Glitsch, Inc.

Koch Enterprises, Inc.

Amt International Inc.

Kuang Wu

Adam T Lee

Larry Burton

Leon Fan

Michael J Binkley

Ji-Young Jang

Fred G Tahmassi

Hyung-Jin Kim

A distillation system and method for recovering acetic acid from a feed stream containing acetic acid and water stream generated during terephthalic acid production. The invention includes a dehydration column utilizing azeotropic distillation to recover the acetic acid in conjunction with a condenser system to recover the energy.

System and method for acetic acid recovery during terephthalic acid production

A method and apparatus for increasing fractionation capacity and efficiency within an existing distillation column having preexisting mass transfer surface structures with a multiplicity of openings for vapor-liquid contact is provided. Some embodiments of the present invention include microdispersers, either individually or in combination, installed to convert target areas of select openings to achieve an optimal column performance without resorting to a full or partial replacement of the preexisting mass transfer trays. A kit for assembling an increased capacity and efficiency fractionation tray including installation instructions, one or more fastening devices and microdispersing bubble promoters and valves is also disclosed. A system for increasing capacity and efficiency of preexisting trays within a preexisting column is shown whereby microdispersers are used in combination with a revamp of the downcomer structures or other existing structures. The microdispersers may also be used in the construction of new fractionation towers.

Method and apparatus for improving a fractionation process

An improved downcomer for vapor liquid contact towers. The downcomer is formed between generally semi-conical walls and the wall of the tower. The downcomer outlet is formed by the lower edge of the generally semi-conical walls and the wall of the tower with the lower edge of the generally semi-conical walls being closer to the wall of the tower at the center of the downcomer outlet than at the opposing end portions of the downcomer outlet so that more liquid flows through the opposing end portions of the downcomer outlet than through the center of the downcomer outlet thereby providing a substantially uniform flow of liquid across the tray adjacent the downcomer.

Downcomer for chemical process tower

A chemical process tower tray construction incorporating a tapered semi-conical downcomer adaptive for discharging liquid along an arcuate edge portion of an underlying tray. The underlying tray is of the type supported within the chemical process tower by a support ring which is positioned beneath the edge of the tray for the support thereof. The solid support ring typically forms a nonactive area beneath this region of the tray and the tapered downcomer discharges liquid directly onto the inactive region wherein the remaining portion of the tray can be utilized for mass transfer.

Downcomer for chemical process tower and method of forming the same

A method of and apparatus for deentrainment and mass transfer in a chemical process tower. The apparatus comprises a structured packing layer assembled with a second type of packing layer disposed adjacent the underside of a process tower tray. The dual layer assembly reduces liquid entrainment in ascending vapor flow and provides an additional region for mass transfer.

Apparatus and method for deentrainment in a chemical process tower

A multiple downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The downcomers are constructed with support baffles enabling the downcomer tray to be supported therefrom. The support baffles include a generally centralized aperture formed therethrough. An active bridge is disposed between adjacent, end to end downcomers for equalization of liquid flow upon the tray.

Multiple downcomer high performance tray assembly

A downcomer-tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers with enlarged effective active areas. The downcomers are constructed with support baffles enabling intermediate areas of the downcomer-tray to be supported therefrom and outer areas of the downcomer-tray to be supported by an active tower support ring. An active bridge may be used between end-to-end downcomers for maximizing the active area of the associated tray.

Apparatus for increasing effective active area

A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The downcomer is formed with generally semi-conical walls forming a vapor tunnel relative to the discharge region therebeneath. The discharge region is also constructed with a trough and a plurality of venting chambers upstanding therefrom for improving mass transfer efficiency. The venting chambers reduce fluid pressure to vent excess vapor from the underlying tray. The vented vapor is selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the downcomer and allowed to pass through the vapor tunnel. In this manner both entrained liquid and entrained gas can be effectively released to facilitate a stabilized vapor-liquid flow configuration.

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Plano, TX, United States of America

Kuang Wu