Fluid dispersion unit assembly and method

A method of mixing a first, heavier fluid flowing downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction with a second, lighter fluid flowing upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom, the method comprising:

• forming, on a surface of the tray, a plurality of apertures for facilitating the lighter fluid flow upwardly therethrough;
• disposing, above the plurality of apertures formed on the surface of the tray, a plurality of valves, wherein each valve of the plurality of valves comprising a top surface and at least one securement leg, wherein the plurality of valves are fixed;
• intercepting, via a first securement leg of the at least one securement leg, the heavier fluid flow in the first direction to form a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray;
• forming, in each valve of the plurality of valves, a plurality of apertures to facilitate the lighter fluid flow therefrom, wherein at least a first aperture is formed in the first securement leg;
• allowing, via the first aperture, the lighter fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with the heavier liquid flow in the first direction for lighter fluid aeration thereof;
• allowing, via a plurality of open side regions, the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely disposed directions for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction;
• and
• allowing, via each valve of the plurality of valves, ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction of heavier fluid flow passing over the top surface for facilitating a propulsion of the heavier fluid flow therefrom and across the tray.

A valve for use in a tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second, lighter fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom, the valve comprising:

• at least one securement leg having at least a first aperture formed therein;
• a top surface having at least a second aperture formed therein;
• a plurality of open side valve regions;
• a first securement leg of the at least one securement leg being adapted to intercept the heavier fluid flow in the first direction forming a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray;
• the first aperture being adapted to allow the lighter fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction for lighter fluid aeration thereof;
• the second aperture being adapted to allow the lighter fluid flow to ascend therethrough for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction;
• the plurality of open side valve regions being adapted to allow the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely disposed directions for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction;
• the valve being adapted to allow the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction of the heavier fluid flow passing over the top surface for facilitating a propulsion of the heavier fluid flow therefrom and across the tray.

A valve for use in a tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second, lighter fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom, the valve comprising:

• a first securement leg having at least a first aperture formed therein;
• a second securement leg having at least a second aperture formed therein;
• a plurality of open side valve regions;
• the first securement leg being adapted to intercept the heavier fluid flow in the first direction forming a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray;
• the first aperture being adapted to allow the lighter fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction for lighter fluid aeration thereof;
• the plurality of open side valve regions being adapted to allow ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely disposed directions for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction;
• and
• the valve being adapted to allow the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction of the heavier fluid flow for facilitating a propulsion of the heavier fluid flow therefrom and across the tray;
• and
• wherein the valve is fixed.