Process and apparatus for mass transfer between heterogeneous systems

摘要

A process for mass transfer between heterogeneous systems or phases in a vertical exchange column having at least one plate, a heavier stream of matter being introduced above the plate and, a lighter stream of matter being introduced countercurrently thereto from the bottom of the plate, wherein (a) a heavier stream of matter fed from the top is deflected, above the plate, into a mixing zone in which the heavier stream undergoes vertical rotary movement and is mixed with a lighter stream of matter passing from below through a first passgeway of the plate and introduced into the mixing zone to also undergo vertical rotary movement, (b) a heavier phase, suspension, or the like fluid-like mass forming in the mixing zone during the mass transfer therein is accumulated in a zone superjacent to a second passageway of the plate; and (c) after a sufficient pressure gradient has been built up, the accumulated mass flows as another heavier stream through the second passageway into a space underneath the plate and is at this location deflected into another mixing zone in which another heavier steam undergoes vertical rotary movement, having a sense or direction of rotation opposite to that in the mixing zone above the plate, and is mixed with a lighter stream of matter fed from below.