Rotating Fouling-Resistant Liquid Distributor for Monomer Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid distribution devices in (meth)acrylic monomer process vessels face issues with condensation polymer accumulation, which interferes with process operations and requires costly cleaning, as they provide surfaces for vapor condensation and polymer formation, leading to fouling and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A fouling-resistant liquid distribution system with a rotating distribution head powered by a motive fluid, which uniformly distributes process liquid across the vessel cross-section, self-rinses, and provides collateral wetting to prevent polymer accumulation, using a stationary conduit with liquid delivery ports configured for efficient coverage and self-rinsing action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stationary liquid distribution devices are used, then liquid distribution function is provided, but condensation polymer accumulates on the distribution surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from stationary distribution devices to rotating distribution devices. The distribution head rotates continuously, preventing condensation polymer from accumulating on surfaces by eliminating stagnant areas where vapor could condense and polymerize. This dynamic motion ensures all surfaces are continuously exposed to fresh liquid flow, preventing fouling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful condensation polymer accumulation problem by introducing a self-rinsing mechanism. The rotating distribution system incorporates rinsing nozzles that actively remove any polymer deposits that form, effectively extracting the harmful accumulation before it can interfere with operation.
2Quantity of substance
If large process-facing surfaces are provided for liquid distribution, then liquid surface area for mass transfer is increased, but polymer accumulation interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the distribution surfaces dynamic through rotation, the patent maintains large liquid surface area for mass transfer while preventing polymer accumulation. The continuous motion ensures that even though the total surface area is large, no single area remains stationary long enough for significant polymer buildup to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-rinsing capabilities where the rotating distribution device uses its own liquid flow to clean its surfaces. The rinsing nozzles are integrated into the distribution system, allowing it to self-maintain by removing polymer deposits without external intervention, thus handling large surfaces effectively.
3Device complexity
If stationary distribution devices are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but cleaning operations become costly and require downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating distribution device incorporates self-rinsing capabilities, allowing it to clean itself during operation without requiring external cleaning operations or process downtime. The rinsing nozzles are integrated into the rotating assembly, enabling continuous self-maintenance and eliminating the need for costly shutdown cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-rinsing mechanism operates continuously during the distribution process, maintaining cleanliness without interrupting the liquid distribution function. This continuous action eliminates periodic downtime for cleaning, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If rotating distribution devices are implemented, then polymer accumulation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotation to prevent polymer accumulation, accepting increased complexity as necessary to eliminate the harmful accumulation problem. The rotating mechanism, while more complex than stationary devices, provides continuous surface exposure that prevents fouling entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the rotating distribution device: liquid distribution, self-rinsing, and polymer prevention all occur within a single integrated rotating assembly. This consolidation manages complexity by combining functions rather than adding separate systems.
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 system effectively prevents condensation polymer accumulation on distribution equipment and process-facing surfaces, ensuring continuous operation with enhanced mass and energy transfer, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and downtime, while maintaining a lower process-facing surface area for condensation.
Implementation Method 1
causing rotational movement of the fouling-resistant liquid distributor
Implementation Method 2
The liquid distributor is rotating, and the liquid discharged from the liquid distributor is collaterally wetting process-facing surfaces within the vapor space of the process vessel
Implementation Method 3
monomer vapors may condense and form polymer accumulations
Implementation Method 4
the liquid discharged from the liquid distributor is self-rinsing the liquid distributor
Implementation Method 5
the liquid discharged from the liquid distributor is collaterally wetting process-facing surfaces within the vapor space of the process vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for uniformly distributing a process liquid within a process vessel includes providing a process liquid to a fouling-resistant liquid distributor installed within a process vessel having a cross-sectional area; causing rotational movement of the fouling-resistant liquid distributor; uniformly distributing the process liquid over the cross-sectional area within the process vessel; and simultaneously self-rinsing the fouling-resistant liquid distributor with a portion of the process liquid during uniform distribution. A system is also disclosed which includes a supply of process fluid, a stationary conduit and a liquid distribution head attached to the conduit. The liquid distribution head is motive, powered by a fluid, and includes at least one process liquid delivery port. The at least one process liquid delivery port is configured to provide a +10° or greater angle of liquid coverage when the liquid distribution head is moving.