Reactive Monomer Feed Distribution to Prevent Column Channeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual flow tray distillation devices suffer from channeling phenomena due to uneven feed distribution, leading to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and decreased product quality, particularly in large-scale columns.
Innovation Solution
A reactive monomer separation device with a feed supply unit comprising a circular transfer pipe, inner pipes, and spray nozzles is designed to uniformly distribute feed within the column, maximizing the gas-liquid contact area and preventing channeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dual flow tray is used without a downcomer, then the allowable flow rate increases and polymer fouling can be responded to, but the column efficiency decreases due to channeling phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The feed distribution system is segmented into multiple components: a feed transfer pipe positioned at the upper tray, multiple inner pipes extending downward at different radial positions, and spray nozzles at the bottom of each inner pipe. This segmentation allows the feed to be distributed across multiple pathways and spray points, preventing channeling while maintaining high flow rates compatible with dual flow tray operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the column cross-section are targeted with localized spray nozzles positioned at the bottom of each inner pipe. This ensures that feed distribution is optimized locally at each radial position, creating uniform liquid distribution across the entire tray surface area, which prevents channeling and maintains column efficiency.
2Device complexity
If feed is supplied using a simple pipe structure, then the device complexity is low, but the feed distribution is uneven causing channeling phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The feed supply system transitions from a single-point injection to a three-dimensional distribution network. The feed transfer pipe is positioned at the upper tray level, inner pipes extend radially downward to different positions, and spray nozzles are oriented to spray feed onto the tray surface. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures uniform feed distribution across the entire column cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pipes act as intermediaries between the feed transfer pipe and the tray surface. They transport the feed from the upper tray level down to the spray nozzle position, enabling controlled distribution. The spray nozzles serve as intermediaries that convert the feed flow into fine droplets for uniform dispersion across the tray surface.
3Productivity
If the column diameter is increased, then the processing capacity increases, but the channeling phenomenon becomes more likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
For larger column diameters, the system employs multiple inner pipes arranged radially at different positions, with each pipe having multiple spray nozzles. This segmentation of the feed distribution system into multiple independent pathways ensures that even in large-diameter columns, feed is uniformly distributed across the entire cross-section, preventing channeling while maintaining high processing capacity.
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
The solution enhances column efficiency by ensuring even feed distribution, improving product quality and reducing energy consumption, while minimizing fouling and channeling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spray nozzles provided in the plurality of inner pipes
Implementation Method 2
a dual flow tray is a distillation device designed so that gas and liquid move up and down through a hole and make contact
Implementation Method 3
a cylindrical column; a plurality of dual flow trays provided inside the cylindrical column to partition a plurality of stages
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a separation device, and more specifically, to a separation device in which a structure of a feed supply unit is designed so that feed can be uniformly distributed inside a column, thereby improving column efficiency.