Internals for distillation columns including those for use in catalytic reactions

A structure for use in a column reactor to provide concurrent reaction with distillation of fluid streams flowing through said reactor, said structure comprising:

• a plurality of spaced apart plates for presenting a fractional distillation and mass transfer zone;
• a plurality of containers extending downwardly from one plate and terminating above a lower plate for containing in a fixed configuration a catalyst to form a catalytic reaction zone, said containers providing a primary flow path for liquid streams flowing between said spaced apart plates;
• and
• a solid member in surrounding relationship to at least one of said containers, said solid member having an upper end and a lower end, said solid member being spaced from an associated container and coupled with the latter in fluid tight relationship at the lower end of the solid member.

A structure for use in a column reactor to provide concurrent reaction with distillation of fluid streams flowing through said reactor, said structure comprising:

• a plurality of spaced apart plates for presenting a fractional distillation and mass transfer zone;
• a plurality of containers extending downwardly from one plate and terminating above a lower plate for containing in a fixed configuration a catalyst to form a catalytic reaction zone, said containers providing a primary flow path for liquid streams flowing between said spaced apart plates;
• and
• interference structure associated with at least some of said containers for slowing the rate of fall of liquid gravitating through the container.

A structure for use in a column reactor to provide concurrent reaction with distillation of fluid streams flowing through said reactor, said structure comprising:

• a plurality of spaced apart plates for presenting a fractional distillation and mass transfer zone;
• a plurality of containers extending downwardly from one plate and terminating above a lower plate and containing in a fixed configuration a catalyst to form a catalytic reaction zone, said containers having a liquid permeable outer wall and providing a primary flow path for liquid streams flowing between said spaced apart plates;
• means for presenting an open area within said catalytic reaction zone, said open area being accessible by liquid flowing generally horizontally through said container and the catalyst therein;
• and
• means for presenting a liquid accumulation zone downwardly spaced from and in communication with said open area.