CN112141493A

CN112141493A - Flow distributor

Info

Publication number: CN112141493A
Application number: CN202010586037.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·萨里奥; H·弗雷德里克松
Original assignee: Outotec Finland Oy
Current assignee: Metso Minerals Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-26
Filing date: 2020-06-24
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-24
Also published as: FI13155Y1; CN112141493B; WO2020260744A1; TR2021020188U5; CN213443701U

Abstract

A flow distributor (1) is disclosed, comprising: a plurality of vertically stacked modules (10); an opening (12), the opening (12) defining a fluid flow conduit (13) through the flow distributor, the opening being formed between at least some of the modules stacked adjacent to one another; and at least one support (11). The modules (10) include connectors (14) for aligning and releasably connecting the module (10a) with adjacent modules (10b, 10c) to form a vertical stack of interchangeable modules (10) held together by the support. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a flow distributor, a tank comprising at least one flow distributor and the use of a flow distributor are disclosed.

Description

Flow distributor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flow distributor, a method for manufacturing a flow distributor, a tank for treating a fluid and the use of the flow distributor.

Background

Different flow distribution structures are used in various liquid-liquid separation or extraction processes, such as sub-processes for hydrometallurgical recovery of metals after ore filtration, or in oil-water separation operations, such as bilge water cleaning or wastewater treatment. Each particular process utilizing a flow distributor requires a particular design of flow conduits and baffles to effectively separate the desired portion or phase from the undesired portion or phase.

Generally, regardless of the method of treatment, the flow distributor comprises plates, which may be stacked vertically or arranged horizontally or in an inclined manner with respect to the fluid flow in the treatment, so as to form channels or ducts between the individual plates to enable the fluid to flow through the flow distributor as appropriate. The plates are secured together by a separate frame and attached to the tank or other container by a separate securing structure.

For example, the flow distributor may include a face plate having vertically linearly spaced baffle elements with flow channels defined between the baffle elements, the structure being retained with the horizontal baffle elements to form a frame for the flow distributor. All of the different configurations are secured together to form a particular flow distributor, the configuration of which may not be changed at a later time. This makes the whole rather complicated and cumbersome. It is also known to use completely separate horizontal and vertical support members instead of horizontal baffle elements as frames, to which the individual baffles or slats need to be attached individually, either fixedly or releasably, which makes assembly and maintenance of the flow distributor time-consuming and complicated.

Often, once assembled, such flow distributor structures may not be easily repaired or disassembled, and replacing damaged or worn components (e.g., individual plates) would be difficult and expensive. Flow distributors designed and equipped for a particular process cannot be retrofitted to accommodate changes in the process. Due to the corrosive and high temperature environment found in many of the foregoing methods, the flow distributors may need to be fabricated from expensive steel or other such durable materials, which makes them cumbersome.

To increase the versatility of the flow distributors, facilitate their installation and maintenance, and make the flow distributors lighter and easier to transport and handle, the flow distributors may be manufactured from interchangeable modules that are releasably connected to each other to create a desired flow distributor design according to the requirements set by the end use. The modules can be manufactured by known extrusion methods from lightweight, inexpensive materials, such as PE.

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate or obviate at least one disadvantage of the above prior art solutions.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flow distributor, preferably manufactured as a modular structure without separate frames, by means of which the above-mentioned problems related to the prior art can be alleviated. According to the invention, the flow distributors are assembled from modules which can be combined to form the desired functional structure depending on the end use of the flow distributors.

The flow distributor may be configured according to the specific requirements of the end use and may therefore allow very careful and detailed control of the fluid treatment operation.

Furthermore, maintenance of the flow distributor may be facilitated, as the individual modules (i.e. the individual plates) may be replaced according to their specific level of wear or breakage, as the plates are releasably connected to each other in order to form the flow distributor.

Since the flow distributor according to the invention does not comprise any material that is susceptible to corrosion, the plate and the flow distributor may also be durable in use, thereby reducing the need for maintenance operations.

In addition, the operation of installing the flow distributor according to the present invention into the fluid treatment tank may be simplified because a separate installation structure is not required because the plates are directly connected to each other, and the flow distributor may be directly disposed in the sidewall of the tank through the end members of the plates.

The flow distributor according to the invention can also be lighter and cheaper than the stacking pens known from the prior art, since it does not comprise a separate support structure.

