vessel 12 and for internals such as the flow straighteningdevice 10 or components or subassemblies thereof to be placed within and removed from the vessel 12 during installation, maintenance, and revamping procedures.

[0023] Other components that may be used in association with the vessel 12, such as reflux stream nozzles, reboilers, condensers, and the like, are not illustrated in the drawings because they are conventional in nature and an illustration of these components is not believed to be necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure. Similarly, other internals that may be used within the vessel 12, such as liquid distributors, trays, structured and random packings, mist eliminators, and the like, are not shown because they are conventional and unnecessary for an understanding of the present disclosure.

[0024] The flow straightening device 10 in one embodiment delivers the fluid stream to an inlet device 28 that is positioned in the internal region 16 within the external shell 14. The inlet device 28 is shown schematically in Fig. 1 and can be any of various types of devices that are intended to interact with the fluid stream, including to redirect the flow of the fluid stream, more uniformly distribute the fluid stream to downstream equipment, reduce the velocity of the fluid stream, and facilitate the separation of fluid and solid phases in the fluid stream. Some examples of the inlet devices 28 that can be used in association with the flow straightening device 10 include but are not limited to vane type vapor distributors, V-baffle inlet diffusers, cyclonic inlet devices, and vapor horns.

[0025] Turning additionally to Figs. 2-5, the inlet device 28 is shown as a vane type vapor distributor 30 that is positioned in alignment with the inlet nozzle 18 and with a center flow axis of the flow straightening device 10. The inlet nozzle 18 in the illustrated embodiment is oriented to introduce the fluid stream into the internal region 16 in a radial direction with respect to a central axis of the vessel 12. Other orientations are possible. The vane type vapor distributor 30 forms a passageway 32 (Figs. 3 and 5) that receives and redistributes the fluid stream that is introduced into the internal region 16 of the vessel 12 through the inlet nozzle 18 and the flow straightening device 10. The passageway 32 is bounded by a top plate 34, an optional bottom plate 36, a first open side 38, and an opposite second open side 40. The passageway 32 is generally sized and positioned to receive and redistribute the entire fluid stream as it is delivered into the passageway 32 by the flow straightening device 10.

[0026] An inlet end 42 of the vane type vapor distributor 30 is positioned adjacent the downstream end of the flow straightening device 10 and an opposite end 44 is located a preselecteddistance from the inlet end 42. In one embodiment, the opposite end 44 of the passageway 32 is positioned at or is spaced a preselected distance from the portion of the shell 14 opposite from the inlet nozzle 18.

[0027] A first array 46 of vanes 48 is positioned along the first open side 38 of the passageway 32 and a second array 50 of vanes 48 is positioned along the second open side 40 of the passageway 32. The vanes 48 in the first array 46 are spaced apart from each other a preselected distance, which is normally a uniform distance. Likewise, the vanes 48 in the second array 50 are spaced apart from each other the same or a different distance than the spacing between the vanes 48 in the first array 46. The vanes 48 in the first array 46 may be in sideways alignment with vanes 48 in the second array 50 or they may be offset from such alignment. The vanes 48 are further arranged so that they are positioned successively closer to the longitudinal center of the passageway 32 in a direction from the inlet end 42 to the opposite end 44 so that only a portion of each vane 48 is exposed to the flow straightening device 10 and the remainder is shielded by an adjacent one of the vane 48. As a result of this arrangement, when the fluid stream flowing within the passageway 32 encounters each vane 48, the exposed portion of the vane 48 separates a portion of the fluid stream from the main flow and diverts it sideways to flow in the spacing between adjacent ones of the vanes 48 for outward discharge from the respective first or second open side 38 or 40 of the passageway 32.

