Annular Liquid Collection Belt for Equalized Downcomer Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic distillation systems in the natural gas industry face challenges in maintaining constant fluid pressure and equalized fluid flow when using multiple outlet nozzles in chimney tray assemblies, leading to reduced diameter for fluid and vapor flow in fractionation columns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a substantially annular fluid distribution belt around the circumference of the distillation tower collects liquid from the chimney tray and directs it into multiple downcomer lines, ensuring constant fluid pressure and equalized flow, allowing for more than two outlet nozzles without constriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple outlet nozzles are used in conventional chimney tray assemblies, then liquid collection capacity is improved, but fluid pressure constancy and flow equalization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the liquid collection function by introducing multiple downcomer lines (at least three) that distribute liquid collection to different locations around the fractionation column. Each downcomer line is equipped with its own outlet nozzle, allowing independent liquid flow paths that maintain pressure constancy while increasing overall collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional single-plane tray assembly to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning outlet nozzles at different angular positions around the column circumference. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows simultaneous maintenance of pressure constancy and increase in collection capacity through parallel flow paths.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple outlet nozzles are used in conventional chimney tray assemblies, then liquid collection capacity is improved, but fluid flow distribution equalization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the liquid collection function by introducing multiple downcomer lines (at least three) that distribute liquid collection to different locations around the fractionation column. Each downcomer line is equipped with its own outlet nozzle, allowing independent liquid flow paths that maintain pressure constancy while increasing overall collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates equipotential conditions for liquid flow by designing the tray assembly so that liquid can flow to multiple equivalent paths (multiple downcomer lines) with similar hydraulic characteristics. This ensures equalization of flow distribution across all outlet nozzles, preventing preferential flow to any single nozzle while maximizing total collection capacity.
3Power
If outlet nozzles are positioned several feet above ground to provide liquid static head, then pump performance is improved, but available diameter for fluid and vapor flow inside the fractionation column is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a conventional single-plane tray assembly to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning outlet nozzles at different angular positions around the column circumference. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows simultaneous maintenance of pressure constancy and increase in collection capacity through parallel flow paths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design maintains consistent fluid pressure and flow distribution among multiple downcomer lines, enhancing the efficiency of hydrocarbon separation by preventing fluid and vapor flow constriction, thereby improving the separation of methane from contaminants like CO2 at cryogenic temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A substantially annular fluid distribution belt is disposed at the circumference of the tower. Liquid from the tower is collected in the fluid distribution belt. The liquid is directed from the fluid distribution belt out of the tower and into a corresponding number of downcomer lines disposed external to the tower.
Implementation Method 2
The separation of CO2 from methane by distillation involves temperature and pressure conditions that result in solidification of CO2 if a pipeline or better quality hydrocarbon product is desired. The required temperatures are cold temperatures typically referred to as cryogenic temperatures.
Implementation Method 3
The required temperatures are cold temperatures typically referred to as cryogenic temperatures.
Implementation Method 4
The vapor rises through risers or chimneys 3 and heats other portions of the cryogenic distillation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for maintaining constant fluid pressure and equalized fluid flow among a plurality of downcomer lines through which liquid from a tower is directed. A substantially annular fluid distribution belt is disposed at the circumference of the tower. The fluid distribution belt collects liquid from the tower. At least two outlets direct liquid from the fluid distribution belt out of the tower and into a corresponding number of downcomer lines disposed external to the tower.