Liquid distributor with a mixer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for distributing and mixing liquids in cryogenic distillation columns, particularly in large air separation plants, fail to achieve complete mixing and uniform distribution, leading to inefficiencies in separation processes and reliability issues due to debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises a collector, mixer, conduits, predistributor, and final distributor, with a filter option, designed to collect, mix, and distribute liquids uniformly across the column cross-sectional area, using conduits to transpose liquid from one sector to another, ensuring symmetric distribution and mixing, and optionally includes a filter to prevent debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing liquid distribution devices are used in large cryogenic distillation columns, then the column can operate, but complete mixing and uniform distribution cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distribution device is segmented into multiple functional components: a collector that divides liquid into sectors, multiple conduits that transport liquid between sectors, a mixer that combines liquid from different sectors, and a predistributor that redistributes mixed liquid. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, achieving complete mixing and uniform distribution while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Conduits serve as intermediaries that transport liquid between the collector and mixer, enabling circumferential transposition of liquid sectors. The conduits act as mediators that facilitate the mixing process by redirecting liquid flow paths, allowing liquid from different sectors to be combined in the mixer before distribution.
2Productivity
If liquid is not completely mixed in distillation columns, then separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary mixing action before liquid distribution by collecting liquid in sectors, transposing sectors through conduits, and combining them in a mixer. This preliminary mixing ensures that liquid is completely mixed before entering the distillation column, thereby improving separation efficiency and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mixer receives liquid from multiple conduits representing different sectors, combines them, and the predistributor redistributes the mixed liquid uniformly. This feedback loop ensures that mixing adequacy is achieved before distribution, improving both separation efficiency and operational reliability.
3Reliability
If debris accumulates in the column, then operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts harmful debris from the liquid stream by incorporating filtration elements within the collector and/or mixer components. Debris is separated and removed from the liquid before distribution into the distillation column, preventing accumulation and maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides beforehand protection against debris accumulation by integrating filters in the liquid path before distribution. This prior cushioning measure prevents debris from entering the distillation column, thereby protecting the system and maintaining operational reliability.
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 distribution of liquids, enhancing separation efficiency and reliability by compensating for mixing inadequacies and protecting the column from debris, resulting in shorter bed heights and improved operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The conduits are adapted to receive and transmit downward at least a portion of the liquid from the collector to the mixer
Implementation Method 2
The mixer is adapted to receive and mix at least a portion of the liquid collected on the collector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2G
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.