De-entrainment Device for Mass Transfer Column Tray

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mass transfer columns face challenges in improving entrainment resistance and installation complexity of deflector members and valve systems in contact trays, particularly with brittle materials and cumbersome designs.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates downwardly angled and fenestrated deflector devices with vertically disposed legs, and valve covers with guide vanes and deformable tabs to enhance vapor deflection and liquid flow, improving tray deck efficiency and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If deflector members are formed integral with the tray deck using brittle materials, then tray strength is improved, but the deflector members are prone to cracking during forming due to significant elongation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray strengthVSAvoiddeflector member integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector member is separated from the tray deck into two independent components: a tray deck and a separately formed deflector member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the tray deck provides structural strength while the deflector member can be formed from brittle material without cracking, as it requires minimal elongation during assembly rather than forming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A vertically disposed leg acts as an intermediary element that connects the deflector member to the tray deck. The leg extends through an opening in the tray deck and provides a mounting mechanism that allows the deflector member to be securely attached without requiring the brittle material to undergo significant deformation during formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bridge members are mounted across orifices with slots formed in the tray deck, then movable valve function is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovable valve functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of forming slots in the tray deck to receive bridge member legs, the invention inverts the approach by providing a vertically disposed leg that extends through an opening in the tray deck to support the deflector member. This reversal eliminates the need for complex slot formation and simplifies installation while maintaining the movable valve function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If multiple downcomers and multiple tray deck zones are used in large columns with high liquid rates, then liquid flow capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid flow capacityVSAvoidtray deck complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector member with vertically disposed leg serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fluid deflector to prevent liquid from passing through vapor-introducing orifices, provides structural support as a mounting element, and enables movable valve functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high liquid flow capacity in large columns with multiple downcomers and tray deck zones.

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 configuration significantly increases tray capacity by up to 18% and simplifies installation, demonstrating improved entrainment resistance and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a downwardly angled deflector positioned in vertical alignment below an orifice in the tray deck... at least one vertically disposed leg extending from said deflector with which said deflector is mounted below the tray deck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deflection:

Implementation Method 2

a horizontally disposed deflector positioned in vertical alignment below an orifice in the tray deck, said deflector being fenestrated with a series of bars separated by slots and downwardly inclined fingers in alignment with said slots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntrainment separation: Entrainment

Implementation Method 3

valve covers with guide vanes and deformable tabs to enhance vapor deflection and liquid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deflection:

Data Source

PatentEP2944363B1De-entrainment device for a mass transfer column contact tray

Publication Date: 2020.12.30 SULZER MANAGEMENT AG

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AI summary

The valve cover has a guide vane extending laterally and downwardly from the central portion towards and in spaced relation to the tray deck for deflecting a majority of the vapor passing upwardly through an orifice downward towards the tray deck. A de-entrainment device with a downwardly angled deflector in vertical alignment with an orifice in the tray deck may be integrated or not with the valve cover below the tray deck.