DE2640160A1 - Foam separator with internal baffle - being vessel with vapour space and liquid space and narrow gap between - Google Patents

Abstract

Separation of gases or vapours from a liquid with a tendency to foam is done in vessel with upper vapour space and lower liquid space, together with feed line and lines to remove liquid and vapour. Immediately below the feed line is a device over the surface of which the incoming feed is spread to form a liquid film. This serves to divide the vessel into the gas and liquid spaces. The two spaces are separated by this device. The inlet pipe is directed down on to a distributor which spreads the feed over the conical device. It enters from the side but turns through 90 degrees and lies on the vessel axis. There is a circular slot which forms the passage between the two zones. For use in separating vapours from liquids with high foaming tendencies because of their low surface tension. The use of packings is known, but these have high pressure drops, tend to block and become unsterile food and pharmaceutical applications. The system described avoids this.

Description

Designation: foam separator

The invention relates to a device for separating gases and / or Steaming of liquids with a tendency to foam on the one hand, on the other hand, the one container with gas vent in the upper area and liquid exhaust in the lower Area and a liquid inlet opening into the container above the liquid outlet having.

When treating liquids because of their surface tension tend to foam, the problem arises in a variety of ways Treatment of gases and / or vapors dissolved or formed in the liquids to be separated from the liquid during a subsequent relaxation without the the foam that forms is carried away by the gases. A comparable one Problem occurs when gases and / or liquids are used for treatment fumes be passed through, naturally on the surface of the liquid depending on the scliaum-forming properties of the liquid to be treated Foam quantities formei / ur # n connection to the gas treatment to separate off the excess gases i /, # without corresponding amounts of foam being entrained @@@ In a known process (DT-AS 23 09 365) an attempt is made to solve this problem in such a way that in the gas vent a packing is provided through which the GaoSdhaungemisch is passed so that the gas bubbles are mechanically destroyed and as a bubble-free liquid are to be withdrawn from the packing. This method has, inter alia. the The disadvantage is that a considerable amount of gas is drawn off. Loss of pressure through the packing must be accepted. Furthermore, depending on the products to be treated the risk that the packing will clog over time and the apparatus thus becoming inoperable. Another disadvantage is particularly in processing of liquids in the food and pharmaceutical industry in difficulty to see how to keep such a packing pack sufficiently sterile.

Further known Veifiliren and their disadvantages are from the DT-AS 23 09 365 can be found.

The invention is based on the object of providing a device of the initially described to create the designated type, with the disadvantages of the previously known devices be avoided. This object is achieved in that in the container below the Inlet mouth Means for spreading the introduced liquid are arranged in a flowing liquid layer, which the ~ container in a Divide gas and a liquid collecting space and that the gas and the liquid collecting space via a passage as a passage for the liquid layer / in connection with one another stand. This arrangement has the advantage that by forming a flowing Liquid layer, the gases and / or vapors escape faster from the liquid can and only form small bubbles. By the fact that the liquid layer continuously flows from the point of confluence, it is also avoided that the gas bubbles formed can join together to form dense foam layers, with at the same time, part of the resulting liquid layer due to the flow movement of the liquid layer Gas bubbles are destroyed and those enclosed by the liquid film of the bubbles Gases and / or vapors can get into the gas collecting space immediately. The liquid layer and the portion of the bubbles carried along by it now enter dfn via the passage Liquid collection space where the remaining gases and / or vapors from the liquid can escape. The resulting gas bubbles form depending on the surface tension the liquid to be treated a corresponding foam layer, which, however, through the spreading means arranged above the liquid collecting space at the overflow is prevented in the gas collection room. The through the passage into the gas collection room Overflowing foam parts are partially destroyed by the liquid layer. The remaining foam fraction is transferred from the liquid layer into the liquid collecting space again washed back. The particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that that foaming occurs when the gases and / or vapors escape from the liquid not prevented, but first of all by spreading in a proportionate way A thin layer of liquid causes the gases and / or vapors to escape quickly and on the other hand, the free foam formation in the liquid collecting space allows growth the foam layer into the gas collecting space once through the one acting as a partition Means for the formation of the liquid layer prevents and on the other hand an overflow through the passage opening through the liquid flowing into the liquid space -.Interbindet. Neither the supply of additional energy, be it mechanical or thermal type or the addition of chemicals is in the device according to the invention necessary.