[0028] Turning additionally to Figs. 6 and 7, the flow straightening device 10 comprises a plurality of first tubes 52 that each have a longitudinal length in a direction of the flow of the fluid stream through the flow straightening device 10. The first tubes 52 each have a polygonal cross- sectional shape that may be square, rectangular, triangular, or other desired shapes, and an upstream end 54 and an opposite downstream end 56. The first tubes 52 are normally arranged so that they extend in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other. In one embodiment, each first tube 52 is spaced apart from each adjacent first tube 52. Each first tube 52 carries a portion of the flow of the fluid stream with the sidewalls of the first tubes 52 serving to deflect any swirling momentum of the fluid stream portions and thereby collectively reduce turbulence within the fluid stream.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first tubes 52 each have generally the same cross-sectional area so that each of the first tubes 52 carries generally the same volumetric flow of the fluid stream. In other embodiments, one or more groups of the first tubes 52 may have different cross-sectionalareas, with the groups arranged in a preselected pattern to cause a greater decrease in the fluid stream turbulence. As an example, one group of first tubes 52 that is positioned around the outer perimeter of the flow straightening device 10 may each have a smaller or greater cross-sectional area than another group of first tubes 52 that is positioned more centrally positioned.

[0030] The flow straightening device 10 additionally comprises a plurality of second tubes 58 that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section that may be square, rectangular, triangular, or other desired shapes, and an upstream end 60 and an opposite downstream end 62. The first tubes 52 and the second tubes 58 are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that will substantially fill a cross section of the inlet nozzle 18 and / or the feed line 20 and reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device 10. The second tubes 58 are normally arranged so that they extend in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes 52, with each second tube 58 positioned in spaced apart relationship from each adjacent second tube 58. In one implementation, the second tubes 58 and the first tubes 52 each have the same cross-sectional polygon shape and cross-sectional area and are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns in which one of the second tubes 58 is positioned between each adjacent pair of first tubes 52 in each row and column. In one specific embodiment, the second tubes 58 and the first tubes 52 each have a square cross section and are of the same cross-sectional area.

[0031] At least a portion of the longitudinal length of each second tube 58 is positioned at a location between the upstream end and the downstream end of each adjacent first tube 52. In various embodiments, each second tube 58 is positioned so that its longitudinal length is positioned at or near the upstream end of each adjacent first tube 52, at or near the downstream end of each adjacent first tube 52, or at an intermediate location between the upstream and downstream ends of each adjacent first tube 52.

[0032] Adjacent ones of the first tubes 52 and the second tubes 58 are secured together in any suitable fashion to create the rigid structure of the flow straightening device 10. In one embodiment, each adjacent first tube 52 and second tube 58 are secured together by a fastener, such as a nut and bolt assembly 64 that extends through aligned openings 66 that are provided in the contacting sidewalls of the first and second tubes 52 and 58. The openings 66 in one or both of the first tube 52 and the second tube 58 may be larger than the threaded portion of the bolts to allow adjustment of the positioning of the first and second tube 52 and 58 to bring the openings66 into alignment and / or to accommodate an out of round inlet nozzle 18 and / or feed line 20. In one embodiment, some or all of the openings 66 are circular and in another embodiment some or all of the openings 66 are closed-ended slots.

[0033] The flow straightening device 10 may additionally a plurality of third tubes 68 that each have a polygonal cross section that may be square, rectangular, triangular, or other desired shapes, and an upstream end 70 and an opposite downstream end 72. The third tubes 68 are normally arranged so that they extend in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes 52, with each third tube 68 positioned in spaced apart relationship from each adjacent third tube 68. In one embodiment, the third tubes 68 have the same construction as the second tubes 58, with each third tube 68 being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from one of the second tubes 58. In another embodiment, the third tubes 68 and second tubes may have different cross-sectional areas, such that multiple interconnected third tubes 68 having a combined cross-sectional area are longitudinally aligned with and spaced from one of the second tubes 58 that has a cross-sectional area that is the same as the combined cross-sectional area in size and shape. In a further embodiment, the third tubes 68 and second tubes may have different cross-sectional areas, such that multiple interconnected second tubes 58 having a combined cross-sectional area are longitudinally aligned with and spaced from one of the third tubes 68 that has a cross-sectional area that is the same as the combined cross-sectional area in size and shape.

