DE2807221A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY TREATING A LIQUID PHASE WITH A GAS PHASE - Google Patents

Description

KRAUS & WEISERT 28Ü722 i

PATENT LAWYERS

DR. WALTER KRAUS DIPLOMA CHEMIST DR.-ING. ANNEKÄTE WEISERT DIPL-ING. SPECIALIZATION CHEMISTRY IRMGARDSTRASSE 15 - D-8OOO MUNICH 71 · TELEPHONE 089 / 797077-797078 · TELEX O5-212156 kpatd

TELEGRAM CRAUS PATENT

1752 AW / My

CARIBBEAN PROPERTIES LIMITED Grand Cayman / British West India

Method and device for continuous treatment a liquid phase with a gas phase

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description

According to the invention, liquids or gases in suspension become continuous in one another as mists or foams separated, and the inevitable entrainment of mist or foams is avoided during gas / liquid contact or the gas / liquid treatment is suppressed by a process in which both phases are spun around a vertical axis be going through the center of a horizontal? circular Opening extends through which they flow in countercurrent. The descending liquid phase, the outside and down spinning from the lower edge of the opening becomes a generally continuous, annular curtain Generate liquid through which the spinning, gaseous phase blows before it reaches the opening, through their Time she rises. The centrifugal acceleration of the The spinning curtain of liquid is not just being carried away suppress inside the secondary droplets by the gas phase and outside of the foam by the liquid phase, but rather the mist droplets suspended in the gas phase are also captured by the liquid curtain, from which entrained foam by the gas phase that passes through it, is carried.

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the continuous countercurrent contact of a liquid phase with a gas phase and their subsequent separation from each other. Such a contact or such a treatment can involve a heat exchange, one or more chemical reactions or a physical transfer of one or more components from one phase to the other.

Because any interactions between the two phases depend on their degree of physical contact with each other depend, the rate of interaction will be a direct function of the area of the liquid surface (or interface)

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that is exposed to the gas phase per unit of time. For this reason, gas scrubbers or washers, absorption devices, Evaporation devices, cooling towers, distillation columns and other types of devices, where such an intermediate action is required, often built so that the surface of the liquid surface (or boundary surface), which is exposed or a role is enlarged, either by dispersing the liquid phase in the gas phase or by dispersing the gas phase blows or pearls through the liquid phase.

The effective capacity of such a device is ultimately limited by its ability to produce the appropriate Phases separate from each other after contact. The finer the droplets sprayed into the gas phase, the more so greater is the risk that they will be carried away by the gas flow. When the gas phase through the liquid phase is blown, not only can the bubbles carry the liquid phase into the gas stream as a mist, but also the liquid phase can also enclose the gas bubbles in the form of a foam.

According to the invention, it becomes possible not only to suppress the entrainment in any phase, but also to suppress it in the case of existing suspensions, separate one phase from the other phase using a continuous process Contact of a liquid phase with a gas phase and their subsequent separation from each other available is provided. The inventive method is characterized in that one

(1) Directs the liquid phase so that it is continuous through a generally horizontal, circular one Opening generally falls in countercurrent to the gas phase, which one continuously ascends through the opening lets while

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(2) both phases about a generally vertical axis extending through the center of this opening, spun fast enough that the falling liquid phase turns into a generally continuous, circular one A curtain of liquid spinning outward and downward from the lower edge of the opening, forming and

(3) directs the spinning gas phase to pass through the generally continuous curtain of liquid before it can enter the bottom of the opening.

Since the gas phase through the generally continuous The liquid curtain blows or gushes or waves or pearls through (in the following, for the sake of simplicity the term "blow through" or "pearl" is used) before As they can rise through the opening, the centrifugal acceleration of the liquid phase is close to their maximum is at the edge of the opening, suppress the entrainment of mist droplets by the gas bubbles, which escape radially inward from the inner surface of the spinning liquid curtain.

Fog droplets, which were previously carried into the suspension by the gas phase, are also carried by the liquid phase taken up or captured during its flow through the spinning liquid curtain. The addition of a wetting agent to reduce the surface tension of the liquid phase is helpful in maintaining the continuity of the spinning liquid curtain help if its thickness is reduced in the radially outward direction, and will be the better wetting of the particulate Allow material that is suspended in the gas phase when the gas phase is blown through it will.

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The centrifugal acceleration of the spinning or rotating curtain of liquid is also the entrainment decrease of foam by the liquid phase, while previously entrained foam is carried along by the gas phase when it passes through the thin curtain of liquid.

The invention also relates to a device for continuous contact with a liquid phase a gas phase and their subsequent separation from one another, which is characterized by

(a) one conduit or tube of generally circular internal cross-section and one generally vertical, longitudinal axis,

(b) a generally transverse divider or partition dividing the channel into an upper and separates a lower chamber,

(c) a generally horizontal, central, circular opening through the partition passes through

(d) a device for introducing the liquid phase into and removing the gas phase from the upper chamber,

(e) a device for introducing the gas phase into and removing the liquid phase from the lower chamber,

(f) means for spinning the contents of the channel about its vertical, longitudinal axis fast enough that the liquid phase descends through the opening and therefrom in the form of a generally continuous, annular curtain of liquid extending outwardly and downwardly spins into the lower chamber, escapes, and

(g) means for directing the flow of the gas phase into the lower chamber so as to prevent it rises through the opening into the upper chamber without it first passed through the generally continuous curtain of liquid.