By eliminating a separate support structure, the total cross-sectional area of the flow distributor can also be increased over the size range of the sump vessel. Thus, the efficiency of the fluid treatment process may be improved.

Disclosure of Invention

The flow distributor according to the invention is characterized by what is presented in claim 1.

The method according to the invention for manufacturing a flow distributor is characterized by what is presented in claim 21.

The tank according to the invention is characterized by what is presented in claim 22.

The use of the flow distributor according to the invention is characterized by what is presented in claims 26 and 27.

Disclosed herein is a flow distributor comprising: a plurality of vertically stacked modules; an opening defining a fluid flow conduit through the flow distributor, the opening being formed between at least some of the modules stacked adjacent to one another; and at least one support member. The flow distributor is characterized in that the modules comprise connectors for aligning and releasably connecting the modules with adjacent modules so as to form a vertical stack of interchangeable modules held together by the support.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a flow distributor according to the invention is disclosed. The method is characterized in that: providing a plurality of modules; vertically stacking the modules according to the end use of the flow distributor; aligning and releasably connecting each module to an adjacent module using a connector; providing at least one support to hold together a stack of interchangeable modules; and releasably securing the support to the topmost module and the bottommost module.

According to another aspect of the invention, a tank for treating a fluid is disclosed, the tank comprising at least one flow distributor according to the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, the use of a flow distributor according to the invention as a dispersing extractor gate in a solvent extraction settler is disclosed.

According to another aspect of the invention, the use of a flow distributor according to the invention as a coalescing pen in a loaded machine reservoir or post-settler is disclosed.

An advantage of the invention is that the flow distributor according to the invention can be set according to the specific requirements of the end use. Furthermore, the individual modules of the flow distributor may be changed and/or replaced according to their wear state or functionality. The module is light, durable, and easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

In an embodiment of the flow distributor according to the invention, the module comprises a first end part and a second end part opposite the first end part and a central part extending between the two end parts.

In an embodiment, the connectors are arranged on both end parts.

In another embodiment, a connector includes: a first connecting member disposed on a top side of the end member; and a second connecting member disposed on a bottom side of the end member.

In an embodiment, the connector is arranged on the central part.

In another embodiment, a connector includes: a first connecting member arranged on a top side of the central member; and a second connecting member disposed on a bottom side of the central member.

In an embodiment, the first or second connection part of the module is formed as a recess.

In another embodiment, the first or second connection part of a module is formed as a protrusion which fits into a connection part of an adjacent module formed as a recess.

In an embodiment, the module comprises an opening through which the support is arranged to extend along the height of the stack of modules.

In an embodiment, the support can be releasably secured to the topmost module and the bottommost module.

In an embodiment, the flow distributor comprises two or more supports extending through openings arranged in the modules.

In an embodiment, a module comprises a first end part, a second end part opposite the first end part, and a central part extending between the two ends; the width of the end members is less than the width of the central member.

In another embodiment, the first end member and the second end member have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central member.

In an embodiment, at least one module is an open module comprising at least one horizontal channel defining a straight fluid flow conduit through the stack of modules.

In an embodiment, at least one of the modules is a flow directing module for changing the direction of fluid flow through the flow distributor.

In another embodiment, the central member of the flow directing module is angled with respect to the horizontal, and the angled central member is arranged to divert the fluid flow from the horizontal.

In another embodiment, the flow directing module includes a vertical channel or a channel that is offset from horizontal, thereby defining a fluid flow conduit for directing the fluid flow.

In an embodiment, at least one module is a closed module for blocking fluid flow.

In an embodiment, the topmost module in the stack of modules and/or the bottommost module in the stack of modules is an interlocking module for assembling and stabilizing the stack of modules.

In an embodiment, the module is manufactured by injection molding or rotational molding.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the injection molding or the rotational molding is performed to form a module of the desired module shape.

In an embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention, the reservoir comprises a side wall with a slot for receiving the flow distributor.

In another embodiment, the slot is for receiving an end member of a module of the flow distributor to hold the flow distributor in place within the flow channel of the tank.

