Two-stage liquid distribution device for mass transfer column

A two-stage liquid distribution device for use in an internal region of a mass transfer column, said two-stage liquid distribution device comprising:

• a lower distributor comprising:
• a plurality of elongated, enclosed lower troughs positioned in side-by-side, coplanar and spaced apart relationship to each other;
• a plurality of discharge apertures in the lower troughs for permitting the discharge of liquid from the lower troughs when the liquid is present therein;
• an inlet in each of said lower troughs for permitting the entry of liquid into the lower troughs;
• a lower parting box positioned above and extending across the lower troughs;
• a plurality of discharge openings in the lower parting box that are positioned in fluid communication with the inlets in the lower troughs for delivering fluid when present in the lower parting box to each of the lower troughs;
• and
• an inlet in the lower parting box for permitting the entry of liquid into the lower parting box;
• an upper distributor spaced above the lower distributor and comprising:
• a plurality of elongated, enclosed upper troughs positioned in side-by-side, coplanar and spaced apart relationship to each other;
• a plurality of discharge apertures in the upper troughs for permitting the discharge of liquid from the upper troughs when the liquid is present therein;
• an inlet in each of said upper troughs for permitting the entry of liquid into the upper troughs;
• an upper parting box positioned above and extending across the upper troughs;
• a plurality of discharge openings in the upper parting box that are positioned in fluid communication with the inlets in the upper troughs for delivering fluid when present in the upper parting box to each of the upper troughs;
• an inlet in the upper parting box for permitting the entry of liquid into the upper parting box;
• and
• a primary outlet in the upper parting box for permitting liquid when in the upper parting box to exit therefrom;
• an upper downpipe section extending downwardly to the upper parting box and in fluid communication with the inlet of the upper parting box;
• a lower downpipe section extending downwardly from the upper parting box to the lower parting box and in fluid communication with the primary outlet in the upper parting box and the inlet in the lower parting box for delivering liquid from the upper parting box when present therein to the lower parting box;
• and
• flow restrictors positioned in the upper parting box and constructed to inhibit liquid when descending through the upper parting box from being distributed laterally within the upper parting box and permitting said lateral distribution when the liquid has filled the lower distributor and the lower downpipe section.