Fluid dispersion unit assembly and method

Abstract

A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second, lighter fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom. A plurality of valves disposed across a surface of the tray and mounted above a plurality of apertures on the surface of the tray, each valve of the plurality of valves comprising a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the heavier fluid flow in the first direction forming a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the lighter fluid flow therefrom and further comprising a first aperture in the first securement leg. The first aperture is adapted to allow the lighter fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction for lighter fluid aeration thereof. Each valve includes a plurality of open side regions for allowing ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely dispersed directions for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction and each valve is adapted to allow the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction of the heavier fluid flow passing over the top surface for facilitating a propulsion of the heavier fluid flow therefrom and across the tray.