Scalable inlet liquid distribution system for large scale chromatography columns

Abstract

A uniform fluid distribution system () for use with a liquid transfer system () for maintaining an interface between liquid phases within a large scale separator system including a cell of circular or rectilinear cross-section into which liquid may be introduced as discrete phases at an inlet zone occupying a first approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell and output at an outlet zone occupying a second approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell. Said distribution system () comprises at least one liquid inlet () and one distribution outlet (), which are connected by an internal flow connection system (). Wherein said distribution outlet () is an annular or rectilinear distribution-slot () with a radius or distance r to the midpoint between an inner slot-radius or distance from the cell center and an outer slot-radius or distance from the cell center, said radii or distances from the cell center defining a slot-width w, through which annular or rectilinear distribution-slot () liquid entering said inlet is distributed to said cell along an approximately horizontal plane, and said internal flow connection system () is formed such that it provides an essentially uniform fluid flow through the distribution-slot ().