Down Flow Catalytic Reactor Distributor with Dual Downcomers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Down flow catalytic reactors face inefficiencies in gas-liquid mixing and distribution due to clogging issues when the liquid level rises, affecting the flow of gas through the chimney, leading to reduced distribution and dispersion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A distributor design featuring an inside downcomer with a first flow space and an outside downcomer with a second flow space, both surrounded by a cap with slots, where the inside downcomer is taller than the outside downcomer, allowing fluid to flow into either space based on the liquid level, ensuring continuous gas and liquid flow through the reactor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single chimney-type distributor is used, then the structure is simple, but the distribution efficiency decreases when liquid level rises and clogs the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into multiple independent flow paths: an inside downcomer with a first flow space and an outside downcomer with a second flow space. This segmentation allows gas and liquid to flow through different paths simultaneously, preventing clogging and maintaining distribution efficiency even when liquid level rises.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the flow path configuration by positioning the inside downcomer taller than the outside downcomer. This height difference creates multiple flow levels, allowing gas to enter through the cap and distribute vertically through both flow spaces, thereby improving distribution efficiency without increasing horizontal complexity.
2Device complexity
If the chimney inlet is positioned at standard height, then the structure is simple, but gas flow is blocked when liquid level rises
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor design accommodates dynamic liquid level changes by providing two different downcomer heights. The taller inside downcomer ensures gas flow continuity when liquid levels are high, while the shorter outside downcomer handles lower liquid levels. This dynamic configuration maintains reliable gas flow under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual downcomer structure with different heights provides a preemptive solution against potential clogging. By having the taller inside downcomer ready, the system is already prepared to maintain gas flow if liquid levels rise and potentially block the shorter outside downcomer, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
3Device complexity
If a single flow space is provided, then the structure is simple, but mixing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution system is segmented into a first flow space within the inside downcomer and a second flow space within the outside downcomer. This segmentation creates distinct flow regions that enhance mixing by distributing gas and liquid through different paths before they contact the catalyst bed, thereby improving mixing efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two flow spaces are merged into a unified distributor structure where gas enters through the cap and can flow into either the first or second flow space depending on liquid level. This merging allows both flow spaces to work together synergistically, improving overall mixing efficiency while maintaining a compact design.
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 enhances mixing and distribution efficiency by maintaining fluid flow regardless of the liquid level, preventing clogging and ensuring consistent operation of the down flow catalytic reactor.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-liquid mixing process. In such a process, a liquid phase is mixed with a gas or vapor phase
Implementation Method 2
the gas flows through the space between the chimney (31) and the cap (32) and flows down the dispersion tray (20) through the chimney (31)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a distributor and a down flow catalytic reactor comprising same, and according to one aspect of the present invention, provides a distributor comprising: an inside downcomer which has a first flow space; an outside downcomer which is disposed so as to surround at least some area of the inside downcomer, and has a second flow space partitioned from the first flow space of the inside downcomer; and a cap which has a plurality of slots and is mounted on the inside or the outside downcomer so as to enable a fluid that has passed through the slots to flow to at least one flow space among the first flow space and the second flow space.