Vapor Splitter Control Using Liquid Level and Chimney Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dividing wall columns can only control liquid split ratios and not vapor split ratios, limiting energy-saving capabilities and requiring complex and inefficient methods to adjust vapor flow, which often result in pressure loss and entrainment issues.
Innovation Solution
A vapor splitter system with a chimney tray, cap, liquid feeding, and discharging units that adjust the size of the gas discharge hole by varying the liquid height on the tray, allowing precise control of vapor split ratios between sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vapor split ratio is fixed at the designing stage according to the size of a chimney, then the structure is simple, but the vapor split ratio cannot be adjusted with operation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gas discharge hole size adjustable rather than fixed. The cap can be positioned at different heights on the chimney, and the gas discharge hole area changes dynamically with liquid level fluctuations, enabling the vapor split ratio to be adjusted according to operation conditions while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by using the liquid level itself to control the gas discharge hole area. The fluctuating liquid level automatically adjusts the effective gas discharge area without requiring external control mechanisms, achieving adaptive vapor split ratio adjustment through the system's own operating parameters.
2Ease of operation
If gas is indirectly guided to the upper space via a pipeline disposed outside the column, then the vapor split ratio can be controlled, but it requires a large installation space and suffers high pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the external pipeline and valve system from the column structure. The vapor split ratio control is achieved directly within the column using the cap and gas discharge hole mechanism, eliminating the need for external pipelines and reducing both installation space requirements and pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the liquid level as a mediator between the vapor flow and the gas discharge hole. The liquid level automatically regulates the gas discharge area in response to vapor flow conditions, providing indirect control without requiring mechanical valves or external piping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid layer is provided on the perforated plate to cause the gas to pass through the liquid layer, then the vapor split ratio can be adjusted, but entrainment occurs when the gas passes through the liquid layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the liquid layer from the gas discharge path. Instead of forcing gas to pass through a liquid layer, the invention allows gas to discharge directly into the upper space through the cap, eliminating the source of entrainment while preserving vapor split ratio adjustment capability through cap positioning.
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
Enables flexible and precise adjustment of vapor split ratios during operation, improving energy efficiency and reducing pressure drop, while preventing entrainment, thus enhancing the performance of dividing wall columns.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the height of a liquid layer on the chimney tray, thereby adjusting an area of the gas discharge hole
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vapor splitter including: a chimney tray dividing an internal space of a housing into an upper space and a lower space; a chimney provided on the chimney tray to enable the upper space and the lower space to communicate with each other; a cap covering the chimney with a gap therebetween such that a gas discharge hole is formed so that gas, coming out through the chimney, can be transferred to the upper space through the gas discharge hole; a liquid feeding unit for feeding liquid to the upper space; and a liquid discharging unit for discharging the liquid out of the upper space. The size of the gas discharge hole is adjusted by controlling the height of the liquid collected on the chimney. Further disclosed is a method of adjusting a vapor split ratio using the vapor splitter.