AU2012266821A1

AU2012266821A1 - Liquid distributor

Info

Publication number: AU2012266821A1
Application number: AU2012266821A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gerhard Alzner; Ludwig Bauer; Mariyana Chalakova; Thomas Walter
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2011-06-08
Filing date: 2012-05-31
Publication date: 2013-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-31
Also published as: BR112013031177A2; WO2012167888A1; DE102011103634A1; AU2012266821B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid distributor (1) for distributing a liquid (F) in an encased chamber (M) delimited by a casing, said distributor comprising a first distributor stage (10) that receives liquid (F) to be distributed and that has a plurality of distributor openings (11) by means of which said liquid (F) can be distributed into the encased chamber (M). According to the invention, at least one second distributor stage (20) is provided that receives liquid (F) to be distributed and has a plurality of distributor openings (21) by means of which said liquid (F) can be distributed into the encased chamber (M), said second distributor stage (20) being coupled to the first distributor stage (10) such that when the level of liquid in the first distributor stage (10) exceeds a pre-definable threshold value, liquid (F) is additionally conducted into the second distributor stage (20).

Description

WO 2012/167888 PCT/EP2012/002319 Description Liquid distributor 5 The invention relates to a liquid distributor for distributing a liquid in a shell space which is delimited by means of a shell. Such a liquid distributor has a first distributor stage 10 for receiving liquid which is to be distributed, wherein the first distributor stage has a multiplicity of distribution holes via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space or over a cross section of the shell space. Such a liquid distributor 15 is known from EP 1 987 867 A2, for example. Liquid distributors of the type referred to in the introduction are used for example in columns for mass transfer and heat exchange between a gaseous phase and 20 a liquid phase (mass transfer columns) which are known from numerous process engineering applications, specifically both in onshore and in offshore plants. For producing the phase contact, plates, random packing material and structured packings are especially built 25 into the columns. In the case of columns with random packing materials and structured packings, the aforesaid liquid distributors serve for the feed of liquid to the beds. A particular type of the present liquid distributor are so-called pressure/gravity pipe 30 distributors which consist of a central main pipe, a distributor channel (main channel), which branches therefrom, and distributor arms (distributor pipes) which adjoin them. With this type, a free liquid surface is established only in the central main pipe. 35 The height of the central main pipe results in this case from the necessary working range of the liquid distributor and increases quadratically with the ratio of the largest to the smallest load. With greater WO 2012/167888 - 2 - PCT/EP2012/002319 working ranges, the height of the overall liquid distributor can be considerably more than one meter, as a result of which the tangent line of the respective columns can be considerably longer. 5 Pressure/gravity pipe distributors can especially also be used in offshore plants since this distributor type ensures a good liquid distribution even in the case of an inclined position or in the case of moved columns. 10 The required working range of a column determines the height of the central main pipe of a liquid distributor of the type under consideration. In this case, the height of the central main pipe increases approximately 15 quadratically to the working range. If the working range is 1:3, for example, then the central main pipe, with a liquid minimum level of approximately 200 mm and taking into consideration a safety factor of 0.8, for example, has a height of 200 mm*3A2/0.8 = 2250 mm. This 20 is approximately 4 times the value of a standard liquid distributor. As a result, the overall height of the column and therefore of the column shell becomes greater. Depending upon static requirements, the necessary shell thickness can be additionally increased 25 as a consequence. Especially in the case of columns in the offshore application, the additional overall column height has a negative effect upon the statics of the column and therefore upon the shell thickness. As a result, the column weight increases and therefore the 30 load acting upon the ship's deck or the ship's hull increases, which ultimately forces up the costs. Conventional liquid distributors, such as channel distributors which operate according to the gravity 35 principle, can be dimensioned with high distribution quality only for a small load range. If the load range of a liquid distributor is large, then difficulties WO 2012/167888 - 3 - PCT/EP2012/002319 arise in the maintaining of the necessary quality of the liquid distribution over the entire load range. At low load, an uneven liquid distribution can ensue on account of a low liquid level and therefore on account 5 of a variable pressure at the respective outlet holes (distribution holes). At very high load, the transverse speed of the liquid can impair the liquid distribution quality. 