In that, according to a premature embodiment of the invention the inlet mouth is directed downwards to a flat distributor member, which inclined downwards from the inlet mouth in the direction of the passage is arranged, it is also possible to feed into the container practically without pressure Liquids from the gases and / or vapors dissolved in them or from carried along Separate foam proportions.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provided that the liquid inlet opens out in the area of the container axis and that the distributor organ as one of the Starting from container axis formed sloping surface sloping towards the container wall on all sides is. This arrangement not only has the advantage of being particularly simple and uniform Spreading of the supplied liquid to a flowing liquid layer, but also still has the advantage that with increasing distance from the liquid inlet this liquid layer is getting thinner and thinner and thus on the flat distributor element forming gas bubbles pulled apart and the formation of a compact foam layer be prevented. With increasing reduction of the layer thickness of the liquid layer Once the escape of the gases and / or vapors contained in the liquid facilitated, and on the other hand, the resulting gas bubbles are fine-pored, so that this without the formation of a foam layer in the area of the passage from the liquid layer be carried along into the liquid collection space. The flat distributor member can here as a cone, hemisphere, spherical cap or the like. Executed, wherein the highest point of the relevant geometric shape of the mouth of the liquid inlet is facing.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the distributor member is sized so that its lower edge to form a slot-shaped passage ends at a distance from the container wall. During the passage basically can be designed in any way, d. H. through a large number of passage openings can be formed, this configuration is not only particularly simple in terms of construction to produce, it also has an effect an unhindered transition the foam-liquid layer flowing off on the flat distributor element in the liquid collection space.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the passage on the upper side of the distributor element at a distance from a foam baffle is covered. This avoids that when there is particularly strong foam formation in the liquid collection chamber and, in the case of particularly tough foams, via the Passage to get into the gas collecting space unhindered.

Rather, these foam parts are in Direction diverted to the surface of the distributor organ and there from the outflowing Liquid layer entrained and returned to the liquid collecting space.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is also provided that the distance between the inlet opening and the distributor member is adjustable is. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from spreading on the distributor element and to influence the thickness of the liquid layer and to the properties of the adapt to each liquid to be treated.

In this context, it is according to a further embodiment of the Invention advantageous when the distance between the distributor member and the foam baffle is adjustable, so that the effective cross-section of the passage for the foam-liquid layer on the distributor body, taking into account that from the liquid collection space high swelling foam can be adjusted.

In an advantageous further embodiment of the invention, there is a level control device provided for the liquid collection space, through which a predetermined distance between the liquid level and the underside of the as a partition between the gas and liquid collecting space serving distribution process is adhered to. This way it is in continuous operation ensures that always above the liquid level in the liquid collecting space there is sufficient space into which the into the liquid collecting space promoted and also the foam created there can swell up.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that 'below the distributor element and above the liquid level in the liquid collecting space at least one rotating foam splitter is arranged. While basically the device according to the invention works without additional mechanical foam splitters, it is in the case of particularly tough foams or particularly strong foaming within of the liquid collecting space, for example due to a post-reaction # expedient, if by such an organ acting mechanically on the foam for a possible rapid destruction of the foam bubbles.is.is.l <.

In another embodiment of the invention it is provided that the The liquid inlet is designed as a mixing tube and with a Feed line for a gas or vapor-free liquid is in connection. One Such a configuration is particularly advantageous for such applications in which the "liquid" to be treated is already introduced into the container consists essentially of foam, for example from a previous one Process has been separated and from which now the liquid portion for separation of gas is to be recovered. By adding liquid, see Application either the same liquid from which the foam is formed or a "solution liquid" acting on the foam liquid the foam introduced into the container is bound into a larger amount of liquid and can thus be spread out again in the form of a liquid layer and for separation of the gases and / or vapors trapped by the Schauni bubbles into the liquid collecting space be flushed so that the gases contained without being entrained by foam flakes o. The like. Can be withdrawn from the container.

The invention is based on a schematic drawing for an embodiment explained in more detail.

In the described embodiment, a liquid that has been heated or heated in a treatment stage 1, which is not to be explained in more detail is and is under a certain pressure, via a supply line 2, in which a throttle element 3 of any design is arranged, introduced into a foam separator 4.

The foam separator 4 essentially has a closed container 5, at its upper end with a gas or steam vent 6 and at its lower end The end is provided with a liquid drain 7. In the illustrated embodiment a liquid inlet 8 connected to the feed line 2 opens into the container at about half the height. The inlet 8 extends into the area of the container axis 9 and opens in the direction of a distributor member 10 below.

The distributor member 10 is designed, for example, as a cone whose The tip of the mouth 11 of the liquid inlet 8 is facing and its lower Edge at a distance from the wall of the essentially cylindrical part of the container 5 ends.

Instead of a cone, a hemisphere, Spherical cap or the like can be used; It is essential that the distributor organ a has sloping surface on all sides towards the container wall.

Through the distributor member 10, the container 5 is in a gas stack 12 and a liquid collection space 13 divided, both of which are between the lower edge of the distributor member and the container wall remaining annular Passage 14 are in communication with one another.

