Structured packing module for mass transfer column and process involving same
AssigneeKoch-Glitsch, LP
InventorsIzak Nieuwoudt, Michael James Lockett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.
Claims15
A structured packing module comprising:
- a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, plates having a top and a bottom edge and corrugations, the plates being arranged with the corrugations of adjacent plates extending in a criss-crossing fashion;
- apertures at said top and bottom edges of the plates;
- and
- spacer elements comprising rods that extend through said apertures at said top and bottom edges of the plates to secure the plates in spaced-apart relationship with the corrugations of adjacent plates spaced from and not in contact with each other or other structures along substantially an entire length of the corrugations to form an open spacing between facing surfaces of the plates,
- wherein said surfaces of the plates and said open spacing between the plates form generally unimpeded flow paths for fluids, and
- wherein said surfaces of the plates are free of apertures except at said top and bottom edges.
A mass transfer or heat exchange column comprising:
- a shell defining an open internal region;
- and
- a structured packing module positioned within said open internal region, said structured packing module comprising:
- a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, plates having a top and a bottom edge and corrugations, the plates being arranged with the corrugations of adjacent plates extending in a criss-crossing fashion;
- apertures at said top and bottom edges of the plates;
- and
- spacer elements comprising rods that extend through said apertures at said top and bottom edges of the plates to secure the plates in spaced-apart relationship with the corrugations of adjacent plates spaced from and not in contact with each other or other structures along substantially an entire length of the corrugations to form an open spacing between facing surfaces of the plates,
- wherein said surfaces of the plates and said open spacing between the plates form generally unimpeded flow paths for fluids, and
- wherein said surfaces of the plates are free of apertures except at said top and bottom edges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.