Structured Packing with Sloping Elements for Hydrocarbon Stripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stripping gaseous hydrocarbons from particulate material in processes like fluid catalytic cracking are not highly efficient, as they rely on traditional structured packing that limits contact between the catalyst and stripping medium, resulting in incomplete removal of adsorbed and entrained hydrocarbons.
Innovation Solution
The use of a structured packing with sloping elements and reinforcing rods in a countercurrent contacting flow configuration, where openings in the sloping elements allow particles to fall through and contact rising stripping vapor, enhancing the removal of hydrocarbons from the catalyst.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional structured packing is used for stripping, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the contact between catalyst and stripping medium is limited resulting in incomplete hydrocarbon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The structured packing is segmented into multiple sloping elements with openings, creating distinct zones for catalyst flow and vapor contact. This segmentation increases the surface area and contact points between catalyst particles and stripping vapor, thereby improving hydrocarbon removal efficiency without creating an overly complex monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a three-dimensional configuration with sloping elements arranged at angles, creating multiple flow paths and contact planes. This dimensional approach transforms the traditional two-dimensional packing into a volumetric contact system, enhancing mass transfer efficiency while maintaining structural feasibility
2Loss of time
If structured packing with baffles is used to cascade catalyst, then residence time and contact between catalyst and stripping medium increase, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sloping elements are designed to work dynamically with the flowing catalyst stream, using the natural movement and gravity-driven flow of catalyst particles to achieve enhanced contact. This dynamic approach replaces static, complex baffle systems with simpler sloping surfaces that leverage process conditions to extend residence time effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The structured packing uses simpler, more manufacturable components that can be produced cost-effectively. The design prioritizes ease of fabrication and assembly over maximizing residence time through complex structures, accepting that the packing may require periodic replacement while maintaining overall process efficiency
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 configuration significantly increases the efficiency of hydrocarbon stripping by improving contact between the particles and the stripping vapor, leading to more effective removal of gaseous hydrocarbons from the particulate material.
Implementation Method 1
structured packing configured for passage of a stripping vapor and particles that contain hydrocarbons in countercurrent contacting flow to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbons with the stripping vapor
Implementation Method 2
remove the hydrocarbon vapors that are adsorbed on and/or entrained with the catalyst
Implementation Method 3
remove the hydrocarbon vapors that are adsorbed on and/or entrained with the catalyst
Implementation Method 4
particles that contain hydrocarbons in countercurrent contacting flow to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbons with the stripping vapor
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and processes are provided for stripping gaseous hydrocarbons from particulate material. One process comprises the step of contacting particles that contain hydrocarbons with a stripping vapor in countercurrent flow to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbons with the stripping vapor to form stripped particles. Contacting the particles includes advancing the particles down a sloping element of a structured packing toward a reinforcing rod that is disposed adjacent to a lower section of the sloping element. The particles are advanced down through an opening formed in the sloping element proximate the reinforcing rod. The particles are contacted with the stripping vapor that is rising up through the opening.