10 Starting at this point, the present invention is therefore based on the object of creating a liquid distributor which has a height which is as small as possible and at the same time has a distribution quality which is as high as possible over a wide load 15 range. This problem is solved by means of a liquid distributor with the features of claim 1. 20 According to this, it is provided that the liquid distributor has at least one second distributor stage for receiving liquid which is to be distributed, which has a multiplicity of distribution holes via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, 25 wherein the second distributor stage is connected to the first distributor stage so that in the case of a liquid level in the first distributor stage which exceeds a predefinable threshold value, the surplus liquid is directed into the second distributor stage. 30 In other words, instead of using a single liquid distributor (e.g. a pressure/gravity liquid pipe distributor) for covering the entire load range, a plurality of individual liquid distributors or 35 distributor stages are therefore connected in a specific manner so that each individual distributor (distributor stage) undertakes a part of the load range WO 2012/167888 - 4 - PCT/EP2012/002319 and the design height can consequently be reduced overall in comparison to a conventional liquid distributor. In this case, each individual distributor (distributor stage) can be ideally dimensioned and as a 5 result a very high distribution quality can be achieved over the entire load range. In this case, a large number of distributor levels or distributor stages, i.e. 2-stage, 3-stage, 4-stage, 10 etc., can especially be realized. To this end, the individual distributor stages are preferably "stacked" one upon the other, wherein the distribution of liquid which is to be distributed to the cross section of the shell space or of the column is carried out in this 15 case in an especially controlled manner. Thus, for example the first distributor stage first of all receives the liquid which is to be distributed, wherein in the event of a depletion of the distribution capacity of the first distributor stage as liquid load 20 increases, the volume of liquid which exceeds the capacity of the first distributor stage is fed to the second distributor stage. Correspondingly, the volume of liquid which exceeds the capacity of the first and the second distributor stages is then fed to a third 25 distributor stage accordingly. This concept can be extended to any number of distributor stages. In this case, each distributor stage can be dimensioned for the same volume of liquid or for different volumes of liquid. In the following text, two distributor stages 30 are to be assumed by way of example, wherein the solution according to the invention is naturally correspondingly extendable to any number of distributor stages. 35 The first distributor stage of the liquid distributor according to the invention preferably has a first feed pipe which is designed and provided for supplying a WO 2012/167888 - 5 - PCT/EP2012/002319 first distributor channel of the first distributor stage with fluid which is to be distributed in order to distribute that liquid into the shell space. 5 Furthermore, the second distributor stage preferably also has a (second) feed pipe which is designed and provided for supplying a (separate) second distributor channel of the second distributor stage with liquid which is to be distributed in order to distribute this 10 in the shell space. The feed pipes can especially comprise one channel, or a plurality of channels, and can furthermore have an optional geometry. The two feed pipes in this case - with regard to an 15 operating state of the liquid distributor arranged specific to purpose - preferably extends along a longitudinal axis which coincides with the vertical. In this case, the two distributor channels preferably extend parallel to each other along the horizontal, 20 that is to say especially transversely to the respective feed pipe. For feeding liquid which is to be distributed into the first and the second feed pipe, these have an inlet 25 opening in each case, wherein the inlet opening of the first feed pipe is arranged or designed so that liquid which is to be distributed discharges from the inlet opening of the first feed pipe if the liquid level in the first distributor stage exceeds the stated 30 threshold value, wherein the inlet opening of the second feed pipe is arranged with regard to the inlet opening of the first feed pipe so that liquid which discharges from the inlet opening of the first feed pipe flows through the inlet opening of the second feed 35 pipe and is fed into the second feed pipe.

