Annular Divided Wall Column With Ring Collectors for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular divided wall columns for cryogenic rectification face challenges such as maldistribution of vapor and liquids, lower performance due to thermal expansion/contraction differences, and inadequate pressure boundaries, leading to increased capital costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second annular column wall with a plurality of structured packing elements, ring-shaped cantilevered collectors, and distributors, allowing independent thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall relative to the first, and a conical transition wall with pivoting arms for structural support, enhancing vapor and liquid distribution and reducing column height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If divided-wall columns are used to reduce capital cost and space requirements, then column cost and space are reduced, but maldistribution of vapor and liquids occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple sections by annular walls, with each section handling a specific separation task. The column shell is segmented into an inner column region and an outer annular region, allowing independent optimization of each section while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Collectors and distributors are introduced as intermediary components between the different column sections. These devices mediate the flow of vapor and liquid between sections, ensuring proper distribution and preventing maldistribution issues that would otherwise occur at the interfaces between divided sections.
2Ease of manufacture
If divided-wall columns are used to reduce capital cost and space requirements, then column cost and space are reduced, but performance decreases due to thermal expansion/contraction differences
Solution Approach 1:
The support system for the annular wall is designed to be dynamic rather than rigidly fixed. Pivoting arms and articulated support structures allow the annular wall to move independently in response to thermal expansion and contraction, accommodating dimensional changes without inducing stress or deformation that would compromise column performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The column structure is segmented into independently supported sections. The annular wall is supported separately from the main column shell through pivoting arms, allowing each segment to respond independently to thermal effects, thereby preventing performance degradation from thermal stress.
3Ease of manufacture
If divided-wall columns are used to reduce capital cost and space requirements, then column cost and space are reduced, but pressure boundary adequacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The annular wall is designed with a curved, cylindrical geometry that inherently resists pressure differentials. The curved structure distributes pressure loads more effectively than flat partitions, providing an adequate pressure boundary between column sections while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system for the annular wall incorporates pivoting arms that allow dynamic adjustment. This dynamic support mechanism maintains proper positioning and sealing of the annular wall under varying pressure conditions, ensuring pressure boundary adequacy while accommodating thermal and pressure-induced movements.
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 configuration improves the performance and efficiency of cryogenic rectification by minimizing thermal expansion impacts, reducing column height, and optimizing vapor and liquid distribution, thereby lowering capital costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of structured packing elements disposed within the annulus column region
Implementation Method 2
one or more ring-shaped cantilevered collectors disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements
Implementation Method 3
one or more ring-shaped distributors disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements
Implementation Method 4
wherein thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in radial and axial directions
Implementation Method 5
wherein thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in radial and axial directions
Data Source
AI summary
An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.