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The partition element or the partition or the partition (hereinafter referred to as "partition element") preferably comprises a central funnel, preferably in the form of a truncated cone of an inverted hollow cone, coaxial with the channel, with a circular internal cross-section, which descends into the lower chamber, forming the opening converges in his throat.

The means for introducing the liquid phase and withdrawing the gas phase will normally be an inlet for the liquid phase and an outlet for the gas phase. But for certain applications, other facilities can both fulfill these functions. For example, if vapor of the liquid phase is all or part of the gas phase represents, the vapor can be condensed to the liquid phase by a cooling coil or a cooling jacket around the upper chamber, and the liquid phase can be introduced into the upper chamber without it it is necessary to provide a separate inlet for the liquid phase. When the gas phase is completely in the Liquid phase is absorbed by either dissolution, chemical reaction, or both, is not a separate outlet for the gas phase from the upper chamber is required.

The device for introducing the gas phase and for withdrawing the liquid phase will normally be an inlet for the gas phase and an outlet for the liquid phase, but in certain applications other devices also take on each of these functions. For example, if the gas phase is the vapor from one of the Components of the liquid phase is or when a gas or a more volatile liquid is dissolved in the liquid phase or colloidally dispersed, a heating coil or a heating mantle around the lower chamber removes the gas or vapor drive the liquid phase into the gas phase, and thereby

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the gas phase is introduced into the lower chamber without the need for a separate inlet for the gas phase to be provided.

When two or more units of the device are connected in series, the upper chamber of one unit serve as the lower chamber for the unit closest above it, and the opening can be at the first unit serve both as an inlet for the liquid phase and as an outlet for the gas phase, while for the unit closest above it has the same opening as the inlet for the gas phase and the outlet for the liquid phase can be.

The device for spinning may be any device or a combination of well-known devices such as helical blades or paddles or a channel, a device for the tangential introduction of either the gas or the liquid phase (or both) or a rotating blade or fan or a rotating impeller. the Speed in spinning both phases can be increased without significantly affecting their longitudinal speeds, by tangential introduction, preferably into the lower chamber, of the steam from a component of the Liquid phase at high enough pressure through one or more suitable nozzles.

The means for directing the flow will normally be one or more baffles or baffles Include blades or vanes to prevent the gas phase in the lower chamber from entering the bottom of the opening, without them first through the generally continuous Curtain of the spinning liquid phase has passed through the gap between the deflector and the bottom of the opening shields or covers. Since both phases with approximately the

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spinning at the same speed of rotation, the only essential, relative movement between them is their relative slow generally countercurrent velocity in radial and longitudinal directions.

Each of these deflectors is preferably in the form of the frustum of an inverted, hollow cone coaxial with it and surrounding a funnel of the same shape »whereby the spinning liquid phase descends from the upper Chamber is conveyed to the opening formed by the throat of the funnel. The gas phase from the lower Chamber will enter the passage between the two cones at the top of the outer cone, and it will pass through which pass through the generally continuous liquid cascade, the outside of the opening at the bottom of the inner Kegels spins before it can enter the opening and ascend through the inner cone into the upper chamber. In the meantime, the spinning liquid phase runs on the inner wall of the outer cone in the direction of the Liquid outlet at the bottom of the outer cone.

Whenever a single unit of the device does not allow the interaction between the gas and liquid phases, to the desired degree of completion If necessary, additional units can be connected in series. The fresh gas charge can enter the lower chamber of the first unit of such a row, in which the liquid feed into the upper Chamber the effluent fluid can be that of the lower Chamber of the second unit is dispensed while the fresh liquid charge is dispensed into the upper chamber of the last Unit can enter the row, where the gas feed into the lower chamber can be the gas coming from the upper Chamber of the penultimate unit is blown off. A similar arrangement can be used when the device is used for

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continuous fractional distillation of miscible liquids is to be used / ended. The mixture can be continuous be introduced into an intermediate unit. The more volatile fraction becomes the last from the upper chamber Unit blown off in the vapor phase, while the less volatile fraction- continuously from the lower chamber of the can be taken from the first unit in the liquid phase.

When the main function of the liquid phase is a scrubber medium for the extraction of soluble gases or other components from the gas phase, it is often advantageous that they contain one or more surfactants or contains reagents that wet the specific solid, liquid or gaseous components, neutralize or otherwise react with it, which are present in the gas phase. To this end, the presence of one results Wetting agent to reduce surface tension the liquid phase has a particular advantage as it helps to maintain the continuity of the spinning liquid curtain, formed by the liquid phase as it becomes progressively thinner as it moves radially outwards flows into the lower chamber after escaping from the lower edge of the opening.

