Contact method for multiphase processing

Abstract

A processing method is provided in which flows of separate fluid streams, at least one of which is liquid, are intimately contacted and subjected to centrifugal force by being passed as a cocurrent turbulent flow circumferentially, axially, and inwardly and outwardly through sets of openings in the side walls of one or more cylindrical chambers having first and second elements coaxially positioned in a housing, the openings being provided with flow guide means for directing said cocurrent flows in the same circumferential direction at all times, and the axial direction of passage of said cocurrent flows in preferred embodiments of the invention being non-ascending and hence not counter to the force of gravity. The flow guide means may be deflectors extending from said walls outside of one and inside of the other of said first and second elements, with their free ends directed either counter to or in the direction of said cocurrent flows through said openings in said walls, for providing unimpeded circumferential flow paths inside of one and outside of the other of said elements and reducing pressure loss in the processing. The efficiency of the apparatus may be enhanced by including flow contour members defining said flow paths. The system is particularly useful where the processed phases comprise a solid phase.