Packed Column Liquid Collector With Integrated Vapor Risers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting and redistributing liquid in packed exchange columns, such as those used in cryogenic air separation, require additional column height and incur higher costs due to separate equipment components, and lack efficient integration with support structures.
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, while also supporting the packing and integrating with support grates, thereby reducing column height and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment components are used for collecting and redistributing liquid, then the liquid collection function is achieved, but the column height and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid collector with the support grate into a single integrated device. The support grate serves dual functions: supporting the packing material and collecting liquid. This merging eliminates the need for separate liquid collection equipment, thereby reducing column height while maintaining effective liquid collection and redistribution
Solution Approach 2:
The support grate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support for the packing, liquid collection from the packing, and liquid redistribution to lower sections. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical support and fluid collection roles, reducing the overall number of components and column height required
2Reliability
If separate equipment components are used for collecting and redistributing liquid, then the liquid collection function is achieved, but the 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 consolidation simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces material costs, and lowers installation complexity, directly addressing the cost issue
3Ease of operation
If independent liquid collection equipment is used, then liquid redistribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support grate and liquid collector design allows a single component to perform both support and liquid redistribution functions. This eliminates the need for multiple independent devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective liquid redistribution capability through the grate's inherent structure
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 allows for effective liquid distribution and vapor transmission with reduced column height and operational costs, providing better performance and integration compared to prior art, while maintaining efficiency across varying flow regimes.
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
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Liquid descending in an exchange column (14) containing a layer of packing (12) is collected and redistributed by an apparatus (10) located below said layer and comprising a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinal members (16); a plate (18) vertically spaced from the bottom of the layer of packing and extending between an adjacent pair of the longitudinal members to collect descending liquid passing therebetween; and at least one vapor riser (20) projecting upwardly from the plate between said members to receive and transmit vapor ascending in the exchange column, each vapor riser having an upright wall (30) closed by a cap (24) and having at least one vapor opening (22).