Droplets of love suspended in the gas phase can best be removed in this device if they are soluble in the liquid phase and are preferably miscible therewith. Suspended solid particles can have similar effects Ways to be removed from the gas phase in this device by turning them into such love droplets by condensation of the vapor of the liquid phase on the particulate seed which is suspended in the gas phase. This Steam can either enter the gas phase through a suitable inlet or it can evaporate from the liquid phase and again closer to the axis of the spinning condensate

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be sated if the spinning speed is fast enough to produce the required radial temperature gradient to create. Further details can be found in GB-PS 1 445 978. If the spinning mist droplets in general continuous curtain formed by the spinning liquid phase emerging from the lower edge of the nozzle, are formed, they become part of the curtain of liquid that spins radially outward while the relatively fog-free gas phase continues its internal movement in the direction of the opening, whereby it then rises into the upper chamber. The particulate inoculants on which the steam is formed these mist droplets condense, are then separated from the washed gas phase and transferred to the outflowing liquid phase, which is discharged from the lower chamber, carried away.

Foams can also be broken in this device if they are continuously introduced into the upper chamber through the inlet for the liquid phase, preferably at a temperature high enough to reduce the viscosity of the liquid phase to a suitable four. The high centrifugal acceleration that can be achieved in the vortex of the opening will release the entrained gas phase and allow it to be radially inward from dux ¹ inner surface de 4? spinning liquid phase can escape. The release of the foam is accelerated by its continuous introduction into the lower chamber of a free supply of gas phase, which facilitates the liberation of the entrained gases as they bubble through the spinning curtain of liquid.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, special sections of vertical views are each partially in schematic form two inventive embodiments of the invention represent

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posed. Fig. 2 shows on a larger scale and in greater detail a partially vertical section through a Pair of funnels together with a helical guide between them, shown on a smaller scale in Fig. 1 are shown.

Referring to Fig. 1, the device comprises a generally cylindrical wall 2 which supports a tube or box or wall. defines a channel 1 with a generally vertical, longitudinal axis. For the sake of simplicity the term "channel" is used in the following for the pipe or the box or the channel 1. Channel 1 is in a below chamber 3 and an upper chamber 4 divided by a generally transverse, circular partition element 5, the center of which is formed into a funnel 6 in the form of a truncated cone of an inverted, hollow cone. The funnel 6 is open at its neck 7, creating a horizontal, central, circular opening, which is the only one Facility for communication between the two chambers represents.

The upper end of the upper chamber 4 is closed by a cover 8, with the exception of an exhaust gas outlet 9, which passes through the I-center of the cover 8 and extending upward therefrom through a gas phase throttle valve 12.

One or more liquid phase inlets 10 are attached tangentially to the cylindrical wall 2 and extend therethrough into the upper chamber 4 in a generally horizontal direction. Each inlet 10 is preferably with a nozzle or opening 11 to accelerate the speed of the incoming liquid phase and a liquid feed valve 13 for regulating its flow rate into the upper chamber 4. One

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or more of the inlets 10 can be used to introduce reagents or surfactants into the liquid phase to serve.

A rotating impeller or impeller can optionally be installed in the upper chamber 4 as an alternative or supplementary one Device for spinning the liquid phase around its vertical, longitudinal axis at a higher speed can be seen as that achieved at its optimal flow rate through the tangential outlets 10 "~ vo2! The impeller shown comprises a ring with vertical vanes or blades 20, which together at their upper and lower Ends by annular bezels or brackets or collars or hoops 18-19 are connected. The upper, ring-shaped The skirt 18 is connected by means of radial spokes 17 to a vertical shaft 21 which is coaxial with the channel 1 and which extends through the center of the cover 8 from the drive 16.

. Below the separating element 5, an inlet 24 for the gas phase is attached tangentially to the wall 2 and extends through this into the lower chamber 3 in the same direction as the liquid phase inlets 10.

In certain applications, such as washing particulate matter from the gas phase (see GB-PS 1 445 978), one or more steam inlets 37 can be attached tangentially to the wall 2 and extend through this in the lower chamber 3 extend in the same direction as the gas phase outlet 24. They can serve both the To saturate the gas phase with steam as well as to accelerate its spinning speed without reducing its flow rate in is increased in the longitudinal direction. Each inlet 37 would normally be through a separate steam charge valve 38 and a suitable nozzle 39 connected to the flow * "peripheral

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to control the rate of the incoming steam and convert its pressure into speed. A similar, additional one Inlet 44 (controlled by valve 45) may be in gas phase inlet 24 in the form of an ejector or a Ejector or a venturi scrubber 25 be attached, through which either a vapor or a vaporizable liquid is intimately mixed with the incoming gas phase, for wetting the suspended particulate material can be mixed, in particular by condensation then from the vapor phase.

The lower end of the lower chamber 3 is closed with the bottom 14, which is preferably curved concavely upwards is with its center above the outer edge and is penetrated by ein.η Schlammauslaß 26, which is outwardly and downwardly through a mud valve 27.

The center of the bottom 14 is through a funnel 15 penetrated, which is generally identical and coaxial with the funnel 6 which extends downward from its circular customer part 33 in the center of the bottom 14 to the circular neck 34 which extends through a drain fluid outlet 22 to a drain fluid valve 23 leads. A liquid overflow line 35 connects the sludge outlet 26 to the effluent liquid outlet 22 through the liquid overflow valve 36.

