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, which leads to uneven gas distribution, high flow velocities, and increased costs due to the need for larger pipes or erosion risks from high velocities in smaller pipes.
Innovation Solution
A feed distribution device that maintains the feed stream pressure high enough until desired locations within the device, where flashing occurs through openings in choked conditions, allowing for even gas distribution and reduced local velocity peaks, and is designed to vaporize the feed stream before it enters the column, using conical or trapezoidal shapes with expansion chambers and strategically placed openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large pipe diameter is used to transport the gas/liquid mixture, then the flow velocity is reduced and erosion is minimized, but the column height and overall system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by flashing the feed stream before it enters the main column. The feed is partially vaporized in a flash chamber upstream, converting liquid to gas phase before entry. This reduces the liquid fraction in the incoming stream, allowing for lower flow velocities and smaller pipe diameters without causing erosion, thereby resolving the contradiction between erosion prevention and column height reduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressure reduction devices are installed upstream to reduce flashing inside the column, then the feed pressure is reduced, but the gas fraction increases and piping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure reduction and flashing functions into a single integrated feed distribution device. Instead of separate pressure reduction valves and flash chambers, the invention combines these functions into one unit that performs both pressure reduction and controlled flashing simultaneously. This integration simplifies the piping system while maintaining stable feed composition through controlled partial vaporization.
3Manufacturing precision
If the feed stream is flashed before entering the column, then gas distribution is improved, but velocity peaks may occur and distribution uniformity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow conditions in different regions of the feed distribution device. The device incorporates distributed injection points or nozzles that locally control the flashing and injection of vaporized feed into the column. This localized control ensures uniform gas distribution across the column cross-section while managing velocity peaks through distributed rather than concentrated injection, resolving the contradiction between distribution uniformity and velocity control.
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
Facilitates uniform distribution of the flashed gas and reduces the maximum local velocity of the gas, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the distillation process by minimizing pipe size requirements and reducing maintenance costs.
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
flashing occurs through openings in choked conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A feed distribution device in separation columns and a method of operation for such a device. In particular, 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 partially 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.