Modular Sieve Tray with Raised Downcomers for Liquid-Liquid Contacting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sieve tray assemblies in liquid-liquid contacting columns are difficult to install, repair, and maintain due to their unitary design, which requires numerous seal welds and compromises the integrity of the column shell during repairs.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for sieve tray assemblies with separate inlet and outlet downcomer assemblies positioned above the sieve deck, allowing for easy installation, repair, and replacement without compromising the column shell, and increasing the active surface area of the sieve deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unitary design sieve tray assemblies are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation and repair difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve tray assembly is divided into separate modular components: sieve deck, inlet downcomer assembly, outlet downcomer assembly, and support ring. These segments can be independently installed, removed, and repaired without affecting the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and facilitating easy repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring acts as an intermediary component that provides a common mounting interface between the sieve deck and the downcomer assemblies. This intermediary structure enables secure connection while allowing independent access to each component for maintenance purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If unitary design sieve tray assemblies are used, then structural stability is maintained, but number of seal welds increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into separate components that connect through the support ring, the design reduces the total number of seal welds required compared to a fully unitary structure. Each segment can be connected with fewer welds, reducing overall complexity while maintaining stability.
3Area of stationary object
If downcomer assemblies are positioned above the sieve deck, then active surface area increases, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downcomer assemblies are segmented as separate components that can be independently positioned above the sieve deck on the support ring. This segmentation allows the active surface area to be maximized by positioning downcomers optimally without increasing overall installation complexity, as each component can be separately accessed and adjusted.
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
Facilitates easier installation, repair, and maintenance of sieve trays while enhancing the treating capacity and efficiency of the liquid-liquid contacting column by increasing the perforated surface area.
Implementation Method 1
The light liquid stream passes progressively upward through the column from tray assembly to tray assembly by passing through the sieve deck orifices to mix with the downward flowing liquid stream which is aggregated on the sieve deck upper surface. The light and heavy liquids intimately mix on the tray surface, which allows the mass transfer contaminant-removal process to occur.
Implementation Method 2
The heavy liquid pools in the inlet downcomer, accumulates and flows across the sieve deck, and accumulates in the outlet downcomer. The heavy liquid passes downward through an opening in the outlet downcomer, often a pipe, to the next tray assembly below.
Implementation Method 3
The light liquid contacts the heavy liquid accumulated on the perforated sieve deck upper surface, disperses, and then coalesces before it contacts the tray above and flows through the orifices of the next sieve deck for another round of contacting.
Implementation Method 4
The light liquid contacts the heavy liquid accumulated on the perforated sieve deck upper surface, disperses, and then coalesces before it contacts the tray above
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an improved sieve tray assembly for a liquid-liquid treating column. The tray is a modular design with inlet and outlet downcomer assemblies that are mounted flush to or raised above the sieve deck upper surface. The raised downcomer assemblies provide increased surface area for light liquid upflow perforations and enhanced liquid-liquid contacting capacity and efficiency.