The device can be constructed so that the space between the outer surface of the funnel 6 and the inner surface of the funnel 15 is narrow enough to permit the formation of a generally continuous curtain of liquid 41 through the descending liquid phase as it moves outward and downward from the lower edge of the Neck 7 spins to the outlet from the passage between

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shield the two funnels through which the spinning, gaseous phase is inside and down from the lower one Chamber 3 can flow before it can rise up through the neck 7 into the upper chamber 4 »

As is apparent from Fig. 1, the capacity and performance of the device can be increased and the longitudinal velocity of the gas phase passing through the spinning liquid curtain 41 is reduced are by increasing the distance between the funnels 6 and 15 and by adding a number of in general identical, conical funnels 28 are used to make a corresponding number of additional, parallel passages 43 to create, through which the gas phase from the lower chamber 3 can flow through a corresponding number of additional liquid curtains 41 on their way into the upper chamber 4. The distance between two adjacent funnels can thus be kept short to ensure the continuity of the spinning liquid curtains 41 along the passages 43 between the Maintain funnels, while the total area along the passages can be increased, depending on the circumference, which is necessary to the down./ downward speed the gas phase flowing out of the passages 43 on reduce their optimal value. It is preferred that the vertical length of each of the funnels 28 be slightly longer than that of the one immediately above, so that the diameter each of their necks 31 is made progressively thinner as they approach the funnel 15.

Each of the funnels 28 is spiraled or spiraled from the "closest funnel above it" by one or more helical guides 29 separately. The pitch or the thread pitch or the space between each of the guides 29 preferably decreases progressively, so that converging, helical passages 43 arise with almost horizontal

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directional discharge, which causes the gas phase can spin faster and faster when moving from the lower chamber 3 between the hoppers in generally downward and inwardly from the mouth portion 30 of one funnel 28 through the neck 31 of the next above it Funnel flows. Each of the guides 29 is either an integral part of the funnel 28 or a separate strip, preferably made of a foamed or hollow elastomer, or a strand or rope made of flexible fibers, attached between every pair of adjacent hoppers.

In Fig. 2, on a larger scale and in greater detail, an adjacent pair of funnels 28 is shown, with their mouth parts 30 of their necks 31 »the snail-shaped Guide 29 between them and the liquid curtain 41, the outwardly and downwardly from the lower edge of the neck 31 of the upper funnel along the passage 43 between the spinning both funnels to the inner surface of the lower funnel, are shown.

A cylindrical deflector 42, coaxial with the channel 1, is shown in FIG. 1 which extends downwardly into the lower chamber 3 extends from the lower surface of the partition member 5. It can both be used for more even distribution the flow of the gas phase between the passages 43 serve as well as centrifugally separable, particulate Keep material separate from it.

In operation, the liquid phase is continuously fed into the upper chamber 4 through the liquid phase inlet 10 and the orifice 11 is directed at a rate that passes through the Liquid feed valve 13 is controlled or regulated. Because the tangential configuration of the liquid phase inlet 10 and the increase in inlet velocity are induced in the liquid phase through port 1,

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the incoming liquid phase is directed along the interior of the wall 2, against which it is guided around the longitudinal, vertical axis of the upper chamber 4 spins fast enough, so that a free vortex is formed with a surface 40 which approaches the vertical at the neck 7 »

If the inlet speed of the liquid phase emerging from the opening 11 is too low ₉ to spin the liquid phase in the upper chamber 4 sufficiently quickly by itself, it can be made to spin faster by using the impeller blades 20, which are otherwise unnecessary are rotated

After sufficient liquid phase has been introduced into the upper chamber 4 so that the inner diameter of the vortex surface 40 has been narrowed to correspond to that of the neck 7, the spinning liquid phase will overflow the edge of the neck 7 and radially outward and downward along the passage 43 between the outer surface of the Spinning funnel 6 and the inner surface of the tallest funnel 28 in the form of a generally continuous, annular curtain of liquid 41, which shields the outlet of the passage 43.

The descending liquid phase continues to spin along the inner surface of the highest level of the funnel 28, along the it continues to descend until it flows over the neck 31 and radially and downwardly and outwardly to form one second, generally continuous curtain of liquid 41 along the outlet of passage 43 between the tallest and the next highest funnel 28 spins.

The spinning liquid phase continues downward and overflows the necks 31 of successive, lower ones Funnels 28 and generally forms continuous liquid

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curtains 41 along the outlets of each of the passages between them until they finally reach the throat 34 of the funnel 15 overflows and continuously through the effluent liquid outlet 22 is withdrawn at a rate regulated by the effluent liquid valve 23.

In the meantime, the gas phase is continuously through the gas phase inlet 24 into the lower chamber 3 in a Rate initiated, which is regulated by the gas phase throttle valve 12. Because of the tangential configuration of the gas phase inlet 24, the gas phase is about the vertical, longitudinal axis of the lower chamber 3 in the same direction spun like the spinning liquid phase. If the initial speed in spinning is not fast enough, can be achieved by continuously, tangential introduction of steam at a higher speed through one or more Steam inlets 37 are accelerated and their corresponding nozzles 39 in installments through the steam charging valves 38 controlled v / earth. The vapor can either be one of the constituents of the liquid phase or a other condensable vapor or gas, either soluble in the liquid phase or in the Device to react to form one or more products that are so soluble.