In an embodiment, the reservoir is one of the following group: solvent extraction settler, post-settler storage tank, loaded organic storage tank, oil-water separator.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a view of the flow distributor of FIG. 1 from the direction of fluid flow;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the flow distributor taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4a shows a flow distributor according to an embodiment of the invention, seen from above;

FIG. 4b is a simplified three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a module of a flow distributor according to the present invention;

FIG. 4c shows a detail of a module according to the invention; and

figure 5 is a schematic view of a reservoir according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The flow distributor 1 is shown in fig. 1 to 3. It comprises a plurality of vertically stacked modules 10 and an opening 12, the opening 12 being formed between at least some of the modules 20 stacked adjacent to each other. The opening 12 defines a fluid flow conduit 13 through the flow distributor 1, i.e. the fluid flow 3 may be directed through the flow distributor 1 through the opening 12 and any openings arranged in the module 10. Thus, these openings (e.g. channels 120, 121) arranged in the modules 10 also form part of the fluid flow conduit 13 through the flow distributor 1, i.e. here, the fluid flow conduit 13 refers to the total open area within the flow distributor 1 available for fluid to pass through the flow distributor 1, including the openings 12 between adjacent modules 10 and any openings arranged within the modules 10. The flow distributor also comprises at least one support 11. In an embodiment, the flow distributor may comprise two or more supports 11.

The modules 10 are interchangeable, which means that it is 1) releasably connected so that a damaged module can be replaced with a new or repaired module by simply disassembling the stack of modules and removing the module to be replaced; and 2) can be replaced by similar modules or different types of modules as required by the process using it for the flow distributor 1. Thus, the flow distributor 1 can be changed several times when needed, either due to maintenance work or due to changes in the process.

Each module 10 includes a connector 14 for aligning and releasably connecting module 10a with

adjacent modules

10b, 10c to form a vertical stack of interchangeable modules 10 held together by support 11.

The module comprises a first end part 16a and a second end part 16b opposite the first end part 16a and a central part 16c extending between the two

end parts

16a, 16b (see fig. 4a, 4 b). Moreover, the

end members

16a, 16b include

top sides

161a, 161b and

bottom sides

162a, 162b, respectively. Central member 16c includes a top side 161c and a bottom side 162 c.

The connector 14 may be arranged on both

end parts

16a, 16 b. In an embodiment, the connector 14 includes a first connection member 14a disposed on the

top side

161a, 161b and a second connection member 14b disposed on the

bottom side

162a, 162b of the

end members

16a, 16 b. Alternatively or additionally, the connector 14 may be disposed on the central member 16 c. In an embodiment, the connector 14 includes a first connection part 14a arranged on a top side 161c of the central part 16c and a second connection part 14b arranged on a bottom side 162c of the central part 16 c.

The first and second connection members 14a of the module 10a may be formed as recesses. Also, the first connection part 14a or the second connection part 14b of the module 10b may be formed as a protrusion which is fitted into the

connection parts

14a, 14b of the module 10a adjacent to the module 10b (the

connection parts

14a, 14b are formed as recesses), and connected with the module 10b so as to form a stack of modules.

Thus, the arrangement of the connectors can be variously selected:

the module 10 may have a connector 14, the connector 14 comprising: a first connecting part 14a, which first connecting part 14a is formed as a recess arranged on the top side 161a of the first end part 16 a; and a second connection part 14a, the second connection part 14a being formed as a protrusion arranged on the bottom side 162a of the first end part 16 a. And the connector 14 includes: a first connecting part 14a, which first connecting part 14a is formed as a projection on the top side 161b of the second end part 16 b; and a second connection component 14b, the second connection component 14b being formed as a recess on the bottom side 162b of the second end component 16 b. When several such modules 10 are stacked, adjacent modules are aligned and connected by having each projection disposed in a respective recess of the adjacent modules.

The module 10 may have a connector 14, the connector 14 comprising a first connecting part 14a, the first connecting part 14a being formed as a recess arranged on the

top side

161a, 161b of the two

end parts

16a, 16b, and further comprising a second connecting part 14b, the second connecting part 14b being formed as a protrusion arranged on the

bottom side

162a, 162b of the two

end parts

16a, 16 b; or vice versa (with a projection on the top side of the end piece and a recess on the bottom side of the end piece). Similar to the first example, several such modules are aligned and connected by the connector 14 when stacked atop each other and the recesses and projections of adjacent modules are connected. However, the principle is: each module 10 in the stack of modules forming the flow distributor 1 will have the same connector arrangement to enable the modules to be aligned and connected.

