Rotating Packed Bed Recirculation for Uniform Liquid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) devices face challenges with low liquid loading, leading to uneven distribution and dry spots in the packing, which reduces overall process performance in mass transfer applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the recirculation of a portion of the outlet flow as an inlet flow within the RPB, combined with separate inlet ports for fresh and recirculated solvent, enhances liquid distribution and improves hydrodynamic conditions, particularly in gas-liquid or gas-slurry exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid loading is reduced in the RPB rotor, then operational flexibility is improved, but liquid distribution becomes uneven and dry spots are created in the packing
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor is divided into multiple independent distributor plates arranged axially along the rotor. Each distributor plate has distribution channels that extend radially outward and distribute liquid onto the packing in discrete segments along the axial direction, ensuring uniform liquid distribution even at low liquid loading conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution channels in each distributor plate extend both radially outward and axially along the rotor. This two-dimensional channel configuration allows liquid to be distributed across multiple axial positions simultaneously, preventing dry spots and improving liquid distribution uniformity while maintaining operational flexibility
2Reliability
If liquid loading is increased to improve distribution, then liquid distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor is segmented into multiple distributor plates with simple radial distribution channels. This segmentation achieves complex three-dimensional liquid distribution patterns using multiple simple two-dimensional elements, reducing overall structural complexity while improving distribution uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributor plate serves multiple functions: it distributes liquid radially outward, distributes liquid axially along the rotor, and prevents dry spots in the packing. This multi-functionality of simple distributor plates reduces the need for additional complex distribution mechanisms
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 approach increases the liquid load and gas micromixing, enhancing the absorption efficiency and reducing solvent consumption, while offering operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrodynamics of the process are affected. A small liquid load is difficult to evenly distribute on the RPB packing and may cause the creation of dry spots in the packing
Implementation Method 2
Processes for the mass transfer have large applications in industry
Implementation Method 3
increases the liquid load and gas micromixing, enhancing the absorption efficiency
Implementation Method 4
a process for the capture of CO2 from CO2-rich gases. In a preferred embodiment, the first inlet flow is represented by a CO2-loaded gas and the second inlet flow is represented by a lean solvent for the capture of CO2
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention finds application in all the fields wherein a gas-liquid or gas-slurry or vapor-liquid exchange is required.