The passage 14 is on the top of the distributor member 10 with Distance covered by a foam baffle 15, for example in the form of a sloping in the direction of the container axis inclined to the Container wall connected circumferential collar is formed.

In the discharge line 16 connected to the liquid discharge a control valve 17 is arranged, the actuator 18 of which is connected to a controller 19 stands so that in accordance with the signals of a corresponding transducer 20 a predetermined height of the liquid level by a corresponding control of the valve 17 21 in the liquid collection space 13 can be maintained constant, so that constantly above the liquid.

keitspiegel a limited by the distributor member 10, sufficient Foam collecting space is available.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mouth 11 is the liquid inlet 8 surrounded by a tubular mouth part 22, which has a corresponding, preferably configured as a tube adjusting rod 23 can be moved in height.

Moving takes place via a manually or motorized actuation Actuator 24 at the upper end of the control rod 23, which is under appropriate sealing is led out of the container.

In the hollow control rod 23 is another control rod 25, which is connected to the distributor member 10.

About the control rod 25 and a corresponding actuator 26 is the distributor organ also in relation to its altitude within of the container or with respect to the inner edge of the foam baffle 15 can be adjusted. Via a common scale 27, both the absolute height of the distributor member is in each case 10 and the mouth part 22 as well as the relative distance between the distributor member 10 and the mouth part 22, through which the passage cross-section between the distributor member 10 and mouth 11 is determined, readable. By a correspondingly outward-facing Conical collar 28 on the mouth part 22 can advantageously deflect the liquid can be influenced from the mouth 11 on the surface of the distributor member 10.

The inventive device works as follows: The over the Liquid inlet 8 liquid introduced into the container spreads on the Surface of the distributor element 10 becomes a thin layer of liquid and runs: with a constant decrease in the layer thickness over the surface of the distributor element 10 from and passes through the gap remaining between the lower one as passage 14 Edge of the distributor member 10 and the inner edge of the foam baffle 15 in the Liquid collection space 13. Via the valve 17, according to the predetermined Height of the liquid level 21 liquid from the liquid collecting space deducted. The liquid to be treated in this embodiment is in the treatment stage 1 heated or warmed. Because under the influence of the throttle device 3 takes place on entry into the container 5, there is a pressure drop corresponding vapor formation in the liquid layer located on the distributor element 10, the because of the tendency of this liquid to foam to a corresponding blistering leads. The bubbles that form are removed from the liquid layer flushed out into the liquid collecting space 13, whereby in this embodiment example given, steadily increasing spreading area, the bubbles that form in each case be pulled apart, so that there is always a sufficient surface for Absorption of new bubbles is formed on the liquid layer and so practical only a thin layer of bubbles or foam is created, which is disrupted by the relative narrow, slot-shaped passage 14 can be withdrawn.

The foam layer standing in the liquid collecting space is replaced by the Limited underside of the distributor member 10 and at the transition into the gas collection space 12 prevented. By the foam baffle 15 is through the passage 14 in the Gas collection space 12 overflowing foam portion in the direction of the distribution member 10 draining layer of liquid deflected and so constantly from this again in entrained the liquid collection space, with some of the bubbles of this foam fraction gets destroyed.

The gap between the mouth part 22 and the surface of the distributor member 10 is according to the respective process conditions, properties of the to treating liquid etc.

set, so that a trouble-free build-up of the liquid layer on the distributor member 10 is guaranteed.

The angle of inclination of the distributor element 10 is essentially oriented according to the flow properties of the liquid to be treated, while the distance the lower edge of the distributor organ to the mouth essentially through the to be machined Fluid amount is determined, as it is useful in each case when in the area of the passage 14 on the distributor member is still essentially closed Liquid layer is present.

The foam baffle 15 is expediently designed to be inclined inwards, alongside it a corresponding guiding effect on the rising from the liquid collecting space Foam, for example, caused by condensation or the like on the container wall draining liquid can flow off without jamming.

The device described above can also be used in the same way be used for foaming liquids in which gases are dissolved that bi spontaneous relaxation and lead to foam formation. The inventive The device can also be used for existing foam-liquid mixtures in the same way can be used to destroy the foam and those bound by the foam Recover liquid fractions with separation from the enclosed gases.

If this foam liquid mixture consists for the most part Foam, so that the formation of a closed liquid layer on the distributor element is not guaranteed so is it is useful when in the field the mouth of the feed line 8 to the foam-liquid mixture to be introduced into the container in addition, a preferably gas- or vapor-free liquid in such an amount is admixed so that there is a closed liquid layer on the distributor element can train.

Depending on the task, this additional liquid can the same liquid as that of the foam or a different liquid, which can either have dissolving properties with respect to the foam or but can also serve as a pure carrier liquid.