In addition or as an alternative to the connectors 14 arranged on the

end parts

16a, 16b of the module 10 in the above-described alternative, the connectors 14 arranged at the central part 16c may also be arranged similarly. 1) The connector 14 may include: a first part 14a, the first part 14a being formed as a recess on a top side 161c of the central part 16 c; and a second part 14b, the second part 14b being formed as a projection on the bottom side 162c of the central part 16c, or vice versa; 2) when there are multiple connectors 14 on the central member 16c, all of the connectors 14 may include: a first part 14a, the first part 14a being formed as a recess on the top side 161 c; and a second part 14b, the second part 14b being formed as a projection on the bottom side 162, or vice versa; or 3) some of the connectors 14 may include: a first part 14a, the first part 14a being formed as a recess on the top side 161c and a protrusion on the bottom side 162c, while the other connector 14 may comprise: a first part formed as a projection on the top side 161 c; and a second connection part 14b, the second connection part 14b being formed as a recess on the bottom side 162 c.

The number of connectors 14 may be selected according to the size (length) of the module 10 and the specifications of the process for which the flow distributor 1 is to be used. The connectors 14 (i.e., the respective first and second connecting

members

14a, 14b of adjacent modules 10) may form a positive lock or a frictional lock when connected to further assist in stacking and connecting of the modules 10.

The module 10 may further comprise an opening 15, through which opening 15 the support 11 is arranged to extend along the height (H) of the stack of modules (see fig. 2). There may be a plurality of support members 11 and in this case an equal number of

openings

15a, 15b, each opening receiving a

support member

11a, 11 b. The openings 15 or the

openings

15a, 15b may be arranged on the central part 16c of the module 10 such that the supports 11 extend through the stack of modules 10 at the central part 16c of the module 10.

Alternatively or additionally, the opening 15a may be arranged on a first end part 16a of the module 10 and the opening 15b on a second end part 16b of the module 10, the support 11 thus extending through the stack of modules 10 at the

end parts

16a, 16b of the module 10 (not shown in the figures).

The support 11 or supports 11a, 11b may be releasably secured to the top module 10' and the bottom module 10 "to finally form a stack of modules 10 into the flow distributor 1. The fixation may be achieved, for example, by a nut-and-bolt type of fixation device, wherein the bolts are formed by slots arranged at each end of the support 11, in which slots nuts may be attached. The topmost module 10' and the bottommost module 10 "may include recesses for receiving nut and bolt fixtures or other releasable securing structures so that it does not protrude from the flow distributor 1, which flow distributor 1 may be re-positioned in the tank so that it is flush with the tank bottom and/or the tank top (see fig. 1).

In another embodiment, the support may alternatively or additionally be arranged to surround or encircle or partially surround or encircle the stack of modules 10 to hold the stack together. An example of such an embodiment may be a holder bracket or belt arranged to contact each module 10 at a slot or cut arranged on an end face of the

end member

16a, 16b of each module 10. The number and form of the

supports

11, 11a, 11b may depend on the type of main module in the flow distributor 1 or the use of the flow distributor in a particular process. The

support

11 or 11a, 11b may be made of, for example, Polyethylene (PE), stainless steel, polypropylene (PP). Preferably, PE may be used. The material selected may depend on the process for which the flow distributor 1 is intended.

The module 10 may be an open module 10d, as shown in more detail in fig. 4 b. The open module 10d includes at least one horizontal channel 120, the horizontal channel 120 defining a straight fluid flow conduit 13 through the stack of modules 10 and the flow distributor 1. The open module may have a plurality of horizontal channels 120, i.e. the open section of the open module 10d may be divided into several horizontal channels 120, for example due to manufacturing specifications, so that the vertical dividers between the horizontal channels 120 serve as support structures during the manufacturing process of the module and/or when assembling the flow distributor 1.

