Vapor distributor for mass transfer column and method involving same

Abstract

A vapor distributor for use in an internal region of a mass transfer column to receive and redistribute a vapor stream when it is introduced radially into the internal region through a radial inlet in a shell of the mass transfer column. The vapor distributor includes a plurality of multiple-sided elongated deflectors arranged in a descending array and a pair of braces that extend longitudinally across the array of elongated deflectors and hold them in spaced apart and side-by-side relationship to each other. Each of the elongated deflectors has a deflecting surface that faces toward the radial inlet to redirect and redistribute the radially-introduced vapor stream. The braces each include a strut that may also redirect and redistribute the vapor stream.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 822,397, filed March 22, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 903,942, filed September 23, 2019. Priority is hereby claimed to the foregoing application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to mass transfer columns and, more particularly, to vapor distributors for receiving and redistributing vapor streams introduced into mass transfer columns from radial inlets and methods for redistributing vapor streams using vapor distributors method. Background technique [0004] The mass transfer column is configured to contact at least two fluid streams to provide a product stream of a specific composition and / or a specific temperature. As used herein, the term "mass transfer column" is intended to encompass columns whose primary object...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although the circular cross-section of the deflector is advantageous in inhibiting the deposition of material from the vapor stream onto the deflector, it is also disadvantageous in that it tends to deflect a substantial portion of the vapor stream in a downward direction , rather than deflecting in the desired upward direction

Another disadvantage of the circular cross-section of the deflector is that the convex deflecting surface under the influence of the vapor flow remains unchanged and cannot pass through some or all of the The rotational position of individual deflectors is varied to improve vapor redistribution

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