Structurally reinforced and nested packing elements
AssigneeExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
InventorsKendall S. Fruchey, James F. COLWELL, Justin A. FEDERICI, Michael L. HERGENROTHER
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A container is disclosed that includes a body defining a first lip, a second lip, and a third lip. A first compartment is defined between the first and second lips and a second compartment is defined between the second and third lips. The first compartment is to receive a first packing layer and the second compartment is to receive a second packing layer.
Claims25
A mass transfer column, comprising:
- a volume for receiving packing material;
- at least one container within the volume for receiving packing material, the at least one container comprising:
- a first lip;
- a second lip, wherein a first compartment is defined between the first and second lips;
- and
- a third lip, wherein a second compartment is defined between the second and third lips;
- a first packing layer within the first compartment, the first packing layer comprising a first polymer;
- and
- a second packing layer within the second compartment, the second packing layer comprising a second polymer,
- the at least one container being composed of a material different from the first polymer and the second polymer.
A method for contacting a vapor phase and a liquid phase in a mass transfer column, comprising:
- contacting a vapor phase with a liquid phase in a volume comprising a plurality of packing layers, a first packing layer being separated from a second packing layer by a spacer having a spacer height of about 0.5 inches or more.
A method for loading a packing layer into a mass transfer vessel, comprising:
- loading a plurality of packing sheets into at least one container, the packing sheets being supported by at least one lip of the at least one container;
- loading the at least one container into at least one volume of a mass transfer vessel, the at least one container substantially occupying a cross-section of an interior of the mass transfer vessel.
A structured packing layer, comprising:
- a plurality of structured packing sheets that are movable relative to one another to transition the packing layer between:
- a deployed state in which the packing layer exhibits a first volume;
- and
- a compact state in which the structured packing layer exhibits a second volume less than the first volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.