Feed Distribution Device for Flashing Liquid Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distillation columns face challenges in efficiently introducing and distributing flashing feed streams, leading to uneven gas distribution, high flow velocities, and increased costs due to large pipe requirements or erosion issues from high velocity gas/liquid mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A feed distribution device that maintains the feed stream pressure until desired locations within the device, allowing controlled flashing and vaporization through openings in choked conditions, ensuring even gas distribution and reducing local velocity peaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipe diameter is increased to reduce flow velocity of gas/liquid mixture, then erosion risk is reduced, but column height and overall cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed introduction is segmented into multiple injection points along the column height, distributing the gas/liquid mixture entry across different locations rather than concentrating it in one large pipe section, thereby reducing erosion at any single point while maintaining reasonable pipe dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The feed distribution transitions from a single-dimensional large-diameter pipe approach to a multi-dimensional distribution system with multiple injection points at different heights and radial positions, achieving erosion reduction through spatial distribution rather than increased pipe diameter
2Device complexity
If the pipe diameter is reduced to decrease cost and space, then device complexity is reduced, but flow velocity increases causing erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system is segmented into multiple smaller feed injection lines rather than one large pipe, reducing the diameter and complexity of individual pipe sections while distributing the total feed flow across multiple locations to prevent high-velocity erosion
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single large-diameter pipe in one dimension to multiple smaller pipes distributed in three-dimensional space (different heights and radial positions), achieving erosion control through spatial distribution rather than increased pipe size
3Stability of the object's composition
If pressure reduction is performed upstream of the column, then flashing is controlled, but flow instability and erosion problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure reduction and controlled flashing are performed in advance in a dedicated flash chamber upstream of the column, allowing the gas/liquid mixture to stabilize before entry, thereby reducing flow instability and erosion within the column while maintaining controlled phase composition
Solution Approach 2:
A flash chamber is introduced as an intermediary device between the pressure reduction valve and the column inlet, providing a transition zone where flashing occurs controllably and the two-phase flow can stabilize before entering the separation column, thus reducing flow instability and erosion
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
The solution enables efficient and uniform distribution of the flashed gas, reducing the risk of erosion and operational costs by maintaining the feed stream in a liquid phase until desired vaporization, thus optimizing the design and operation of distillation columns.
Implementation Method 1
Flashing is a common phenomenon in distillation columns where at least a portion of a feed stream changes phases when reduced to the prevailing pressure of the column
Implementation Method 2
the feed stream is liquid phase, or a mixture of gas and liquid upstream of the column, but where the feed vaporizes or vaporizes more before it enters the column
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a feed distribution device in separation columns and a method of operation. In particular it relates to distillation columns in which the feed stream is substantially liquid phase, or a mixture of gas and liquid upstream of the column, but where the feed vaporizes or vaporizes prior to or as it enters the column. More specifically, the feed distribution device contains a plurality of opening which allow the feed to vaporize prior to or as it enters the column and where the openings are maintained in critical condition during operation. Significant advantage is achieved through the implementation and use of the present feed distribution devices.