Christina D Campbell

US Patent:

20020190403, Dec 19, 2002

Filed:

Jun 13, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/878909

Inventors:

Dale Nutter - Tulsa OK, US
Mark Pilling - Jenks OK, US
Christina Campbell - Tulsa OK, US

International Classification:

B01F003/04

US Classification:

261/114100, 261/114300, 261/114500

Abstract:

A stepped downcomer apparatus for use in a vapor-liquid contact apparatus having an intermediate level step platform with a preferred tri-edge peripheral edge and corresponding step panels extending down from that edge to form a sealing step panel wall. As a preferred support device, extensions extend in chordal fashion out from the interior vertical edge of the opposite side step wall panels and either directly or indirectly by way of support bars into a supporting relationship with a tower of the vapor-liquid contact apparatus. A main panel extends up from the interior edge of the platform and up to the above positioned tray. A weir may extend above the above positioned tray that is an extension of the main panel. This main panel is attached to the support bars and supports the step platform and walls and extensions either alone or with added support members. A tray support ledge extends inwardly from the downcomer to provide support to the upper tray. The liquid-vapor mix contacts the step platform after passing over the weir, and off from which fluid travels both along the central axis of flow and obliquely off the opposite side panels. At opposite ends of the weir, the liquid flows directly into contact with the inlet region of the lower tray, by-passing the platform. The opposite side panel walls can slope outward to vary the downcomer lower pass through volume. An embodiment features chordal wing extensions with pressure equalization openings that extends out from opposite sides of the step wall panel also into a support relationship with the tower. The lower edge of the panels of the wall and the lower edge of the extensions control the flow of fluid as it travels under the lower edging from the inlet side of the downcomer apparatus to the active area of the tray. The relative level of the lower edges can be varied to suit the intended use. Additional or replacement downcomer structural supports include vertical support members extending from a step panel to a lower tray either in the form of support brackets or tiplet extensions.