WO 2012/167888 - 6 - PCT/EP2012/002319 The second feed pipe preferably encompasses the first feed pipe for this purpose, wherein the first feed pipe is especially arranged coaxially to the second feed pipe or in the second feed pipe. 5 The distribution point of the liquid, i.e. the position or height of the inlet opening of the first feed pipe along the vertical, can, according to requirement, be arranged at the uppermost point (e.g. height of the 10 inlet opening of the main pipe, see below) of the liquid distributor or arranged at a specified distance below this point. Consequently, a fine tuning of the liquid distribution quality with regard to the load range can be achieved. 15 In order to minimize a deterioration of the distribution quality at the starting point of the second distributor stage or of an additional distributor stage at a specific load point, the 20 distribution point, the distribution hole size, etc., can be adjusted in a targeted manner. Alternatively or additionally thereto, by means of targeted dimensioning of the distribution point on the main pipe, of the distribution hole size, etc., the deterioration of the 25 distribution quality at the starting point of the second distributor stage, or of an additional distributor stage, can be located at a load point at which the liquid distributor is not operated or only rarely operated. 30 The first feed pipe of the first distributor stage (or a feed pipe of a distributor stage preceding the next distributor stage) preferably has an encompassing edge region which delimits the inlet opening of the feed 35 pipe in question and is flared in a funnel-like manner towards the inlet opening. Furthermore, said edge region or edge of that inlet opening preferably has a WO 2012/167888 - 7 - PCT/EP2012/002319 serrated pattern in order to enable a smoother starting of the next distributor stage. For introducing the liquid which is to be distributed 5 into the first feed pipe, provision is preferably made for a main pipe of the liquid distributor which has an inlet opening via which the liquid which is to be distributed is feedable into the main pipe. The main pipe is preferably supplied with the liquid which is to 10 be distributed from a collector, via the inlet opening. In this case, a vortex breaker (flow baffle) is preferably arranged at the inlet opening so that the liquid which is de-gassed at the collector can enter 15 the central main pipe. To this end, said vortex breaker especially has four legs which are interconnected in each case (possibly in one piece) via a first free end so that a cross-shaped configuration results, wherein the four legs each have a second free 20 end which is widened two-dimensionally. Thus, the legs, for example on said second free ends, can be provided in each case with a cross beam so that the vortex breaker in cross section forms a cross potent. Consequently, this benefits the discharging of gas, 25 which has been carried along by the liquid, from the central main pipe. The vortex breaker preferably butts against an encompassing edge region of the inlet opening via those second free ends or cross beams so that the vortex breaker or its legs divides, or divide, 30 the inlet opening into four sectors. The vortex breaker can furthermore be covered towards the top by a cover plate which can be fixedly or releasably fastened on the vortex breaker. 35 A plurality of first distributor arms preferably project from the first distributor channel of the first distributor stage so that liquid which is fed into the WO 2012/167888 - 8 - PCT/EP2012/002319 first distributor channel can flow into those first distributor arms, wherein those distribution holes of the first distributor stage are provided on the first distributor arms (e.g. on sidewalls or bottoms of the 5 distributor arms). The first distributor channel preferably projects transversely from the first feed pipe, wherein the first distributor arms in their turn preferably project in each case transversely from the first distributor channel. In the same way, second 10 distributor arms preferably project from the second distributor channel of the second distributor stage. In one variant of the invention, the two distributor channels are arranged at a distance from each other 15 along the vertical or along the common longitudinal axis of the two feed pipes, i.e. the shell which forms the two distributor channels or the walls (distributor channel housing) which define the distributor channels are arranged at a distance from each other along the 20 vertical. In this case, a plurality of distribution holes of the second distributor stage are especially interconnected with an associated distribution hole of the first 25 distributor stage in each case via a preferably vertically extended drain channel in each case. In this case, the distribution holes, which are interconnected in pairs, are especially formed on sidewalls of the respective first or second distributor arms. 30 In another variant of the invention, it is provided that the two distributor channels butt against each other, especially having a common distributor-channel housing which forms the two distributor channels, 35 wherein the two distributor channels are separated from each other by means of a raised bottom of the distributor-channel housing which can have through- WO 2012/167888 - 9 - PCT/EP2012/002319 holes for the previous distributor stage. In this case, the first distributor channel - with regard to a state of the liquid distributor arranged specific to purpose - is preferably arranged along the vertical 5 beneath the second distributor channel. Furthermore, the second distributor channel preferably has a width along the horizontal, in fact transversely to the direction of extent of the second distributor channel, which is greater than a corresponding width of the 10 subjacent first distributor channel. Furthermore, in the foregoing exemplary embodiment, it is preferably provided that a second distributor arm butts in each case against an associated first 15 distributor arm, wherein a second distributor arm in each case with an associated first distributor arm especially has a common distributor-arm housing which forms the two distributor arms under consideration, wherein that second distributor arm is separated from 20 the associated subjacent first distributor arm by means of a raised bottom of the distributor arm housing in question in each case. These raised bottoms preferably protrude by at least one section beyond the respective subjacent first distributor arm, wherein the 25 distribution holes of the second distributor stage are preferably formed on those sections so that liquid can be discharged through those distribution holes (past the first distributor arms) into the shell space. 