Method and apparatus for vapor distribution in mass transfer and heat exchange columns

A mass transfer or heat exchange column comprising:

• an external shell having an open interior volume through which vapor and liquid streams may flow and interact;
• a vapor inlet nozzle which extends through the external shell;
• and
• a vapor distributor defining an annular flow channel adapted for placement in vapor flow communications with the vapor inlet nozzle to receive a vapor stream entering the column through the vapor inlet nozzle and convey the vapor stream in at least one direction of flow about an inner periphery of the column shell, said distributor having an inner annular wall which defines a radially inner wall of the flow channel and a top plate which forms an at least substantially closed top of the flow channel, said distributor further having an at least partially open bottom in vapor flow communication with the flow channel to permit at least portions of the vapor stream in the flow channel to be discharged through the at least partially open bottom, said flow channel having a decreasing cross-sectional area in said direction of flow to cause a uniform discharge of the vapor stream from the flow channel through the at least partially open bottom of the distributor for uniform distribution of the vapor stream within the column, said inner annular wall comprising concentric and radially spaced apart wall segments which are spaced more closely to the column external shell in the direction of vapor flow and including deflector walls joining said inner annular wall segments and positioned to deflect a portion of the vapor stream flowing within the flow channel.

A method for distributing a vapor stream within a mass transfer or heat exchange column having an external shell, a vapor inlet nozzle which extends through the external shell and a distributor defining an internal annular flow channel in vapor flow communication with the vapor inlet nozzle, said distributor having an at least partially open bottom along an annular length thereof and said flow channel having a decreasing cross-sectional area in a first vapor flow direction, said method comprising the steps of:

• introducing the vapor stream into the flow channel of the distributor through the vapor inlet nozzle;
• directing the vapor stream along said flow channel in the first vapor flow direction to cause the uniform discharge of the vapor stream from the at least partially open bottom of the distributor along the annular length thereof in response to the decreasing cross-sectional area of the flow channel;
• using deflector walls to deflect in a radial outward direction portions of the vapor stream flowing along the flow channel and increase the mixing of the vapor stream;
• and
• directing the discharged vapor stream into a packing overlying the distributor.