Gas Distribution Plate Chimney Tray Design for Homogeneous Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas distributors for large diameter columns in gas/liquid contact systems, such as those used in CO2 capture and gas treatment, face challenges in achieving homogeneous gas velocity distribution and are often bulky, leading to inefficiencies and increased column height.

Innovation Solution

A modified chimney tray gas distributor design where the gas distribution element partly covers the liquid collection zone, featuring elongated chimneys with raised boxes and dispersive elements, such as perforated plates, to enhance gas passage and homogenize flow, while minimizing the overall height of the distributor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional chimney tray gas distributor design is used, then gas distribution function is provided, but gas velocity distribution is non-homogeneous and distributor height is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas velocity distribution uniformityVSAvoiddistributor height
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gas distribution element extends in the radial direction to partially cover the liquid collection zone, utilizing the radial dimension to improve gas velocity distribution uniformity without increasing the axial height of the distributor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas distribution element is positioned to overlap with the liquid collection zone, creating a localized region where gas and liquid flows interact, which improves gas velocity distribution uniformity in the critical area where liquid accumulates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If traditional chimney tray gas distributor design is used, then gas distribution function is provided, but distributor size is large (27% larger)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas distribution efficiencyVSAvoiddistributor volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gas distribution element extends radially to cover part of the liquid collection zone, improving gas distribution efficiency by 27% without increasing the overall distributor volume, thus optimizing space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas distribution element serves dual purposes: it distributes gas vertically through the chimneys and simultaneously covers the liquid collection zone to improve gas velocity distribution, making the structure more multi-functional and efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improves gas distribution quality, reduces column height, and enhances the homogenization of gas speed downstream, resulting in a more compact and efficient gas distributor that meets performance specifications with a 27% reduction in size compared to prior art designs.

Implementation Method 1

the gas distribution element of at least one of the chimneys partially covers the liquid collection zone... improves gas distribution quality, reduces column height, and enhances the homogenization of gas speed downstream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP3492156B1Gas distribution plate for the bottom of a gas/liquid contact column comprising an area for collecting liquid partially covered by gas chimneys
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP3492156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3492156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3492156B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a gas distribution plate (20) for a heat and/or mass exchange column between a gas and a liquid, comprising several substantially parallelepiped-shaped and parallel chimneys (80) projecting from a portion (21) of the upper face of the plate for the exclusive passage of the gas (g) through the plate, and a liquid collection zone (90) comprising two diametrically opposed weirs (91, 92) for collecting said liquid (I) onto said plate. Each chimney comprises a gas distribution element (82) partially covering the liquid collection zone. The invention also relates to a heat exchange column comprising such a distribution plate and the use of such a column. - Figure 3 to be published.