Method and apparatus for catalyst-downcomer-tray operation

摘要

Improved catalyst-downcomer-tray assemblies for vapor liquid contact towers. Downcomers are constructed for receipt of bundles of catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions therein. Raised, perforated regions of the underlying trays are then disposed therebeneath for improving mass transfer efficiency. The raised regions reduce fluid pressure to vent excess vapor from downcomers and trays therebeneath. The vapor generated within the downcomers from the catalytic reaction may then be selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the downcomer disposed on the tray above and imparted with a horizontal flow characteristic. In this manner the catalytic reaction vapors can be effectively released to facilitate a stabilized vapor-liquid flow configuration with improved chemical reaction occurring in the downcomer of the process tower.