Integrated Gas-Liquid Separation Box in Cold Box Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas/liquid separation columns in cold boxes require expensive insulation due to large dimensions, necessitating a reduction in size to lower production costs.
Innovation Solution
A gas/liquid separation column design with an integrated separation device that allows direct injection of a two-phase fluid between contact members, utilizing a duct and separation boxes to separate phases within the column, reducing the need for external phase separation and minimizing column dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cold box dimensions are reduced to lower production costs, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to maintain temperature and accommodate separation devices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase separation function from an external device into the internal space of the column itself. The separation device is integrated within the column's internal volume, allowing the column to perform both separation and containment functions, thereby reducing the need for a larger external cold box volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device is nested within the column's internal space, with the duct and separation boxes fitting inside the column's volume. This nesting arrangement allows the separation functionality to be contained within the existing column dimensions, reducing the overall cold box size without compromising separation performance.
2Reliability
If external phase separation devices are used before column injection, then separation efficiency is improved, but the cold box dimensions must be increased to accommodate these devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separation function with the column structure by integrating a separation device directly into the column's internal space. This eliminates the need for separate external separation devices, allowing the column to maintain separation efficiency while reducing the overall cold box volume required.
Solution Approach 2:
The column is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the containment vessel and houses the separation device within its internal space. This multi-functionality allows the same volume to serve dual purposes, reducing the total cold box volume needed compared to having separate external separation devices.
3Reliability
If the column is designed to accommodate external separation devices, then separation performance is maintained, but the column and cold box dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is nested within the column's internal volume, with the duct and separation boxes fitting inside the column's existing dimensional envelope. This nesting approach maintains separation performance while avoiding the need to increase the column's external dimensions to accommodate separate external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the internal three-dimensional space of the column to house the separation device, transitioning from a two-dimensional external attachment approach to a three-dimensional internal integration. This dimensional utilization allows the separation function to be accommodated within the column's existing volume without increasing its external dimensions.
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 enables efficient phase separation within the column, reducing the size of the cold box and its production costs while maintaining effective separation performance at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
At least one device for separating a two-phase fluid is arranged in the internal space of the column between the first contact member and the dispensing device. The separation device is configured to separate a liquid phase from a gas phase of a two-phase fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas/liquid separation column extending mainly along a vertical axis and comprising an external wall delimiting an internal space in which are arranged at least one first contact member in which the liquid and the gas are brought into contact and at least one dispensing device configured to collect the liquid resulting from the first contact member and to distribute it to a second contact member. At least one box for separating a two-phase fluid is arranged in the internal space of the column between the first contact member and the dispensing device against the wall of the column fed by a duct which passes through a wall of the separation box.