The open modules 10d may have different heights, and therefore different heights of the horizontal channels 120, depending on the end use of the flow distributor 1 in which the modules are arranged. An embodiment of two different sized open modules 10d can be seen in fig. 3, wherein the height of the upper open module 10d' is significantly greater than the height of the lower open module 10d ". The height of the higher open modules 10d' may be 2 to 10 times greater, e.g., 2.25 times greater; 4; 4.75; 5.5; 6 or 7.3 times. Thus, the horizontal channels 120 of the higher open modules 10d' are also larger than the horizontal channels 120 of the lower open modules 10d ", thereby enabling a larger fluid flow 3 through the modules 10 and the flow distributor 1.

The module 10 is substantially elongate rectangular in shape (see fig. 4a, 4 b). However, to facilitate installation/assembly of the completed flow distributor 1 into the sump 2, the width We of the first and

second end members

16a, 16b is less than the width Wc of the central member 16c of the module 10. In this way, when the modules 10 are arranged in a vertical stack of modules 10, the completed flow distributor 1 will easily form an integral structure by which the flow distributor 1 can be arranged in a tank and retained in the tank by tank side walls (or specific receiving structures arranged on tank side walls) without the need for external fixtures or other connectors. Furthermore, the central part of the flow distributor can be made as wide as possible to allow efficient handling without any interference from external structures.

Also, the thickness Te of the first and

second end members

16a, 16b is greater than the thickness Tc of the central member 16 c. The thickness and width dimensions of the two

end members

16a, 16b may be the same (see fig. 4a, 4 c). In such an embodiment, the fluid flow conduit 13 may be arranged between two adjacent modules 10 (as stacking the modules such that the

end members

16a, 16b being connected by the connector 14 will result in a central member of lesser thickness being provided between the thicknesses of the end members, thereby creating openings for the fluid flow conduit 13 above and below the central member 16c (relative to the central member 16c of any adjacent or adjoining module 10)) as well as within one single module (depending on its shape, as described below). In this way, the total area of the fluid flow conduit 13 can be increased/maximized, which in turn can increase the separation efficiency, for example in a loaded organic reservoir.

The modules 10 may be

flow directing modules

10e, 10 f. The flow directing module is used to change the direction of the fluid flow 3 through the flow distributor 1. In an embodiment, the central part 16c of the flow guiding module 10e is angled with respect to the horizontal (see fig. 3), and the angled central part 16c is arranged to divert the fluid flow 3 from the horizontal direction when the fluid flow 3 passes through the flow distributor 1. In an alternative embodiment, the flow directing module 10f comprises a vertical channel 121 or a channel 121 deflected from the horizontal direction, which channel 121 defines a fluid flow conduit for directing the fluid flow 3 (see fig. 3).

The module 10 may be a closed module 10 g. In this context, closed means that the module has a solid front and/or rear wall in the direction of the fluid flow 3, which prevents the fluid flow 3 from entering the module 10 g. At the same time, either the front wall or the rear wall can also be open, while the other is closed, in order to be able to suck the fluid flow 3 into the flow distributor 1 and/or to output the fluid flow 3 out of the flow distributor 1.

Alternatively or additionally, the closed module 10g may have an open internal structure, i.e. its central part 16c may have an open top side 161c and/or bottom side 162c (in fig. 3 a closed module 10g with an open top side is shown), so that, for example, by stacking several such closed modules 10g, vertical channels for the fluid may be formed in the flow distributor 1. The top side 161c or the bottom side 162c of the central part 16c of the closed module 10g may be open, so that the fluid flow may be directed out of the flow distributor 1 through another type of module 10.

Alternatively, the closed module 10g may be formed such that it is completely closed, i.e. without open sides or walls, but with flow directing forms (e.g. angled, arched or concave sides) formed to direct the fluid flow 3 into the desired direction/into the adjacent module 10. This configuration for the flow distributor 1 can be used as a DDG fence. An example configuration for a coalescing pen can be seen in fig. 1. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can, based on the present disclosure and his/her general knowledge, create a suitable flow distributor for any given end purpose by utilizing the different modules described herein in a specific arrangement. The examples described and illustrated herein are intended to be merely generic examples of possible flow distributor configurations/assemblies.

The module 10 may be an interlocking module 10', 10 ". The topmost interlocking module 10' in the stack of modules 10 and/or the bottommost interlocking module 10 "in the stack of modules 10 is used to assemble and stabilize the stack of modules. Furthermore, the support 11 may be releasably fixed to the topmost module 10' and/or the bottommost module 10 "in order to finally form a stack of modules 10 into the flow distributor 1.

