Internal Liquid Dispensing Device for Distillation Column Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid dispensing devices for distillation columns require significant external space and separate components for adjusting the liquid supply ratio, which is inefficient in terms of space usage and integration.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispensing device is designed to be installed inside the distillation column, featuring a housing with lattice-shaped grids, a collector tray, a porous plate, a dispensing box, a liquid dispenser, and a separation wall, allowing for precise liquid distribution and discharge within the column.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the liquid dispensing device is installed outside of the distillation column, then the device can be easily maintained and accessed, but it requires significant installation space and additional interconnecting components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the liquid dispensing device with the distillation column by installing it inside the column's lower space. The device utilizes the column's existing structure (housing, separation walls, grids) as integral components, eliminating the need for separate external installation and interconnecting components. This merging resolves the contradiction by prioritizing space savings while accepting that maintenance would require column access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the liquid dispensing device is installed outside of the distillation column, then the device structure can be simplified, but it increases the overall footprint and requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dispensing device structure with the distillation column structure. The housing becomes part of the column interior, separation walls serve dual purposes for both column segmentation and device compartmentalization, and grids function for both column support and device mounting. This merging eliminates redundant structures and components that would be necessary for an external installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality where column structural elements serve dual purposes. The separation walls not only divide the column into chambers but also form the housing of the dispensing device. The grids provide both column support and device mounting. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity and component count while saving installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the liquid dispensing device is installed inside the distillation column, then installation space is saved, but the device structure becomes more complex and integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lower space of the distillation column into multiple chambers using separation walls. This segmentation allows the complex integrated structure to be organized into manageable functional zones (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be independently configured and maintained, reducing the practical complexity despite the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If external interconnecting components are used to connect the liquid dispensing device to the distillation column, then the device can be installed externally, but it increases the overall system complexity and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates external interconnecting components by merging the dispensing device directly into the column structure. Liquid flow paths are integrated within the column interior through the housing and separation walls, removing the need for external pipes and connections. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing system simplicity over installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration saves installation space by enabling the liquid dispensing device to operate internally within the distillation column, optimizing space usage and maintaining precise control over the liquid supply ratio.

Implementation Method 1

a porous plate which is disposed at top of the collector tray and includes a plurality of through holes through which the guided liquid descends

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a liquid dispenser which is disposed at a lower side of the dispensing box and is configured to uniformly dispense and discharge the liquid dispensed by the dispensing box toward the lower side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS9950272B2Liquid dispensing device
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 AMTPACIFIC
  • US9950272B2 patent drawing
  • US9950272B2 patent drawing
  • US9950272B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing device which is placed inside a distillation column and can precisely control the supply ratio of a liquid to continuously supply the liquid. The liquid dispensing device is placed inside a distillation column, thereby reducing the total installation space.