Koch Engineering Company, Inc.

Koch-Glitsch, Inc.

O Jeffrey Berven

Neil Yeoman

Chang-Li Hsieh

Michael A Ulowetz

Ronald Pinaire

Timothy P Nace

David A Furse

Vui Van Le

James M Meyer

Andrew M Marcinkowski

A reaction with distillation column is provided with a plurality of discrete catalytic reaction containers. The containers contain a plurality of solid catalyst particles which form a catalytic reaction zone. The containers also include a liquid collection tray cover which defines a liquid accumulation zone immediately overlying the catalytic reaction zone. Overflow weirs are provided on the tray cover to allow for overflow of liquid on the tray cover. A member may be provided within the containers to create an open area within the catalytic reaction zone to facilitate entry of the liquid into the catalytic reaction zone. The containers can be individually positioned within the reactor to suit particular process requirements.

Catalytic reaction and mass transfer structure

A vapor-liquid contact tray is provided which includes a plurality of openings and associated fixed roof structures which redirect vapor flowing vertically upward through the openings to horizontal flow paths. Each fixed roof structure includes a generally planar deflector which overlies and is spaced above the associated opening in the tray. The deflector is joined to the tray by end plates connected at one end to the tray and at the other end to the deflector. In one embodiment the deflector is generally parallel to the tray and divides the vertically flowing vapor stream into roughly equal oppositely flowing vapor streams. In other embodiments, the deflector is inclined in relation to the tray to preferentially direct the vapor stream in one direction or to split the vapor stream into equal portions which are directed in the same general direction. The openings and deflectors are arranged to more uniformly push the vapor and hence the liquid into and through those areas of the tray where liquid stagnation and gradients are a problem. The fixed roof structures in the row of apertures closest to liquid receiving area at the inlet end of the tray are oriented so that the end plates shield the openings against entry of liquid leaving the receiving area. Louvre-type fixed roof structures are used in association with at least some of the openings in the first row so that more rapid frothing of the liquid can be achieved with reduced incidence of liquid weeping through openings in successive rows of openings.

High capacity vapor-liquid contact tray

A mass transfer or heat exchange column is provided with a vapor distributor having, in one embodiment, a deflecting surface which directs a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column. Following discharge from the distributor, the vapor stream contacts circumferentially spaced guide vanes which redirect the vapor stream toward the center of the column to cause a more uniform distribution of the vapor stream across the horizontal cross section of the column.

Method and apparatus using guide vanes for vapor distribution in mass

A mass transfer or heat exchange column is provided with a vapor distributor which circulates a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column. The vapor stream is discharged from the distributor through an at least partially open bottom and, optionally, a plurality of spaced apart outlet ports in an inner annular wall of the distributor. A deflector extends upwardly along the inner annular wall to deflect the vapor stream away from a circumferential flow path along the inward face of the wall. The deflector may also extend outwardly under the flow channel to deflect, in a radially inward direction, vapor exiting the flow channel through the open bottom of the distributor.

Method and apparatus to improve vapor distribution in mass transfer and

A reaction with distillation column is provided with a plurality of discrete catalytic reaction containers. The containers contain a plurality of solid catalyst particles which form a catalytic reaction zone. The containers also comprise a liquid collection tray cover which defines a liquid accumulation zone immediately overlying the catalytic reaction zone. Overflow weirs are provided on the tray cover to allow for overflow of liquid on the tray cover. A member may be provided within the containers to create an open area within the catalytic reaction zone to facilitate entry of the liquid into the catalytic reaction zone. The containers can be individually positioned within the reactor to suit particular process requirements.

Catalytic reaction and mass transfer process

A liquid distributor for a gas-liquid contact column, which liquid distributor comprises a plurality of elongated distributors extending across the general cross section of a gas-liquid contact column, and secondary distributing troughs located on each side of the distributor, the secondary distributor troughs containing a deflection plate having an upper section and a lower section and a support plate which connects the deflection plate and spaces the deflection plate apart from the liquid distributor, the support plate having large openings for the upward passage of a gas and smaller openings located near the intersection of the support plate with the deflection plate to permit the liquid splashing from the orifices of the liquid distributor against the deflection plate to flow downwardly against the wall surface of the lower portion of the deflection plate and to be distributed through multiple drip points on the lower edge of the deflection plate in the lower portion of the gas-liquid column.

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Wichita, KS, United States of America

O Jeffrey Berven