The

modules

10, 10a-g may be made of Polyethylene (PE) by injection molding or rotational molding. Other such lightweight, inexpensive materials suitable for use in the aforementioned molding techniques are also possible. The module may be formed into the desired modular form of the above-described embodiments by injection molding or rotational molding.

In an embodiment, the preform length of the module may be formed by injection molding or rotational molding, and then the preform is cut into a plurality of individual modules. For example, the open module 10d can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured in this way.

Due to the manufacturing process, the module may comprise auxiliary structures, such as vertical support structures (as can be seen in fig. 2), in order to prevent the preform lengths from bending, collapsing, cracking or breaking during cutting of the module. However, this structure does not affect the functionality of the module 10 used in the flow distributor 1.

The modules 10 may be arranged in a vertical stack to form a functional flow distributor 1, according to the end use needs of the particular process for which the flow distributor 1 is intended.

The flow distributor 1 according to the invention can be manufactured and assembled as follows.

First, a plurality of desired modules 10 are provided, the shape of the individual modules and their arrangement in the stack to be formed depending on the end use of the flow distributor 1. The modules 10 are stacked vertically depending on the desired end use of the flow distributor 1 and are aligned during stacking and releasably connected to adjacent modules by connectors 14.

Next, at least one support 11 is provided for holding together the stack of interchangeable modules 10, for example by arranging the support 11 through the stack of modules 10 through the openings 15 arranged in each module 10, as described above.

Finally, the supports 11 are releasably fixed on the topmost module 10' and the bottommost module 10 "by mechanical connections, for example by fixing nuts in grooves arranged at the ends of the supports 11, or by locking pins; or by the material forming the connection, for example by plastic welding.

The tank 2 for the treatment fluid may comprise at least one flow distributor 1 according to the invention, as described above. The reservoir 2 may comprise a side wall 21, in which side wall 21 a slot 22 is arranged for receiving the flow distributor 1 (see fig. 5). The slots 22 may be arranged for receiving the first end part 16a and the second end part 16b of the module 10 of the flow distributor 1, such that the flow distributor 1 may be held in place within the flow channel 23 of the tank 2. Thus, no external or additional holder or fixation structure is required to arrange the flow distributor 1 in the reservoir 2. The storage tank 2 may be, for example, a solvent extraction settler, a post-settler storage tank, a loaded organic storage tank, or an oil-water separator.

The flow distributor 1 according to the invention can be used as a dispersion extractor gate (DDG) in a solvent extraction settler, or as a coalescing pen in a loaded organic storage tank or post-settler.

For example, a flow distributor 1 used as a dispersion extractor gate (DDG) in a solvent extraction settler or for separating organic and aqueous phases may be formed from a stack of modules 10, such that an open module 10d is arranged as a top module just below the topmost module 10' to allow passage of a fluid stream 3 containing the organic phase. A closed module 10g is arranged below the open module 10d, which closed module 10g has an open front wall (open in the direction of the fluid flow 3) or, alternatively, is of a form allowing a downward direction of the fluid flow 3, as described above. The topmost closed module 10g also has a central member 16c with an open bottom side 162c and a closed top side 161c and a closed back wall, such that fluid entering through the open front wall is directed down to an adjacent closed module 10g, the adjacent closed module 10g having closed front and back walls and an open bottom side 162c, directly below the topmost closed module 10 g. A plurality of such closure modules 10g, described later, are arranged in a stack up to a lowermost closure module 10g, which lowermost closure module 10g has a closed front wall and an open top side 161c and has an open rear wall for directing the fluid flow 3 outside the stack of modules and a channel formed by the interior open space of the stacked closure modules 10g, or alternatively, has a form enabling the fluid flow 3 having a vertical direction to change its direction back to a horizontal direction. The stacking is aligned and releasably connected by connectors 14 and is completed by the bottommost module 10 ". The flow distributor 1 is assembled by arranging at least one support 11 in order to hold the modules together. The supports may be releasably secured to the topmost module 10' and the bottommost module 10 ".

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above; rather, they may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flow distributor (1) comprising: a plurality of vertically stacked modules (10); an opening (12), the opening (12) defining a fluid flow conduit (13) through the flow distributor, the opening being formed between at least some of the modules of the stack adjacent to each other; and at least one support (11), characterized in that the module (10) comprises connectors (14) for aligning and releasably connecting the module (10a) with an adjacent module (10b, 10c) so as to form a vertical stack of interchangeable modules (10) held together by said support.

