Multistage Liquid Distributor With Segmented Troughs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distributors for mass transfer columns, particularly packing columns, face limitations in operating range and installation due to the need for seal welded dividing walls, which restricts the size and weight of pre-distributor members.
Innovation Solution
The liquid distributor employs a pre-distributor member comprising two separate troughs connected via their side walls, eliminating the need for a seal welded dividing wall. This design allows liquid to flow from one trough to another via an overflow portion and deflector, enabling broader operating ranges and easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal welded dividing walls are used in pre-distributor members, then liquid distribution reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-distributor member is divided into multiple separate troughs instead of using a single trough with internal dividing walls. Each trough can be independently manufactured and connected, eliminating the need for seal welding within the pre-distributor structure while maintaining liquid distribution reliability through overflow portions and deflectors between troughs.
2Reliability
If seal welded dividing walls are used in pre-distributor members, then liquid distribution reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-distributor member is divided into multiple separate troughs instead of using a single trough with internal dividing walls. Each trough can be independently manufactured and connected, eliminating the need for seal welding within the pre-distributor structure while maintaining liquid distribution reliability through overflow portions and deflectors between troughs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger pre-distributor members are used to increase operating range, then adaptability is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-distributor member is divided into multiple separate troughs that can be independently handled and installed. This segmentation allows for larger overall dimensions to achieve broader operating ranges while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly, as each trough can be separately positioned and connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-piece pre-distributor to a modular multi-trough structure, changing the dimensional approach from monolithic to distributed architecture. This enables scaling of operating range through additional troughs while maintaining installation feasibility through standardized connection interfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If larger pre-distributor members are used to increase operating range, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-distributor member is divided into multiple separate troughs instead of using a single trough with internal dividing walls. Each trough can be independently manufactured and connected, eliminating the need for seal welding within the pre-distributor structure while maintaining liquid distribution reliability through overflow portions and deflectors between troughs.
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 design enhances the operating range of the liquid distributor from 1 to 10, allows for larger dimensions and reduced weight of pre-distributor members, and simplifies installation by avoiding the need for complex welding and larger manways.
Implementation Method 1
a first trough of the at least two troughs has an overflow portion and at least one deflector attached to the overflow portion or a first side wall of the first trough, wherein a second trough of the at least two troughs has an upper edge, wherein if a liquid level in the first trough reaches the overflow portion, at least one deflector attached to the overflow portion or the first side wall of the first trough extends from above the upper edge of the second trough to the second trough so that liquid flows into the second trough from the first trough over the overflow portion and the at least one deflector
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid distributor for a separation device is provided. The liquid distributor comprises at least one pre-distributor member positioned above a plurality of distributor members. The at least one pre-distributor member comprises at least two troughs each comprising a plurality of discharge openings. Each two of the at least two troughs are connected with each other, and a first trough has an overflow portion and at least one deflector attached to the overflow portion or a side wall of the first trough. A second trough has an upper edge. If a liquid level in the first trough reaches the overflow portion, the at least one deflector extends from above the upper edge of the second trough to the second trough so that liquid flows into the second trough from the first trough over the overflow portion or the side wall and the at least one deflector.