Fluid contact tray particularly for the use in an offshore fractionation column

Abstract

A fluid contact tray (10) for a fractionation column (1), in particular a vapor-liquid contact tray suitable for the use in an offshore fractionation column, comprises: a tray deck (12) comprising an active mass transfer surface (20) suitable for contacting two fluids (l, g) of different densities, wherein the active mass transfer surface (20) comprises one or more orifices (18) for the passage of a fluid / gas (g), and wherein at least two at least partially radially extending separation walls (22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4) and / or at least one separation weir (42) are arranged on the active mass transfer surface (20), which divides the active mass transfer surface (20) into at least two sections (24-1, 24-2, 24-3, 24-4), an annular channel (26) suitable for collecting fluids / liquids (l), which is arranged at the peripheral area of the active mass transfer surface (20) and at least partially embraces the mass transfer surface (20), a central downcomer (34) for collecting and discharging a fluid / liquid (l) from the annular channel (26), wherein the central downcomer (34) has the form of a hollow body with an opening (36) in the bottom section thereof being suitable for the distribution of liquid vertically downwardly, and wherein the central downcomer (34) is non-rotatably fixed at the fluid contact tray (10), and at least one conducting means (40) for transferring fluid collected in the annular channel (26) from the annular channel (26) to the central downcomer (34). This fluid contact tray (10) is in particular useable for offshore applications, such as for a fractionation column located on a FLNG or FPSO vessel.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fluid contact tray for a fractionation column, in particular to a vapor-liquid contact tray suitable for use in an offshore fractionation column, to a fractionation column comprising such a fluid contact tray, and to such fractionation Use of columns for thermal separation processes, especially for offshore applications on non-stationary floating bodies. Background technique [0002] Fractionation columns, such as distillation columns, absorption columns, extraction columns, etc., typically contain internal means for providing surface area for contact between the different components that typically flow in a convective direction during operation of the fractionation column Fractionation tower. A number of different kinds of internal devices are known for this purpose, such as random packing, structured packing and contact trays. [0003] Contact trays, which are often used in distillation and rectification columns, ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

First, the uneven distribution of storage can lead to a constant roll or static tilt of the object

In addition, sea and wind conditions, possibly combined with sloshing of stored liquid cargo, can result in regular or irregular movements of floating objects

This motion results in a very unfavorable condition for the fractionator due to the effect of acceleration and deviating from vertical (dynamic tilt) and subsequent maldistribution

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