Apparatus for increasing effective active area

摘要

A downcomer tray assembly for a vapour liq. contact chemical process column of the type in which the trays are formed with active regions (50) for the ascending flow of vapour and where liq.is directed to flow upon a first tray (48) and downwardly through a first series of downcomers comprising two side downcomers (51)(55) and three intermediate downcomers (52)(54)(56) onto a second tray (49) and across active regions between individual ones of a second series of downcomers, the assembly further comprising (a) baffle supports (70)(72)(74) extending along the downcomers and connected to the column (12) for the support of intermediate portions of the downcomer tray assembly. (b) tower support rings (75)(77) extending circumferentially around the downcomer tray assembly and having formed apertures (78) for facilitating the ascending flow of vapour. Also claimed is an appts. in which the active tray area has directional flow valves arranged in rows to discharge vapour in opposite directions creating turbulence and enhancing tray efficiency.