When the device is used as a scrubber or as a washing device for separated, suspended, particulate Material from the gas phase is used, it can be more effective if the weight of those solid particles that are not heavy enough that they can be easily separated centrifugally, first being enlarged by making them in mist droplets due to the condensation on their upper surfaces of the vapor of one of the components of the liquid phase convicted. This can be achieved in the lower chamber by applying steam to the spinning gas phase there

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supersaturated by making it into the vapor phase either through the vapor inlet 37 or into the gas phase inlet 24 through the Ejector 25 initiates. The same result can be obtained by removing it from the liquid phase in the relatively warmer, peripheral part of the spinning gas phase in the lower one Chamber 3 evaporates and it condenses from the vapor phase of the suspended particles when they are below the dew point are cooled by adiabatic expansion of the gas phase when it is accelerated during its radial Internal flow both in the free vortex and in the converging, helical passages 43. The to Liquid phase evaporated for this purpose is preferably introduced into the gas phase inlet 24 through the venturi scrubber 25, which also serves to wet the larger particles and allows them to be centrifugally in the lower chamber 3 can be separated. Alternatively, it can also be placed directly in the peripheral part of the lower chamber 3 through a steam inlet 37 are preferred at a temperature higher than that at which it was introduced into the lower chamber 4 through the liquid phase inlet 10.

The suspended particulate material, heavy enough to be centrifugally separated, becomes against spun the wall 2 along which it falls, together with part of the liquid phase, either condensed therein or introduced into the lower chamber 3 towards the mud outlet 26 where the heavier mud passes through the mud valve 27 is removed while excess liquid phase is discharged via the liquid overflow line "35 into the effluent liquid outlet 22 flows at a rate that is regulated by the liquid overflow valve 36.

In the meantime the spinning gas phase flows, which is saturated with the vapor phase and both suspended

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Mist droplets as well as non-wetted, particulate ones Material not heavy enough to be centrifugally separated carries down from the gas phase inlet 24 to a level below that of the lower edge of the cylindrical deflector 42 before moving in generally radially inward direction towards the mouth parts 30 of the funnel 28, where it has the converging, helical passages 43, which by the guides 29 between the funnels 28 are formed, enters. Here their spinning speed increases to a maximum, and the following, In general, adiabatic expansion lowers their temperature and in doing so, steam is both present on the mist droplets present as well as the previously non-wetted particulate material condenses until it passes through the generally continuous Liquid curtains 41 is forced, which shield the outlets of the passage 43, before it passes through the neck 7 can rise into the upper chamber 4. There it continues to spin in contact with the surface 40 of the spinning Vortex the coldest, freshest liquid before it finally passes through the waste gas outlet 9 in a Rate is taken, which is regulated by the gas phase throttle valve.

Since the spinning speed and the centrifugal acceleration both the gas and the liquid phase show their maximum values at the outlets of the helical ones Have passages 43 where the gas phase passes through the generally continuous curtains of liquid 41 while the relative movement in the circumferential direction between the gas and the liquid phase is comparatively insignificant, the entrainment of mist by the gas phase, which breaks through the liquid curtain 41, prevents grounding as long as the centrifugal force acting on the inner surface each spinning curtain of liquid 41 acts, is kept larger than the force of friction on it by the

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escaping gas phase. By regulating the flow of the gas phase through the gas phase throttle valve 12, its rate of escape from the spinning surfaces of the liquid curtains 41 can be adjusted to a value where not only is there no entrainment of the mist, but also where mist droplets and even previously non-wetted, particulate material “ that is already in suspended in the gas phase, trapped and carried away therefrom by the spinning liquid phase. For the same reason, foams already in suspension in the liquid phase in the spinning liquid curtains are broken by the gas phase passing through them * and their gas content is carried away as part of the gas phase «

From the above description of the device shown in Fig. 1 it can be seen that its capacity without Loss of effectiveness can be increased by dividing the gas phase among a multitude of parallel channels, by which smaller gas flows are passed more slowly through a multitude of separate, spinning liquid curtains can, which are arranged parallel to each other. 3 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention shown, in which the entire gas phase through a multitude of separate, spinning liquid curtains which are arranged in series with one another. This embodiment is preferred there vcr - ".. 'sr.det, v / o die Device is designed so that the generally complete removal of at least one component of each phase, either by chemical reaction with or transfer to the other phase, as in the case of the fractional one Distillation, gas scrubbing, or reversible chemical reactions, is possible.

The device shown in Figure 3 comprises a series of generally identical, hollow, cylindrical

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Elements 102 which are open at both ends where they are flanged 103 so that they are longitudinal to each other can be connected by bolts 104 to define or define a generally vertical channel 101. limit.

At the top of the channel 101 is a cap 116 which is a similar hollow member to that of a similar one Flange 103 is fitted only at its lower end, so that it connects to the upper end of the tallest of the cylindrical Elements 102 can be connected, so connected by the bolts 104. The top of the cap 116 is closed by cover 108 except for an exhaust gas outlet 109 which passes through the center of the Cover 108 passes and dries up therefrom through a gas phase throttle valve 112. The cap 116 is thus also provided with devices for introducing the liquid phase. Your nature depends on the specific Use for which the device is intended.

For most purposes this facility is used in; .-VU of a Flü- ^ i ^ koitspL ^^ sinl? .. ^^ 110 vorlie.ϊη, which is attached tangentially to the cylindrical wall of the cap 116 and extends through this horizontally into the upper part of the channel 101. It is preferably attached in such a way that Ox (lio ".. 'and uma.it and -Ιύλ represents the end part of the inner wall of the inlet 110. The outer wall thereof forms a diffuser or outflow space, converging therewith, at the narrowest, vertical slot 111, which passes through the wall of the cap 11o and thus serves as a neck -a spiral-shaped, converging nozzle for accelerating the velocity of the liquid phase "which is introduced through the liquid charging valve 113.

