AU2012266821B2

AU2012266821B2 - Liquid distributor

Info

Publication number: AU2012266821B2
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: 2017-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-31
Also published as: DE102011103634A1; AU2012266821A1; WO2012167888A1; BR112013031177A2

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

1 2012266821 21 Feb 2017

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.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the 10 specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Such a liquid distributor has a first distributor stage 15 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 20 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 25 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 30 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 35 distributors which consist of a central main pipe, a distributor channel (main channel), which branches therefrom, and distributor arms (distributor pipes) 2 2012266821 21 Feb 2017 which adjoin them. With this type, a free liquid surface is established only in the central main pipe. The height of the central main pipe results in this case from the necessary working range of the liquid 5 distributor and increases quadratically with the ratio of the largest to the smallest load. With greater 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 10 columns can be considerably longer.

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 15 an inclined position or in the case of moved columns.

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 20 height of the central main pipe increases approximately 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 25 example, has a height of 200 mm*3A2/0.8 = 2250 mm. This 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 30 necessary shell thickness can be additionally increased 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 35 result, the column weight increases and therefore the load acting upon the ship's deck or the ship's hull increases, which ultimately forces up the costs. 3 2012266821 21 Feb 2017

Conventional liquid distributors, such as channel distributors which operate according to the gravity principle, can be dimensioned with high distribution quality only for a small load range. If the load range 5 of a liquid distributor is large, then difficulties 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 10 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. 15 It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. 20 According to the invention there is provided a liquid distributor for distributing a liquid in a shell space which is delimited by a shell, with: a first distributor stage for receiving liquid which is to be distributed, wherein the first distributor stage has a 25 multiplicity of distribution holes via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, wherein provision is made for at least one second distributor stage for receiving liquid which is to be distributed, which has a multiplicity of distribution holes via 30 which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, 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 liquid is 35 additionally directed into the second distributor stage, wherein the first distributor stage has a first feed pipe which is designed for directing liquid which is to be distributed to a first distributor channel of 4 2012266821 21 Feb 2017 the first distributor stage, via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, and in that the second distributor stage has a second feed pipe which is designed for directing liquid which is to be 5 distributed to a second distributor channel of the second distributor stage, via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, wherein the two distributor channels especially extend parallel to each other, wherein the second feed pipe encompasses the 10 first feed pipe and the two feed pipes have an inlet opening in each case, via which liquid which is to be distributed is feedable into the respective feed pipe so that the liquid for distributing into the shell space can reach the respectively associated distributor 15 channel, wherein 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 that threshold value, wherein the inlet opening of the second feed pipe, with regard to the inlet 20 opening of the first feed pipe, is arranged so that liquid which discharges from the inlet opening of the first feed pipe is fed through the inlet opening (of the second feed pipe into said second feed pipe, wherein the liquid distributor has a main pipe with an 25 inlet opening through which the liquid distributor can be supplied with liquid, and wherein the inlet opening of the first feed pipe lies opposite the inlet opening of the main pipe along the vertical so that liquid which flows into the inlet opening first of all reaches 30 the first feed pipe.

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 35 plurality of individual liquid distributors or distributor stages are therefore connected in a specific manner so that each individual distributor (distributor stage) undertakes a part of the load range 5 2012266821 21 Feb 2017 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 5a 2012266821 21 Feb 2017 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.

The second feed pipe preferably encompasses the first feed pipe for this purpose, wherein the first feed pipe 2012266821 21 Feb 2017 5b is especially arranged coaxially to the second feed pipe or in 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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, 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, 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 of specific requirements, can also have any other geometry .

Individual distributor stages, or all the distributor stages, can be equipped with additional energy brakes 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a liquid distributor according to the invention with 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;

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 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 according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows in conjunction with Figures 2, 3 and 5 a liquid distributor 1 according to the invention.

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, 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 crossshaped 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 .

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 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).

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 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 O' of the second feed pipe 200 and therefore reaches 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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-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 - 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 O O o Inlet openings P Distribution point Z Vertical

Claims

Patent claims

1. A liquid distributor for distributing a liquid in a shell space which is delimited by a shell, with: a first distributor stage 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, wherein provision is made for 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, 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 liquid is additionally directed into the second distributor stage, wherein the first distributor stage has a first feed pipe which is designed for directing liquid which is to be distributed to a first distributor channel of the first distributor stage, via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, and in that the second distributor stage has a second feed pipe which is designed for directing liquid which is to be distributed to a second distributor channel of the second distributor stage, via which that liquid is distributable into the shell space, wherein the second feed pipe encompasses the first feed pipe and the two feed pipes have an inlet opening in each case, via which liquid which is to be distributed is feedable into the respective feed pipe so that the liquid for distributing into the shell space can reach the respectively associated distributor channel, wherein 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 that threshold value, wherein the inlet opening of the second feed pipe, with regard to the inlet opening of the first feed pipe, is arranged so that liquid which discharges from the inlet opening of the first feed pipe is fed through the inlet opening of the second feed pipe into said second feed pipe, wherein the liquid distributor has a main pipe with an inlet opening through which the liquid distributor can be supplied with liquid, and wherein the inlet opening of the first feed pipe lies opposite the inlet opening of the main pipe along the vertical so that liquid which flows into the inlet opening first of all reaches the first feed pipe.
2. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two distributor channels extend parallel to each other.
3. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inlet opening of the first and/or of the second feed pipe is delimited by means of a funnel-like edge region.
4. The liquid distributor as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet opening of the first and/or of the second feed pipe is delimited by means of an edge which has a serrated pattern.
5. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main pipe encompasses at least the first feed pipe, wherein the main pipe forms the second feed pipe, and wherein the main pipe has an inlet opening via which liquid which is to be distributed is feedable into the main pipe, wherein a vortex breaker is arranged at the inlet opening.
6. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the vortex breaker has four legs which are interconnected in each case via a first free end, wherein the four legs have in each case a two- dimensionally widened second free end via which the vortex breaker butts against an encompassing edge region of the inlet opening so that the vortex breaker divides the inlet opening into four sectors .
7. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a multiplicity of first distributor arms project from the first distributor channel so that liquid which is fed into the 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, and wherein the first distributor channel extends transversely to the first feed pipe.
8. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first distributor arms project in each case transversely from the first distributor channel.
9. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a multiplicity of second distributor arms project from the second distributor channel so that liquid which is fed into the second distributor channel can flow into those second distributor arms, wherein those distribution holes of the second distributor stage are provided on the second distributor arms, and wherein the second distributor channel extends transversely to the second feed pipe
10. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second distributor arms project in each case transversely from the second distributor channel.
11. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two distributor channels are arranged at a distance from each other .
12. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distribution hole of the second distributor stage is interconnected in each case with an associated distribution hole of the first distributor stage via a drain channel.
13. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two distributor channels butt against each other, having a common distributor-channel housing, wherein the two distributor channels are separated from each other by means of a raised bottom of the distributor-channel housing.
14. The liquid distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second distributor arm in each case butts against an associated first distributor arm, wherein a second distributor arm in each case with an associated first distributor arm which has a common distributor-arm housing.
15. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 14 wherein a second distributor arm in each case is separated from an associated subjacent first distributor arm by means of a raised bottom of the respective distributor-arm housing.
16. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 15 wherein the respective raised bottom by at least one section projects beyond the respective subjacent first distributor arm.
17. The liquid distributor as claimed in claim 16 wherein distribution holes of the second distributor stage are formed on that section.