30 The individual distributor stages can all be dimensioned with the same size or with a different size with regard to distributor-channel dimensions, to size of the distributor arms (end distributor pipes) and to diameters of the distribution holes, depending upon 35 requirement, on account of the load range or of the respective site of usage. The distribution-hole pattern can be of identical design in all the WO 2012/167888 - 10 - PCT/EP2012/002319 distributor stages, i.e. all the distributor stages have the same number of distribution holes, or some distributor stages can be constructed with a denser or a coarser distribution-hole pattern in comparison to 5 other stages. The main pipe, the feed pipes, the distributor channels, and also the distributor arms can have a circular or rectangular cross section or, in the case 10 of specific requirements, can also have any other geometry. Individual distributor stages, or all the distributor stages, can be equipped with additional energy brakes 15 in the main pipe, feed pipe or in the respective distributor channel (main channel) in order to optimize the degassing and/or the distribution quality. For separation of solid particles, individual distributor stages, or all the distributor stages, can be equipped 20 with perforated plates and/or fabric mats or filters in order to prevent blocking of the distribution holes (end distribution holes). The liquid distributor according to the invention 25 with the exception of the columns described above - can be advantageously used in the most diverse apparatuses, such as heat exchangers (especially helically coiled heat exchangers), reactors, absorbers, tanks, etc., in which a liquid has to be distributed to a cross section 30 and the volumetric flow of the liquid especially has a wide load range. The liquid distributor according to the invention is especially distinguished by the fact that the liquid 35 can be dammed up both into the superjacent liquid collector and into the central pipe. The damming up of the liquid into the central pipe has the advantage that WO 2012/167888 - 11 - PCT/EP2012/002319 the liquid is less prone to dynamic movements and that less liquid hold-up is banked up in the distributor. The reduction of the liquid hold-up leads to the process reacting less sluggishly to process changes. 5 Further details and advantages of the invention shall be explained in more detail by means of the subsequent figure descriptions of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. 10 In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a liquid distributor according to the invention with 15 spaced apart distributor stages; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a vortex breaker of an inlet opening of the liquid distributor according to Figure 1; 20 Fig. 3 shows a partially sectioned side view of the liquid distributor according to Figure 1; Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a liquid 25 distributor according to the invention with integrated distributor stages; and Fig. 5 shows a detailed sectional view of a distribution point of a liquid distributor 30 according to the invention. Figure 1 shows in conjunction with Figures 2, 3 and 5 a liquid distributor 1 according to the invention. 35 The liquid distributor 1 - with regard to a state arranged specific to purpose which is to be assumed in the following text - has a main pipe 30, extended along WO 2012/167888 - 12 - PCT/EP2012/002319 the vertical Z, with an inlet opening 300 which is delimited by an encompassing edge region 310. Through the inlet opening 300, the liquid distributor 1 can be supplied with liquid F which is to be distributed, 5 wherein in that inlet opening 300 a vortex breaker 330 is preferably arranged and in a cross section which extends transversely to the vertical Z (see Figure 2) is designed as a cross potent, i.e. the vortex breaker 330 has four legs 331 which are connected in a cross 10 shaped configuration via a first free end 331a, wherein the second free ends 331b of those legs 331 are designed in each case as cross beams via which the vortex breaker 330 is arranged on, or butts against, that encompassing edge region 310 of the inlet opening 15 300. The vortex breaker 330 in this case projects from the inlet opening 300 in sections along the vertical Z (cf. Figure 1). Coaxially to the main pipe 30, a first feed pipe 100 of 20 a first distributor stage 10 is arranged in the main pipe 30, wherein an inlet opening 0 of the first feed pipe 100 lies opposite the inlet opening 300 along the vertical Z so that liquid F which flows into the inlet opening 300 first of all reaches the first feed pipe 25 100 and from there makes its way into a first distributor channel 110 of the first distributor stage 10 which feeds the liquid F which is to be distributed to a plurality of first distributor arms 111. The first distributor channel 110 projects in this case 30 from the first feed pipe 100 on both sides of this and in this case extends along the horizontal (that is to say transversely to the first feed pipe 100) . The first distributor arms 111 project in their turn in each case from the first distributor channel 110 on 35 both sides of this and extend in this case horizontally (both transversely to the first distributor channel 110 and transversely to the first feed pipe 100).