When the device is designed as a fractionating column and no such liquid phase inlet is required, this device may be in the form of a Cooling jacket 126 may be provided, which is cooled by the flow of a liquid coolant and as a reflux condenser or dephlegmator is used, and the liquid phase can be in the cap 116 by condensation of the less volatile fraction can be introduced from the vapor phase before the more volatile fraction through the waste gas outlet 109 is taken.

At the lower end of the channel 101 is a collecting container 115 or a sump 115, which is a hollow element similar to that of cap 116, except that it is flange 103 only at its upper end is so that it can be connected to the lower end of the lowermost one of the cylindrical members 102, and he is connected to bolt 104. The lower end of the collecting container 115 is closed by the bottom 114, with Except for an effluent liquid outlet 122 which penetrates the center of the floor 114 and extends downward therefrom through an outflow liquid G valve 123.

If the device is to serve as a distillation column, the sump 115 is provided with a heating jacket 125, through which a heating liquid is circulated to evaporate the more volatile fraction of the liquid phase, before the less volatile fraction through the effluent liquid outlet 122 is taken.

A gas phase inlet 124 is tangentially attached to the wall of the lowermost of the cylindrical members 102 and extends through it horizontally into channel 101 in the same direction as liquid phase inlet 110. It is preferably similar in shape to inlet 110

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and includes the wall of element 102 with a diffuser converging with it at the narrowest vertical slot 127 and which goes through the wall and thus acts as the throat of a converging nozzle to accelerate velocity the entering gas phase is used.

One or more steam inlets 137 can also be used be tangentially attached to the wall of one or more cylindrical intermediate elements 102 and thereby horizontally in the channel 101 in the same direction as the liquid phase inlet 110 and the gas phase inlet 124 extend. If the apparatus is to serve as a distillation column, such inlet 137 becomes for introduction of the materials to be distilled. If the device for washing particulate! material from the gas phase is to be used, the introduction of the vapor becomes one of the constituents of the liquid phase into channel 101 through one or more steam inlets 137 accelerate the spinning of the gas phase without increasing the longitudinal velocity, and the suspended particulate matter by supersaturation eggs ■; .,!. use r; il Γ; .. i B ^ pi ba-i ^ tzan. The shape and the

Configuration of the steam ir. Ia se-es 137 can be similar to either . ^ a as with the. Liquid phase inlet 110 and the gas phase inlet 124 (as shown in Fig. 3) or, where supersonic velocity ^ IL ...., ö-'f ordc_ lioa, she can go with converging / diverging nozzles, as in inlet 37 shown in FIG.

A transverse separating element 105 is screwed or fastened between each pair of flanges 103, each of which has a central funnel 106 in the shape of a truncated cone of an inverted, hollow cone, the is open at the neck 107, forming a generally horizontal, circular opening which is the only communication

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cation between the respective chambers thus formed above and below each partition element 105.

Mounted coaxially just below each funnel 106 is a generally identical funnel 128 _? which is open at both ends (the mouth portion 130 and the neck 131) and serving as a deflector for directing the gas phase through the curtain 141 from liquid spinning outwardly and downwardly from the neck 107. ₉ Each funnel 128 is attached to funnel 106 immediately above it by one or more helical guides 129 (similar to helical guides 29 shown in FIG. 2) forming one or more helical passages 143 between the two funnels of dog portion 130 of funnel 128 attached to the neck 107 of the funnel 106. The gap, or the pitch of each helical guides 129 preferably increases progressively along the length downward from the mouth part 130 _ab} until the horizontal reached at the lower end, a converging, helical channel formed weaves progressively faster through the gas phase when the Neck 107 reached.

Also coaxial with the channel 101 and the funnels 106 and 123 and outside and right under each funnel 128, a liquid trap 150 is provided, also in the shape of a truncated cone of a hollow, inverted cone, but open only on the upper part 151 (the base part of the inverted cone) and closed at the bottom. The inner surface of each liquid trap 150 is attached to the outer surface of the funnel 128 immediately above it by one or more helical guides 149, thereby forming one or more helical passages 152 between the funnel 128 and the liquid trap 150 through which the spinning of the liquid phase, the in the liquid trap

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accumulates, is reinforced before it flows over the upper part 151 into the funnel 106 just below her.

In operation, the liquid phase becomes continuous is introduced into the cap 116 through the liquid phase inlet 110 and the narrow slot 111 at a rate that controlled by the liquid supply valve 113 will. Because of the tangential configuration of the liquid phase inlet 110 and the increase in inlet velocity, which is induced in the liquid phase by its convergence in the slot 111 becomes the entering one Liquid phase passed directly along the interior of the wall of the cap 116, against which it around the longitudinal, vertical axis of the channel 101 spins fast enough to form a free vortex, with a surface 140 that approaches the vertical at the neck 107 of the tallest of the funnels 106.

