INTERNALS FOR DISTILLATION COLUMNS INCLUDING THOSE FOR USE IN CATALYTIC REACTIONS

摘要

A reaction with distillation structure (11) utilizes a plurality of distillation trays (12) and catalyst containers (18) which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractiona-tion of the reaction products on the distillation trays (12). The containers (18) may extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor (10) to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the catalyst containers may extend from one tray toward a lower tray without passing through the latter. Structure (11) may also be provided within the containers (18) to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area (147) interiorly of the catalyst bed (32) into which liquid on the distillation tray is driven. This open area (147) communicates with a liquid accumulation zone (149) wherein liquid accumulates until a sufficient liquid head drives the liquid generally horizontally outward, through the catalyst bed.