LIQUID DISTRIBUTION DEVICE UTILIZING PACKED DISTRIBUTION TROUGHS AND A MASS TRANSFER COLUMN AND PROCESS INVOLVING SAME

摘要

A flow distributor for a liquid descending in a vertically elongated mass transfer column, a mass transfer column employing the same, and a method of treating a fluid stream in the mass transfer column is provided. The flow distributor includes a central distribution member for passing liquid to a plurality of outwardly extending side arm members, which, in turn, feed the liquid into a plurality of distribution troughs located below the elongated side members. The distribution troughs, which may be oriented substantially perpendicularly or substantially parallel to the elongated side members, include a bed of packing material disposed therein. Use of such distributors in vapor-liquid or liquid-liquid columns results in more uniform horizontal distribution of the liquid across the diameter of the column.

主权项

1. A flow distributor for liquid descending in a vertically elongated process column, said distributor comprising:
a central distribution member comprising at least one inlet for receiving a liquid stream and one or more liquid outlets for discharging a portion of said liquid stream from said central distribution member; a plurality of elongated side members configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid discharged from said liquid outlets of said central distribution member, wherein said elongated side members are longitudinally spaced from each other along the length of said central distribution member and comprise one or more openings for discharging liquid therefrom; a plurality of distribution troughs positioned proximate said elongated side members, wherein each of said distribution troughs comprises a pair of elongated sidewalls, wherein said elongated side walls are laterally spaced from one another to define a liquid receiving space therebetween, wherein said liquid receiving space is configured to receive liquid discharged from said openings of said elongated side members and discharge the liquid from said distribution trough, wherein at least a portion of said liquid receiving space is filled with a bed of packing material, wherein said liquid discharged from said distribution troughs has passed through at least a portion of said packing material.