Ness ^r j Vnasc the Kaute of the neck 10 / überfliei3en and radially outward and a '; After enough liquid phase was introduced into the cap 116 for narrowing the inner diameter of the vortex surface 140 to the dos neck 107, v / ith the spinning F.iÜ3üir. c.; \ 'c: zs along the passage 143 z \ ri-. See the outer corpus spinning the funnel 1Co and the inner surface of the tallest one of the funnels 128 in the form of a generally continuous, annular curtain of liquid 141 shielding the outlet of the passage 143.

The descending liquid phase continues to spin lengthways the inner surface of the tallest of the funnels 128 where it continues to drop until it passes through the neck 131 and ascends through the passage 152 between the outer surface of the funnel 128 and the inner surface of the liquid trap 150, from which it rises over the cover 151

280722

flows and rises further along the inner wall of the next highest funnel 106 «The helical guide accelerates the spinning of the liquid phase as it rises through passage 152.

The spinning liquid phase overflows further down the necks 107 successively lower ones Funnels 106 to form substantially continuous, annular curtains of liquid 141 along the Outlets of successively lower passages 143 and flow through successively lower necks 131 and Passages 152 until it finally overflows over the cover of the lowermost of the liquid traps 150 into the sump 115 and is continuously withdrawn through the effluent liquid outlet 122 at a rate that is determined by the effluent liquid valve 123 is regulated.

In the meantime, the gas phase is continuously flowing through the gas phase inlet 124 into the lowest of the cylindrical ones Elements 102 are introduced at a rate regulated by gas phase throttle valve 112. Because of the refuel "layman configuration of the gas phase inlet 124 and eier increase in the leaching rate that occurs in the gas phase induced by its convergence in the slot 127, the incoming gas phase is about the vertical, longitudinal Axis of the channel 101 spun in the same direction as the liquid phase.

The spinning of the gas phase is further intensified when it passes through the lowest of the converging, helical ones Passages 143 from the mouth portion 130 of the lowermost one of the funnels 128 to the generally continuous, rhg-shaped curtain of liquid 141 goes out of the throat 107 of the lowest of the funnels 106 comes out. Since the spinning curtain of liquid closes the outlet of the passage 143

8n9R3s / nRfl7 bad original '

shields, the spinning gas phase must bubble through it before it can enter the neck 107 and through the funnel 106 can rise generally in countercurrent to the falling liquid phase through which the gas phase must bead again when it forms another annular curtain of liquid, the upward passage of the Gas phase shields when it overflows the cover 151 of the liquid trap 150, which is below the next funnel 128 is attached above the lowest.

The spinning gas phase continues its generally upward flow until it is successively higher Enters passageways 143 which are screened by successively higher liquid curtains 141 through which they generally must bead in countercurrent until it finally reaches the waste gas outlet 109, through which it is removed from the Device is withdrawn at a rate controlled by gas phase throttle valve 112.

The generally continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and gas phases, which spin in the same direction, not only facilitates the transfer of heat, steam, soluble compounds, and suspended matter from one phase to the other, but it also increases the spinning speed made the same in both phases. If an increase in the spinning speed is required, it is sufficient to increase the spinning of one phase, thereby obtaining faster spinning for both phases.

This can be easily achieved by introducing steam tangentially through one or more steam inlets 137, which are attached tangentially at suitable points or levels along the length of the channel 101. The steam can either the vapor from one of the components of the liquid

809835/0697

phase or it can be another condensable vapor or gas that is either in the liquid phase is soluble or which reacts in the device to form one or more products which are so soluble.

If- the device for washing particulate! Material from the gas phase is used, the introduction of steam through one or more steam inlets 137 can also serve to wet the suspended particles? by supersaturating the gas phase with steam, which on condensed them.

If the device is to be used for continuous fractional distillation, that is to be distilled Mixture continuously in one of the cylindrical intermediate elements 102, preferably by a tangential inlet similar to steam inlet 137? initiated. The liquid phase inlet 110 and the gas phase inlet 124 are then no longer required.

The introduced through the inlet 137 mixture (either in the vapor or in the liquid phase) is spun to the inner surface of 7 / and the cylindrical intermediate member 102, to which part whatsoever in the liquid phase remains from the inner surface of the next hopper Ιϋό under immediately it drains and forms a spinning, annular curtain of liquid 141 as it crosses the passage 143 from the neck 107 to the inner surface of the funnel 128 and follows the course previously described for the liquid phase until it descends into the sump 115 where the more volatile fraction is evaporated through heating mantle 125 before the less volatile fraction is withdrawn through effluent liquid outlet 122 at a rate controlled by effluent liquid valve 123.

809835/0697

In the meantime, the vapor portion of the mixture that passes into the cylindrical intermediate element 102 the inlet 137 was admitted to rise to the mouth portion 130 of the next funnel 128 immediately above it, always spun faster as it passes through the converging helical passage 143 until it bubbles through the ring-shaped curtain of liquid 141, outwardly and downwardly along passage 143 from the Spin neck 107 of funnel 106 next above it and continue the course as previously described for the gas phase follows until it rises into cap 116, where its less volatile fraction passes through the cooling jacket 126 is condensed before its more volatile fraction is blown out through waste gas outlet 109 at a rate which is regulated by the gas phase throttle valve 112.