[0034] In one embodiment, the second tubes 58 are positioned at the downstream end of the first tubes 52 and the third tubes 68 are positioned at the upstream end of the first tubes 52. The combined longitudinal length of each longitudinally aligned second tube 58 and third tube 68 is less than or greater than that of the adjacent first tubes 52 to thereby reduce the amount of material used in, and to facilitate construction of, the flow straightening device 10. In various specific embodiments, this combined longitudinal length of the second and third tubes 58 and 68 is in the range of 3% to 80%, 3% to 50%, or 4% to 34% of the longitudinal length of each adjacent first tube 52. In one embodiment, the first tubes 52 each have a cross sectional area in the range of 0.25 square inch to 36 square inches and the second tubes 58 and third tubes 68 each have a cross sectional area that is the same as or is different from the cross-sectional area of each first tube 52.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the second and third tubes 58 and 68 do not extend beyond the downstream end 54 and the upstream end 56, respectively, of the first tubes 52. In another embodiment, the second tubes 58 extend longitudinally beyond the downstream end 54 of eachadjacent first tube 52 and the third tubes 68 similarly extend longitudinally beyond the upstream end 56 of each adjacent first tube 52 so that the first tubes 52 are positioned at a location between the downstream end of the second tubes 58 and the upstream end of the third tube 68.

[0036] The flow straightening device 10 may additionally include one or more bases 74 that can be secured to the inner surface of the inlet nozzle 18 and / or the feed line 20 and provide surfaces for joining with the adjacent first tubes 52, second tubes 58, and third tubes 68. In one embodiment, two or more of the bases 74 are provided at longitudinally spaced-apart locations along the longitudinal length of the flow straightening device 10. One or more standoffs 76 may be provided at one or more locations around the perimeter of the flow straightening device 10 and either secured to, or abutting against, the inner surface of the inlet nozzle 18 and / or the feed line 20 to maintain the desired positioning of the flow straightening device 10.

[0037] The present disclosure includes a method of assembling the flow straightening device 10, such as from within the vessel 12 or from without the vessel 12. The method includes the steps of sequentially positioning the second tubes 58 in relationship to the first tubes 52 and securing together the second tubes 58 and the first tubes 52. The method may include the additional step of positioning the third tubes 68 in spaced apart relationship to the second tubes 58 and securing together the third tubes 68 and the first tubes 52. The securing together of the first tubes 52 with the second and third tubes 58 and 68 may be accomplished with fasteners, such as nut and bolt assemblies. In one embodiment, the method includes securing one or more of the first tubes 52 and / or one or more of the second and third tubes 58 and 68 to the one or more bases 74 and / or the one or more standoffs 76.

[0038] Based on the foregoing description, it can be seen that the flow straightening device 10 in comparison to a conventional flow straightening device is easier to assembly and install, uses less material, and may be adjustable to accommodate irregularities in the inlet nozzle 18, feed line 20, or other conduit in which the flow straightening device 10 is installed.ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

[0039] In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are alsonot mutually exclusive unless so stated and / or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0040] In the specification and claims, reference will be made to several terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0041] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and the claim, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0042] As used herein, the terms such as “side” and similar terms are used herein solely for convenience and should be understood only in relation to each other.

[0043] The terms “secured,” “coupled,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0044] Although the present application sets forth a detailed description of different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims and equivalent language. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment because describing every possible embodiment would be impractical. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0045] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure orcomponent. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein. The foregoing statements in this paragraph shall apply unless so stated in the description and / or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description.

[0046] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0047] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed, and substitutions made herein, without departing from the scope of the disclosure as recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A flow straightening device for use in delivering a fluid stream into a vessel, the flow straightening device comprising: a plurality of first tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the first tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other; a plurality of second tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the second tubes being arranged in side- by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal length of each second tube is positioned at a location between the upstream end and the downstream end of the first tubes, wherein the first tubes and the second tubes are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that will reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device.