WO 2012/167888 - 13 - PCT/EP2012/002319 The first distributor arms 111 have in each case two oppositely disposed sidewalls 112, on which are formed distribution holes 11 through which the liquid F which 5 is to be distributed is fed to a cross section of a shell space M in which the liquid distributor 1 is arranged. The liquid distributor 1 can be arranged in a column, for example, and said liquid F can be fed to a packing of the column. Furthermore, the liquid 10 distributor 1 can also be arranged in a shell space M of a heat exchanger and can spray a tube bundle of the heat exchanger. Other applications are also conceivable. 15 So that the liquid distributor 1 can operate adaptively according to load, the first distributor stage 10 of the liquid distributor 1 is connected via a distribution point P to at least one second distributor stage 20 according to Fig. 5. (Figure 5 additionally 20 shows a third feed pipe 400 which is associated with a third distributor stage. In the following text, only two distributor stages 10, 20 are to be considered by way of example; the extension to any number of stages takes place correspondingly). 25 According to this, the inlet opening 0 of the first feed pipe 100, with regard to the inlet opening 0' of a second feed pipe 200 of the second distributor stage 20, is arranged so that the liquid F, when a specified 30 liquid level is reached in the first distributor stage 10 or in the first feed pipe 100, flows over the edge region 101 or edge 102 of the inlet opening 0 of the first feed pipe 100 and runs through the inlet opening 0' of the second feed pipe 200 and therefore reaches 35 the second distributor stage 20. According to Figure 1, this is achieved by the first feed pipe 100 being encompassed by the second feed pipe 200. Therefore, any WO 2012/167888 - 14 - PCT/EP2012/002319 surplus liquid F, which exceeds the capacity of the first distributor stage 10, is therefore directed to the second distributor stage 20. 5 So that the second distributor stage 20 starts as smoothly as possible, the edge region 101 which delimits the inlet opening 0 of the first feed pipe 100 is flared in a funnel-like manner, wherein the edge 102 which defines the inlet opening 0 has a serrated 10 pattern. If an additional distributor stage, with a third feed pipe 400, follows the second distributor stage 20, the edge region 201 or edge 201 of the second feed pipe 200, which in this case encompasses the first feed pipe 100 and in its turn is encompassed by the 15 main pipe 30, is also flared in a funnel-like manner or is of a serrated design. The second distributor stage 20 according to Figure 1 is constructed corresponding to the first distributor 20 stage 10 and arranged along the vertical Z above said first distributor stage 10. In particular, the second feed pipe 200 feeds the liquid F which is to be distributed to a second distributor channel 220 which projects from the second feed pipe 200 on both sides of 25 this and in this case extends along the horizontal (that is to say transversely to the second feed pipe 100). In this case, the second distributor channel 220 extends parallel to the first distributor channel 110 above said first distributor channel 110, specifically 30 at a distance from this along the vertical Z. The second distributor arms 221 project in their turn in each case from the second distributor channel 220 on both sides of this and in this case extend horizontally (both transversely to the second distributor channel 35 110 and transversely to the second feed pipe 200). The second distributor channels 221 extend in this case parallel and along the vertical Z at a distance from WO 2012/167888 - 15 - PCT/EP2012/002319 the associated first distributor channels 111 of the first distributor stage 10 in each case. In this case, the second distributor channels 221 also have in each case two oppositely disposed sidewalls 222, on which 5 are formed distribution holes 21 through which the liquid F which is to be distributed can be discharged into the shell space M. In this case, a distribution hole 11 of the first 10 distributor stage 10 is associated in each case with a distribution hole 21 of the second distributor stage 20 and is arranged along the vertical Z beneath the distribution hole 21 in question of the second distributor stage 20. These distribution-hole pairs 21, 15 11 are now interconnected via drain channels 40 which extend in each case along the vertical Z (parallel to the feed pipes 100, 200). Therefore, the number of droplet sites per cross 20 sectional area of the shell space (column area) remains constant, which has a positive effect upon the quality of distribution. In case only two distributor stages 10, 20 are provided 25 - as shown in Figure 1, for example - the second feed pipe 200 is formed by means of the main pipe 30 which for this purpose is correspondingly flared in the region of the inlet opening 0 of the first feed pipe 100 so that an intermediate space, which constitutes 30 the effective interior of the second feed pipe 200, is formed between the main pipe 30 and the first feed pipe 100 which is arranged therein. In order to also brake and to smooth and, if necessary, 35 to filter the liquid F which is to be distributed, according to Figure 3 additional elements, such as WO 2012/167888 - 16 - PCT/EP2012/002319 energy brakes 70 or filters 80, can be arranged in the feed pipes 100, 200. Figure 4 shows a variation of the liquid distributor 1 5 which is shown in Figure 1, in which the two distributor stages 10, 20, in contrast to Figure 1, are formed in an integrated manner. That is to say, the second distributor channel 220 and the first distributor channel 110, which extends beneath it along 10 the vertical Z, have a common shell or a common distributor-channel housing 50, wherein a separation of the two distributor channels 220, 110 is provided by means of a raised bottom 51 of the distributor-channel housing 50. In the same way, the second and first 15 distributor arms 221, 111 are then formed in an integrated manner. To this end, a second distributor arm 221 in each case and an associated first distributor arm 111 extending beneath it have a common distributor-arm housing 60 which delimits said 20 distributor arms 221, 111 and are separated from each other by means of a raised bottom 61, wherein the distribution holes 11 of the first distributor stage 10 are formed on a bottom 62 of the first distributor arms 111 or of the respective distributor-arm housing 60 25 which is extended along the vertical Z beneath the raised bottom 61. So that liquid from the second distributor arms 221, which are arranged above, can also be fed to the cross section of the shell space M, the second distributor arms 221 project transversely to 30 their respective longitudinal axis beyond the respectively associated first distributor arms 111 so that the respective raised bottom 61 forms in each case two strip-like sections 61a, 62b which are extended along the longitudinal axis of the respective second 35 distributor arm 221 and on which the distribution holes 21 of the second distributor stage 20 are provided. Therefore, the liquid F can be fed through those WO 2012/167888 - 17 - PCT/EP2012/002319 distribution holes 21 of the second distributor stage 20 past the first distributor channels 111 to the cross section of the shell space M. 5 The special design of the second distributor arms 221 with regard to the respective associated first distributor arms 111 is contingent in the present case upon the fact that the second distributor arms 221 have a larger cross-sectional area transversely to their 10 direction of extent than the first distributor arms 111 which are also extended along that direction of extent. The second distributor channel 220 also has a larger cross section transversely to its direction of extent (longitudinal axis) than the first distributor passage 15 110 which extends beneath it.