If the mixture to be distilled is a complex, a number of units of this apparatus can be operated in series with one another. The blown out through the Abstromgasauslaß 109 a unit steam may by L. .p inlet 137 a a:? R ^q Dr n unit are initiated while the liquid is extracted by the Abstromflüssigkeitsauslaß 122 of the same unit, into the inlet 137 third unit can be initiated. This process can be continued through as many successive units of the apparatus as are necessary to separate the number of products ultimately desired.

End of description.

809815/0697

2AD ORfQiNAL

Claims (20)

KRAUS & WEISERT ibU '/ 221 PATENTANWÄLTE DR. WALTER KRAUS DIPLOMAL CHEMIST DR.-ING. ANNEKÄTE WEISERT DIPL.-ING. SPECIALIZATION CHEMICALS IRMGARDSTRASSE 15 D-8OOO MUNICH 71 TELEPHONE 089 / 797077-797078 TELEX 05-212156 kpatd TELEGRAM CRAUS PATENT 1752 claims 1. A method for continuous contact or for the continuous treatment of a liquid phase with a Gas phase and their subsequent separation from one another, characterized in that the liquid phase is so directs it continuously through a generally horizontal, circular opening, generally countercurrently to the gas phase, which is allowed to rise continuously through the opening during both phases spin around a generally vertical axis extending through the center of the opening fast enough so that the falling liquid phase forms a generally continuous, annular curtain of liquid spinning outward and downward from the lower edge of the opening, and directing the spinning gas phase so that that it passes through the generally continuous curtain of liquid before entering the ground the opening can occur = 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that heat is transferred from one phase to the other phase. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the components of one phase chemically reacts with at least one component of the other phase. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the components 809835/0697 ORIGINAL. INSPECTED one phase is physically transferred from this phase to the other phase. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a suspension of one phase in the other from the suspension after the passage of the gas phase through the generally continuous curtain of liquid Will get removed. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a particulate material is transferred in suspension in the gas phase from the gas phase into the liquid phase. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that at least a portion of the particulate material through a liquid is wetted before it is transferred into the liquid phase. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the liquid by condensation of its vapor directly is formed on the surfaces of the particulate material in suspension in the gas phase. 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wetting agent is conveyed or carried by the liquid phase. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one component of the Gas phase is the vapor of at least one component of the liquid phase. 11. Device for the continuous contact of a Liquid phase with a gas phase and its subsequent 809835 / 0B97 Separation from one another, characterized in that it comprises (a) a channel (1,101) having a generally circular internal cross-section and a generally vertical one, longitudinal axis, (b) a generally transverse divider (5,015) dividing the channel into an upper chamber (4) and a divides lower chamber (3), (c) a generally horizontal, central, circular opening (7,107) through the partition penetrates (d) means (10,9,110,109) for initiating the Liquid phase in and for withdrawing the gas phase from the upper chamber (4), (e) means (24,22,124,122) for initiating the Gas phase in and for withdrawing the liquid phase from the lower chamber (3), (f) facilities (10,11,20,24,25,29,39; 11O, 111,124, 127,129,137) to spin the contents of the channel around the vertical, longitudinal axis fast enough that the Liquid phase falls through the opening and comes out in the form of a generally continuous, annular Liquid curtain (41,141) emerges to the outside and spins downwards into the lower chamber, and (g) means (6,15,28,128) for directing the flow the gas phase into the lower chamber to prevent it from rising through the opening into the upper chamber, without first passing through the generally continuous curtain of liquid. 12. The device according spoke 11, characterized in that the separating element (5,105) has a central funnel (6, 106) extending downwardly into the lower chamber to the opening (7,107) at its lower end. 809835/0697 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the device (g) has a second funnel (28, 128) which is coaxial with the first funnel and is attached closely enough to the opening so that it covers the curtain of liquid while being generally continuous remains, can accommodate, whereby a passage (43,143) for the gas phase from between the two funnels the lower chamber through the annular curtain of liquid is created in the opening. 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the two funnels by at least one helical Guide (29,129) are connected, which means a device for spinning the gas phase around the vertical, longitudina-Ie Axis of the channel during its passage from the lower chamber to the opening results. 15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that that it comprises a third funnel (28) which is coaxial with the first two funnels and narrow enough is attached to the neck of the second funnel so that it can receive the spinning curtain of liquid coming therefrom emerges while remaining generally continuous, creating between the second and third funnels a second, essentially parallel passage (43) for the gas phase from the lower chamber through a second, annular liquid curtain created in the opening will. 16. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that that it comprises a liquid trap. (15O) which is closed at the bottom and open at the top and just below and is mounted coaxially with the second funnel (128) whereby an outlet for the liquid phase from the neck the second funnel is created in the lower chamber, 809835/0697 280722! _ 5 - while preventing passage in the opposite direction to the gas phase. 17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that the inner surface of the liquid trap (150) with the outer surface of the second funnel by at least a helical guide (149) is connected, whereby means for spinning the liquid phase about the vertical, longitudinal axis of the channel during their passage into the lower chamber is created » 18. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 17, characterized in that the space or the pitch of the helical guide (29,129,149) progressively decreases along its length, creating a converging passage to speed up the spinning of the content. 19. Device according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that at least two units of the device are fastened or provided one above the other in series so that the upper chamber of the lower unit becomes the lower chamber of the upper unit. 20. Use of the device according to claim 19 as a distillation column. 80983S / 0697