2. The flow straightening device of claim 1 , wherein the first tubes and the second tubes each have a square cross section.

3. The flow straightening device of claim 1, wherein adjacent ones of the first tubes and the second tubes are secured together by fasteners.

4. The flow straightening device of claim 3, including slots in the first tubes and / or the second tubes through which the fasteners extend to allow positional adjustment of the first tubes and / or the second tubes in relation to each other.

5. The flow straightening device of claim 1, including a plurality of third tubes that each has a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the third tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, each third tube being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from one of the second tubes.

6. The flow straightening device of claim 5, wherein the second tubes are positioned at the downstream end of the first tubes and the third tubes are positioned at the upstream end of the first tubes.

7. The flow straightening device of claim 6, wherein the combined longitudinal length of each longitudinally aligned second tube and third tube is in the range of 3% to 50% of the longitudinal length of each first tube.

8. The flow straightening device of claim 6, wherein the combined longitudinal length of each longitudinally aligned second tube and third tube is in the range of 4% to 34% of the longitudinal length of each first tube.

9. The flow straightening device of claim 1 , wherein the first tubes each have a cross sectional area in the range of 0.25 square inch to 36 square inches and the second tubes each have a cross sectional area that is the same as or is different from the cross-sectional area of each first tube.

10. A vessel comprising: an external shell defining an interior volume; an opening in the external shell for delivering a fluid stream into the interior volume of the external shell; an inlet flange surrounding the opening and extending outwardly from the external shell; an inlet device positioned at least primarily in the interior volume of the external shell of the vessel and positioned in alignment with the opening to redirect a flow of the fluid stream after entering the interior volume of the external shell; a flow straightening device at least partially positioned within the inlet flange and comprising: a plurality of first tubes that each have a longitudinal length, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the first tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other;a plurality of second tubes that each have a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the first tubes, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the second tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal length of each second tube is positioned at a location between the upstream end and the downstream end of the first tubes, wherein the first tubes and the second tubes are arranged to create a matrix of parallel flow ducts that substantially fill a cross section of the inlet flange and reduce turbulence of the fluid stream when flowing through the flow straightening device.

11. The vessel of claim 10, wherein the first tubes and the second tubes each have a square cross section.

12. The vessel of claim 10, wherein adjacent ones of the first tubes and the second tubes are secured together by fasteners.

13. The vessel of claim 12, including slots in the first tubes and / or the second tubes through which the fasteners extend to allow positional adjustment of the first tubes and / or the second tubes in relation to each other.

14. The vessel of claim 10, including a plurality of third tubes that each have a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the first tubes, a polygonal cross section, and an upstream end and an opposite downstream end, the third tubes being arranged in side-by-side and parallel relationship to each other and to the first tubes, each third tube being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from one of the second tubes.

15. The vessel of claim 14, wherein the second tubes are positioned at the downstream end of the first tubes and the third tubes are positioned at the upstream end of the first tubes.

16. The vessel of claim 15, wherein the combined longitudinal length of each longitudinally aligned second tube and third tube is in the range of 3% to 50% of the longitudinal length of each first tube.

17. The vessel of claim 15, wherein the combined longitudinal length of each longitudinally aligned second tube and third tube is in the range of 4% to 34% of the longitudinal length of each first tube.

18. The vessel of claim 10, wherein the first tubes each have a cross sectional area in the range of 0.25 square inch to 36 square inches and the second tubes each have a cross sectional area that is the same as or is different from the cross-sectional area of each first tube.

19. A method of assembling a flow straightening device of claim 1, comprising: sequentially positioning the second tubes in relationship to the first tubes and securing together the second tubes and the first tubes.

20. The method of claim 19, including positioning first and second bases at spaced apart locations and securing one or more of the first tubes and / or one or more of the second tubes to the bases.

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