Diffuser Skirt Tray Assembly for Full Cross-Flow Mass Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid-fluid exchange columns suffer from low velocities of the continuous-phase fluid, leading to recirculation and stagnation, which reduces mass-transfer efficiency and creates 'dead zones' where no interaction occurs between the continuous-phase and dispersed-phase fluids, resulting in incomplete tray coverage and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a diffuser skirt with apertures operatively coupled to a fluid channel directs the continuous-phase fluid to cover the entire surface of the tray, inducing stirring and mixing with the dispersed-phase fluid to enhance mass transfer efficiency, and the use of orifice constrictions and coalescing elements to restrict flow and prevent backflow, thereby increasing the velocity and coverage of the continuous-phase fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional fluid-fluid exchange columns are used with low velocities of continuous-phase fluid, then energy consumption is reduced, but mass transfer efficiency deteriorates due to recirculation and stagnation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmass transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffuser skirt with apertures that dynamically directs the continuous-phase fluid flow to cover the entire tray surface. This dynamic flow distribution prevents stagnation and recirculation patterns, ensuring complete tray coverage and maximizing mass transfer efficiency while maintaining low velocity operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If low velocities of continuous-phase fluid are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but tray coverage area deteriorates due to recirculation and stagnation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtray coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser skirt is segmented with multiple apertures distributed across its surface. This segmentation allows the continuous-phase fluid to be distributed uniformly across the entire tray area, preventing recirculation and stagnation in any specific zone, thereby achieving complete tray coverage even at low velocities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional trays are used without diffuser skirts, then device complexity is reduced, but mass transfer efficiency deteriorates due to dead zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray structure complexityVSAvoidmass transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser skirt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes the continuous-phase fluid flow uniformly across the tray, prevents recirculation and stagnation, ensures complete tray coverage, and eliminates dead zones. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering substantial improvements in mass transfer efficiency.

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 solution prevents stagnation and recirculation, ensuring complete tray coverage and enhancing mass transfer efficiency by increasing the velocity and mixing of the continuous-phase and dispersed-phase fluids, thereby improving the overall performance of the fluid-fluid exchange process.

Implementation Method 1

a diffuser skirt, having apertures disposed therein, operatively coupled to a fluid channel. The diffuser skirt is operable to direct the first fluid to cover substantially an entire surface of the separations tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through apertures:

Implementation Method 2

inducing stirring and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to effect efficient mass transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStirring and mixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 3

facilitating increased mass transfer efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass transfer: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20120024977A1Fluid contactor-diffuser tray assembly

Publication Date: 2012.02.02 SULZER MANAGEMENT AG

AI summary

A separations tray assembly for use in a fluid-fluid exchange column. The separations tray assembly is of the type where a first fluid, in a continuous phase, is directed across successive trays in a serpentine flow path. A second fluid, in a dispersed phase ascends through apertures in the tray thus inducing interaction and mass transfer with the first fluid. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the separations tray further includes a diffuser skirt, having apertures disposed therein, operatively coupled to a fluid channel. The diffuser skirt is operable to direct the first fluid to cover substantially an entire volumetric cross-flow window between successive separations trays and to induce stirring and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to effect efficient mass transfer.