WO 2012/167888 - 18 - PCT/EP2012/002319 List of designations 1 Liquid distributor 10 First distributor stage 11, 21 Distribution holes 30 Main pipe 40 Drain channel 50 Distributor-channel housing 51, 61 Raised bottom 60 Distributor-arm housing 61a, 61b Sections 62 Bottom 100 First feed pipe 101, 201 Edge region 102, 202 Edge 110 First distributor channel 111 First distributor arm 112, 222 Sidewall 200 Second feed pipe 220 Second distributor channel 221 Second distributor arm 300 Inlet opening 301 - 304 Sector 310 Edge region 330 Vortex breaker 331 Leg 331a First free end 331b Second free end 400 Third feed pipe F Liquid M Shell space 0, O', O'' Inlet openings P Distribution point Z Vertical

Claims

1. A liquid distributor for distributing a liquid in 5 a shell space which is delimited by a shell, with: a first distributor stage (10) for receiving liquid (F) which is to be distributed, wherein the first distributor stage (10) has a multiplicity of 10 distribution holes (11) via which that liquid (F) is distributable into the shell space (M), characterized in that 15 provision is made for at least one second distributor stage (20) for receiving liquid (F) which is to be distributed, which has a multiplicity of distribution holes (21) via which that liquid (F) is distributable into the shell 20 space (M), wherein the second distributor stage (20) is connected to the first distributor stage (10) so that in the case of a liquid level in the first distributor stage (10) which exceeds a predefinable threshold value liquid (F) is 25 additionally directed into the second distributor stage (20).

2. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first distributor stage 30 (10) has a first feed pipe (100) which is designed for directing liquid (F) which is to be distributed to a first distributor channel (110) of the first distributor stage (10), via which that liquid (F) is distributable into the shell 35 space (M), and in that the second distributor stage (20) has a second feed pipe (200) which is designed for directing liquid (F) which is to be WO 2012/167888 - 20 - PCT/EP2012/002319 distributed to a second distributor channel (220) of the second distributor stage (20), via which that liquid (F) is distributable into the shell space (M) , wherein the two distributor channels 5 (110, 220) especially extend parallel to each other.

3. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the two feed pipes (100, 10 200) have an inlet opening (0, 0') in each case, via which liquid (F) which is to be distributed is feedable into the respective feed pipe (100, 200) so that the liquid (F) for distributing into the shell space (M) can reach the respectively 15 associated distributor channel (110, 220).

4. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that liquid (F) which is to be distributed discharges from the inlet opening (0) 20 of the first feed pipe (100) if the liquid level in the first distributor stage (10) exceeds that threshold value, wherein the inlet opening (0') of the second feed pipe (200), with regard to the inlet opening (0) of the first feed pipe (100), is 25 arranged so that liquid (F) which discharges from the inlet opening (0) of the first feed pipe (100) is fed through the inlet opening (0') of the second feed pipe (200) into said second feed pipe (200). 30

5. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the second feed pipe (200) encompasses the first feed pipe (100). 35

6. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the inlet opening (0, 0' ) of the first and/or of the second feed WO 2012/167888 - 21 - PCT/EP2012/002319 pipe (100, 200) is delimited by means of a funnel like edge region (101, 201).

7. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the inlet opening 5 (0, 0') of the first and/or of the second feed pipe (100, 200) is delimited by means of an edge (102, 202) which has a serrated pattern.

8. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of claims 10 2 to 7, characterized in that the liquid distributor (1) has a main pipe (30) which is designed and provided for feeding liquid (F) which is to be distributed into the first feed pipe (100), wherein the main pipe (30) encompasses at 15 least the first feed pipe (100), wherein the main pipe (30) especially forms the second feed pipe (200), and wherein the main pipe (30) especially has an inlet opening (300) via which liquid (F) which is to be distributed is feedable into the 20 main pipe (30), wherein a vortex breaker (330) is arranged at the inlet opening (300), and wherein the vortex breaker (330) especially has four legs (331) which are interconnected in each case via a first free end (331a), wherein the four legs (331) 25 have in each case a two-dimensionally widened second free end (331b) via which the vortex breaker (330) butts against an encompassing edge region (310) of the inlet opening (300) so that the vortex breaker (330) divides the inlet opening 30 (300) into four sectors (301 - 304).

9. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that a multiplicity of first distributor arms (111) project from the 35 first distributor channel (110) so that liquid (F) which is fed into the first distributor channel (110) can flow into those first distributor arms WO 2012/167888 - 22 - PCT/EP2012/002319 (111), wherein those distribution holes (11) of the first distributor stage (10) are provided on the first distributor arms (111), and wherein the first distributor channel (110) especially extends 5 transversely to the first feed pipe (100), and wherein the first distributor arms (111) especially project in each case transversely from the first distributor channel (110).

10 10. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that a multiplicity of second distributor arms (221) project from the second distributor channel (220) so that liquid (F) which is fed into the second distributor 15 channel (220) can flow into those second distributor arms (221), wherein those distribution holes (21) of the second distributor stage (20) are provided on the second distributor arms (221), and wherein the second distributor channel (220) 20 especially extends transversely to the second feed pipe (200), and wherein the second distributor arms (221) especially project in each case transversely from the second distributor channel (220). 25

11. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 2 or in one of claims 3 to 10 if referred back to claim 2, characterized in that the two distributor channels (110, 220) are arranged at a distance from each 30 other.

12. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distribution hole (21) of the second distributor 35 stage (20) is interconnected in each case with an associated distribution hole (11) of the first distributor stage (10) via a drain channel (40). WO 2012/167888 - 23 - PCT/EP2012/002319

13. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 2 or in one of claims 3 to 10 if referred back to claim 2, characterized in that the two distributor channels 5 (110, 220) butt against each other, especially having a common distributor-channel housing (50), wherein the two distributor channels (110, 220) are separated from each other by means of a raised bottom (51) of the distributor-channel housing 10 (50).

14. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that a second distributor arm (221) in each case butts against an associated 15 first distributor arm (110), wherein a second distributor arm (221) in each case with an associated first distributor arm (111) especially has a common distributor-arm housing (60), wherein a second distributor arm (221) in each case is 20 especially separated from an associated subjacent first distributor arm (111) by means of a raised bottom (61) of the respective distributor-arm housing (60), and wherein the respective raised bottom (61) by at least one section (61a, 61b) 25 especially projects beyond the respective subjacent first distributor arm (111), and wherein distribution holes (21) of the second distributor stage (20) are especially formed on that section (61a, 61b).