Glitsch, Inc.

Koch-Glitsch, Inc.

Tullio Petrich

Paolo Martinenghi

Michael J Binkley

Christoph Ender

A mass transfer column is provided with a liquid distributor that distributes liquid to an underlying mass transfer bed containing one or more random, grid or structured packing elements. The liquid distributor includes a plurality of elongated troughs that are spaced apart and extend across the column. A plurality of liquid discharge holes are positioned in side walls of the trough and are located in one or more preselected planes that are preferably spaced above a floor of the trough. Splash baffles are spaced outwardly from the trough side walls and include upper portions that are positioned to receive liquid exiting the troughs through the discharge holes. Lower portions of the splash baffles form a constricted discharge outlet in a plane below the trough for delivering liquid from the splash baffles to the underlying mass transfer bed. The liquid discharge holes in one of the trough side walls are offset from those in the other trough side wall to provide a more uniform distribution of liquid to the discharge outlet. The splash baffles are vertically adjustable and are intended to be supported on the upper surface of the mass transfer bed so that the discharged liquid is delivered directly to the mass transfer bed, thereby reducing the opportunity for the falling liquid to become entrained in a vapor stream flowing upwardly through the mass transfer bed. The liquid exiting through the discharge outlet preferably forms a curtain-like flow that blocks or impedes vapor entry upwardly into the discharge outlet. Any vapor that enters the discharge area is able to vent upwardly through the open spacing between the baffles and the associated troughs at a reduced velocity, thereby reducing the opportunity for liquid entrainment. The open spacing also permits any overflow of liquid from the troughs to be captured by the splash baffles for downward flow along the inner faces of the splash baffles.

Liquid distributor in mass transfer column and method of installation and use

A distributor assembly comprising a distributor plate adapted for horizontal positioning and securement to a process column liquid distributor for the symmetrical discharge of liquid therefrom. The distributor plate comprises a member having side walls formed therearound and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The distributor plate is constructed for collecting liquid discharged from the liquid distributor, spreading the liquid thereacross and affording low velocity equal discharge of liquid therefrom into a packing bed therebeneath.

Method of and apparatus for liquid distribution

An improved liquid flow distributor assembly for a process column of the type wherein the distributor is positioned above a packing section for the distribution of liquid downwardly therethrough. The improvement comprises a plurality of troughs constructed with a series of removable distributor tube assemblies on opposite sides thereof. Each tube is constructed with a first generally U-shaped securing, or mounting channel affixed to the side of a distributor trough with a hole formed therethrough in flow communication with the lower region of the trough. An angulated distributor channel is constructed for slidable engagement with the U-shaped securing channel element. The sidewalls of the U-shaped channel are constructed for securing the sliding channel therein and forming a triangular flow conduit for receiving the discharge of fluid from the trough. The tubes depend downwardly from the side walls of the trough below the bottom region thereof so as to reduce disturbance by the raising vapor flow at the point of liquid discharge. In this manner the advantages of distributor tubes are provided in a configuration facilitating the cleaning thereof by removal of the sliding channel member from the securing channel element.

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Rome, Italy

Tullio Petrich