Lattice Packing Element for Mass Transfer Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packings for mass and heat exchange columns face challenges in achieving a balance between maximizing surface area for exchange and minimizing pressure loss, while also ensuring mechanical stability and efficient fluid mixing without excessive deformation or destruction.
Innovation Solution
A filling body with a lattice-like outer structure formed by outer rods, featuring holding means for connecting multiple filling bodies, allowing for the creation of structured packings with adjustable dimensions and orientations to optimize surface area and flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packing materials are used to increase surface area for mass and heat exchange, then the exchange intensity is improved, but the pressure loss in the column increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing element is divided into multiple independent rods (at least three rods according to claim 1) that are arranged to form a lattice-like outer structure. This segmentation creates a highly open structure with large flow channels between the rods, allowing fluid to pass through with minimal resistance while still providing extensive surface area for mass and heat exchange. The segmented rod structure resolves the contradiction by separating the functions of surface area provision (through multiple rods) and flow resistance reduction (through the open lattice arrangement).
2Productivity
If packing materials are used to ensure thorough mixing of phases, then mixing efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single packing element structure: the same lattice-like arrangement of rods that creates open flow channels for low pressure loss also provides the turbulence and phase contact necessary for thorough mixing. The retaining means (protrusions and recesses) merge the functions of structural connection and mechanical stability enhancement. This merging allows the element to achieve both mixing efficiency and mechanical stability simultaneously without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using dense, solid packing materials that provide mechanical stability but hinder flow and mixing, the patent inverts the approach by using a sparse, lattice-like structure of thin rods. This inverted structure appears less stable at first glance but actually provides both excellent mixing through induced turbulence and sufficient mechanical stability through the distributed rod framework and retaining means connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packing elements are connected to form structured packings, then adaptability to specific conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing element is designed as a universal modular unit that can be used in multiple configurations: it can function as a random packing element, form structured packings when connected via retaining means, or be arranged in various patterns. The same basic element with its lattice structure and retaining means serves multiple purposes, reducing the need for different specialized components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high adaptability to different column sizes, flow rates, and process conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a filling body (1a), in particular for mass transfer and/or heat exchange columns, through which a gas and/or liquid flow can pass. The filling body (1a) has an outer structure (4, 4a) formed by outer bars (4, 4a), an inner structure (5), a first retaining means (2) for producing a connection between the filling body (1a) and a second filling body (1b), and a second retaining means (2) for producing a connection between the filling body (1a) and a third filling body (1c), each retaining means (2) being insertable into the relevant filling body (1b, 1c). The outer structure (4, 4a) forms an outer contour (8, 9) having two main expansion faces (8) facing away from each other and at least three side faces (9) adjoining the main expansion faces (8), wherein the first retaining means (2) is formed in the region of a first side face (9) and the second retaining means (2) is formed in the region of a second side face (9).