The device described above basically works statically, d. H. without additional energy supply from the outside. At most, the pressure in the gas collection room can be lowered in relation to the previous treatment stage to be treated To largely degas or evaporate the liquid.

In the case of liquids that form particularly stable foams, however, it can with a view to destroying the foam as quickly as possible, it may be useful in the foam collecting space below the distributor member 10, but above the liquid level a rotating one To arrange foam splitter, through which the foam layer is mechanically destroyed.

In place of an additional rotating foam grinder it is too possible to turn the distributor member itself about the container axis 9 in the container store and connect to a drive. Here you can use the Underside of the distributor organ additionally arranged st.ab- or web-shaped projections which protrude into the foam collecting space above the liquid level 21 and also mechanically destroy the foam that forms.

The rotatable mounting of the distributor element is also advantageous when for example in the case of a conical distributor element with a predetermined opening angle and a given diameter a more viscous liquid with a correspondingly worse liquid Flow properties in the device are to be treated.

By rotating the distributor member accordingly, the The flow rate of the liquid layer on the distributor element can be increased, wherein the upper limit of the speed is determined that at least in the passage area 14 between the baffle and the lower edge of the distributor member is essentially one a closed liquid layer must still be present. A rotatable distributor organ also has the advantage that even with well-flowing liquids through the Impact of the foam-liquid mixture on the container wall below the foam baffle 15 there is already considerable foam destruction, so that the foam in the liquid collecting space is essentially limited to the amount caused by degassing or evaporation the liquid arises in the liquid collecting space.

The device according to the invention is also not based on the one described rotatl onssymrnetrische embodiment limited, but the invention can also, for example, with square, rectangular or polygonal cross-sections Realize containers in which accordingly as pyramids o.

Like. Trained distribution organs are arranged.

The device according to the invention can also be implemented in the manner that in a container with a square or rectangular cross-section an inclined Partition wall is arranged, the one at its lower end over the entire width leaves corresponding passage free. The liquid is - in this embodiment for example, a horizontally into the container parallel to the upper edge of the partition introduced inlet pipe with a multitude of on top of the partition directed inlet openings introduced. A flowing layer of liquid forms again, the resulting foam through the passage opening in the underneath the partition lying liquid collecting space washes away. Instead of a pipe it can be used as a liquid distributor a corresponding overflow box can also be used, as foam may build up in the area of the overflow box, which is located inside the container, does not interfere, because the resulting foam is washed away with the liquid.

Expectations L e r s e i t e

Claims (12)

Claims 1. Device for separating gases and / or vapors on the one hand vox, on the other hand, liquids which tend to foam and which have a container with Gas outlet in the upper area and liquid outlet in the lower area as well as one has a liquid inlet opening into the container above the liquid outlet, as a result, that in the container (5) below the inlet mouth (11) Means (10) for spreading the introduced liquid into a flowing one Liquid layer are arranged, which the container (5) in a gas (12) and divide a liquid collection space (13), and that the gas and the liquid collection space via a passage (14) as a passage for the liquid layer in connection stand. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that g e k e n n z e i c h -n e t that the inlet opening (11) down onto a flat distributor element (10) is directed, starting from the inlet opening (11) in the direction of the passage is arranged downwards. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that g e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that the liquid inlet (8) in the area of the container axis (9) the distributor member (10) opens out directed and that the distributor member (10) as one sloping from the container axis towards the container wall on all sides inclined Surface is formed. 4. Apparatus according to claim t, 2 or T, characterized g e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that the lower edge of the distributor member (10) to form a slot-shaped Passage (14) at a distance from the container wall endo. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized g e -k e n n z e i c h n e-t that the passage (14) on the top of the distributor member (10) is covered with Abstaiid by a foam dust sheet (15). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t. that-the distance between the inlet opening (11) and the Distributor (10) is adjustable. 7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that g e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that the distance between the distributor member (10) and the foam baffle (15) is adjustable. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized g e. -k e n n z e i c h n e t that a level control device (17, 18, 19, 20) for the Liquid collection space (13) is provided through which a predetermined distance between the liquid level (21) and the underside of the separating wall between the gas and the distributor member (10) serving the liquid collection space is observed. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the ## distributor 3g-ln (10) can be rotated around a vertical axis is stored and connected to a drive. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that g e k e n n z e i c h -n e t that on the underside of the distributor member (10) rod-shaped or web-shaped projections are arranged. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that below the distributor element (10) uld above the liquid level (21) at least one rotating foam splitter is arranged. 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, dadur g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the liquid inlet is designed as a mixing tube and with a feed line for a preferably gas or vapor-free liquid in Connection.