2. A flow distributor as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the module (10) includes a first end member (16a) and a second end member (16b) opposite the first end member, and a central member (16c) extending between the first and second end members.

3. A flow distributor as claimed in claim 2, wherein: the connector (14) is arranged on the first end part (16a) and the second end part (16 b).

4. A flow distributor as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the connector (14) comprises a first connection part (14a) arranged on a top side (161a, 161b) of the end part (16a, 16b) and a second connection part (14b) arranged on a bottom side (162a, 162b) of the end part.

5. A flow distributor as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: the connector (14) is arranged on the central part (16 c).

6. A flow distributor as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the connector (14) comprises a first connection part (14a) arranged on a top side (161c) of the central part (16c) and a second connection part (14b) arranged on a bottom side (162c) of the central part.

7. A flow distributor (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: the first connecting part (14a) or the second connecting part (14b) of the module (10a) is formed as a recess.

8. A flow distributor (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: the first connecting part (14a) or the second connecting part (14b) of a module (10b) is formed as a projection which fits into the connecting part (14a, 14b) of an adjacent module (10a) formed as a recess.

9. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the module (10) comprises an opening (15), through which opening (15) the support (11) is arranged to extend along the height (H) of the stack of modules.

10. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the support (11) can be releasably fixed to the topmost module (10') and the bottommost module (10').

11. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the flow distributor comprises two or more supports (11a, 11b), which supports (11a, 11b) extend through openings (15a, 15b) arranged in the module (10).

12. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the module (10) comprises a first end part (16a), a second end part (16b) opposite the first end part, and a central part (16c) extending between the first and second end parts; the width (We) of the first and second end members is less than the width (Wc) of the central member (16 c).

13. A flow distributor (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: the thickness (Te) of the first end part (16a) and the second end part (16b) is greater than the thickness (Tc) of the central part (16 c).

14. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: at least one module (10) is an open module (10d), the open module (10d) comprising at least one horizontal channel (120), the horizontal channel (120) defining a straight fluid flow conduit through the stack of modules.

15. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: at least one of the modules (10) is a flow directing module (10e, 10f) for changing the direction of the fluid flow (3) through the flow distributor.

16. A flow distributor as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the central part (16c) of the flow guiding module (10e) is angled with respect to the horizontal direction, the angled central part being arranged to divert the fluid flow (3) from the horizontal direction.

17. A flow distributor as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the flow directing module (10f) comprises a vertical channel (121) or a channel (121) that is deflected from the horizontal direction, thereby defining a fluid flow conduit for directing the fluid flow (3).

18. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: at least one of the modules (10g) is a closed module for blocking the fluid flow (3).

19. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the topmost module (10') in the stack of modules and/or the bottommost module (10 ") in the stack of modules are interlocking modules for assembling and stabilizing the stack of modules.

20. A flow distributor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the module (10) is manufactured by injection moulding or rotational moulding.

21. A method of manufacturing a flow distributor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that:

-providing a plurality of modules (10);

-vertically stacking the modules according to the desired end use of the flow distributor;

-aligning and releasably connecting each module with an adjacent module by means of a connector (14);

-providing at least one support (11) to hold together a stack of interchangeable modules; and

-releasably securing the support to the topmost module (10') and the bottommost module (10 ").

22. A tank (2) for treating a fluid, comprising at least one flow distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. A reservoir according to claim 22, wherein: the reservoir comprises a side wall (21), the side wall (21) having a slot (22) for receiving the flow distributor (1).

24. A reservoir according to claim 23, wherein: the slot (22) is arranged for receiving a first end part (16a) and a second end part (16b) of a module (10) of the flow distributor (1) in order to hold the flow distributor in place within a flow channel (23) of the tank.

25. A tank according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: the reservoir is one of the following group: solvent extraction settler, post-settler storage tank, loaded organic storage tank, oil-water separator.

26. Use of a flow distributor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 as a dispersion depleter grid in a solvent extraction settler.

27. Use of a flow distributor (1) according to any of claims 1 to 20 as a coalescing pen in a loaded organic reservoir or post-settler.