Liquid Distributor Mixer for Uniform Packed Column Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distributors in cryogenic air separation columns, particularly those with diameters greater than 2 meters, fail to achieve complete mixing and uniform distribution of liquid, leading to inefficiencies in separation processes and reliability issues due to debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve a collector, mixer, and conduits that circumferentially transpose liquid from the collector to the mixer, ensuring complete mixing and uniform distribution across the column cross-sectional area, with optional predistributor and final distributor for further uniformity and a filter to prevent debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional liquid distributors are used in large diameter columns (>2m), then the device complexity is low, but complete mixing and uniform liquid distribution cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into multiple functional segments: collector with radially spaced sectors, mixer with tangential inlet conduits creating rotational flow, predistributor with radially spaced channels, and final distributor with radially spaced troughs. Each segment performs a specific function in the liquid distribution sequence, enabling complete mixing and uniform distribution across large column diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces circumferential transposition of liquid streams through the rotational flow pattern in the mixer, adding a circumferential dimension to the radial liquid flow. This multi-dimensional flow pattern ensures thorough mixing and uniform distribution across the entire column cross-section, overcoming the limitations of conventional two-dimensional distributors.
2Productivity
If conventional distributors without mixing are used, then the device complexity is low, but separation efficiency decreases due to inadequate liquid mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer performs preliminary mixing action on the liquid streams before they reach the packing. By introducing tangential flow through the conduits, the liquid is pre-mixed and homogenized in advance, ensuring optimal liquid composition for the separation process and improving overall separation efficiency.
3Reliability
If no filter is installed, then the device complexity is low, but reliability decreases due to debris accumulation in the column
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is installed in the liquid path before the liquid enters the column packing. This preliminary filtration action removes debris and particulate matter in advance, preventing accumulation in the column and maintaining long-term operational reliability without requiring complex downstream filtration systems.
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 solution achieves complete mixing and uniform liquid distribution efficiently, enhancing separation efficiency and reliability by compensating for inadequate mixing and protecting the column from debris, resulting in shorter bed heights and improved operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
conduits that circumferentially transpose liquid from the collector to the mixer
Implementation Method 2
ensuring complete mixing and uniform distribution across the column cross-sectional area
Implementation Method 3
a filter to prevent debris accumulation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for distributing a flow of a liquid descending in an inner space of a packed column includes: a collector to collect the flow of the liquid; a mixer below and vertically spaced apart from the collector to receive and mix the liquid collected; a first conduit to receive and transmit at least part of the liquid from a first sector of the collector to a first zone of the mixer; and a second conduit to receive and transmit at least part of the liquid from a second sector of the collector to a second zone of the mixer. A geometric center of the first sector of the collector is positioned circumferentially away from a geometric center of the first zone of the mixer and/or a geometric center of the collector's second sector is positioned circumferentially away from a geometric center of the mixer's second zone.