Packed Column Liquid Collector Integrated With Support Grate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting and redistributing liquid in packed exchange columns require additional column height and incur higher costs due to separate equipment, and they do not efficiently integrate with support structures, leading to inefficiencies in heat and mass transfer processes, particularly in cryogenic air separation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a combination of longitudinally spaced members, a collecting plate, and vapor risers to efficiently collect and redistribute liquid in exchange columns, integrating with support grates to minimize column height and costs, while effectively distributing vapor and liquid flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment is used for collecting and redistributing liquid in packed columns, then the liquid collection function is achieved, but the column height increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid collector with the support grate into a single integrated device. The support grate structure serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support for the packing material and collecting liquid that flows down through the packing. This integration eliminates the need for separate liquid collection equipment, thereby reducing column height while maintaining effective liquid collection and redistribution functionality.
2Reliability
If separate equipment is used for collecting and redistributing liquid in packed columns, then the liquid collection function is achieved, but fabrication and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the liquid collector and support grate into one integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be fabricated, transported, and installed. This single integrated device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate equipment pieces, thereby lowering fabrication costs, transportation costs, and installation complexity while maintaining full liquid collection and redistribution functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional liquid collectors are used, then liquid collection is achieved, but they take up space within the column
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support grate and liquid collector design allows the liquid collection function to be performed within the existing structural footprint of the support system. The support grate's open structure enables it to collect liquid without requiring additional vertical space or horizontal volume beyond what is already occupied by the support function, thereby minimizing the volume occupied in the column.
4Adaptability or versatility
If liquid collector and vapor distributor are separate devices, then both functions are performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the liquid collector with the support grate structure, creating a single device that performs both liquid collection and support functions. The integrated design allows vapor to pass through the open structure of the support grate while liquid is collected on the grate surface and redistributed, thereby maintaining multiple functions while reducing the number of separate components and overall device complexity.
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 reduces column height and associated costs, enhances liquid distribution, and improves operational efficiency by integrating the liquid collector with support structures, providing better performance across various flow regimes in air separation distillation processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vapor riser in fluid communication with the plate and adapted to receive and transmit at least a portion of a stream of a vapor ascending in the exchange column from a first location below the plate to a second location above the plate
Implementation Method 2
The plate is adapted to collect a first portion of the flow of the liquid descending in the exchange column
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for collecting/redistributing a flow of liquid descending in an exchange column containing a layer of packing that includes: a plurality of horizontally spaced longitudinal members, each member having an inner side and an upper end adjacent a bottom of the layer of packing; at least one plate vertically spaced from the bottom of the layer of packing, each plate adapted to collect a portion of the flow of the descending liquid and having opposing ends connected to the inner sides of a pair of the longitudinal members; and at least one vapor riser in fluid communication with the plate and adapted to receive and transmit at least a portion of a stream of a vapor ascending in the exchange column from below to above the plate, each vapor riser having a cap vertically spaced apart from the bottom of the layer of packing.