JP2012509759A - High speed low impact liquid supply distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid distributor having an inlet pipe connected to a pipe manifold further including a plurality of liquid distribution pipes, each liquid distribution pipe including an inlet and an outlet connected to the pipe manifold; Or a liquid dispensing device including a liquid collision portion having a plurality of dishes in close proximity to the outlets of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  [0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply distributor capable of dispensing a high speed feed with little or no fouling and a corresponding low pressure drop.

  [0002] It can be difficult to uniformly introduce a liquid supply into a liquid-filled container, such as a contactor. A distributor with complex distribution piping is often used to evenly distribute the liquid supply across the cross section of the container. Currently available distributors generally include first and second distribution arms or manifolds. One or both of the first and second dispensing arms typically include a number of small holes through which the liquid supply flows into the container. As a result of the large number of dispensing arms and small holes, the pressure drop across the distributor as the liquid supply flows through the distributor and into the container is very low. This is related to the low velocity of the liquid flowing through the distributor arms and small holes.

  [0003] In certain applications, the low velocity of liquid in the distributor arm can lead to contamination of the distributor. For example, if a solid is suspended or formed in the liquid supply, the liquid supply rate is not fast enough to prevent the solid material from blocking or plugging the arms and holes, so that Solids can foul the dispensing arms and / or small holes. As a result, liquid distribution can be non-uniform. Accordingly, there is a need for a liquid distributor that dispenses liquid at a higher rate and / or does not include structures or features that tend to be soiled and embolized. Further, there is a need for new distributors that introduce one or more immiscible liquids into a container.

  [0004] The present invention solves one or more problems in prior art liquid distributors by providing an apparatus that can introduce liquid into a container at high speed. The apparatus of the present invention includes features that rapidly distribute the introduced high speed liquid throughout the container while simultaneously reducing the speed of the introduced liquid.

  [0005] One aspect of the invention is a liquid distributor that includes an inlet tube and a piping manifold coupled to a first end of the inlet tube, the piping manifold including a plurality of liquid distribution pipes, each of which includes a liquid manifold. A pipe is a collision portion comprising a liquid distributor including an inlet and an outlet connected to a pipe manifold and a plurality of dishes, each dish having an upper surface, and the upper surface of at least one dish is a plurality of liquids A liquid dispensing device comprising an impingement portion oriented essentially perpendicular to the direction of liquid exiting at least one outlet of the distribution pipe.

  [0006] Another aspect of the invention is a liquid distributor that includes an inlet tube and a piping manifold coupled to the inlet tube, wherein the piping manifold includes a plurality of liquid distribution tubes, each liquid distribution tube being a piping manifold. And a plurality of dishes having a circular upper surface that is essentially flush with the outlet of each distribution pipe being essentially coplanar. A collision portion, wherein each of the plurality of dishes is associated with a different liquid distribution outlet and the upper surface of each dish is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the liquid exiting from the respective liquid distribution outlet A liquid dispensing apparatus.

  [0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of dispensing a liquid into a container, the method comprising an inlet tube and a piping manifold coupled to a first end of the inlet tube, A liquid dispensing device including a pipe manifold including an inlet and an outlet each including a liquid distribution pipe, each liquid distribution pipe connected to a pipe manifold, and a collision portion comprising a plurality of dishes, each dish having an upper surface Mounting in the container an impact portion wherein the upper surface of at least one dish is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the liquid exiting one or more outlets of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes; Directing a sufficient amount of liquid through the inlet pipe into the pipe manifold to provide a liquid velocity in the range of 1.2 to 7.5 M / sec at each outlet of the liquid dispensing pipe Liquid Directing the liquid flowing from each outlet of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes on the upper surface of the at least one dish so that at least a portion of the dish is redirected radially away from the center of the dish, And a velocity of the liquid measured at the outer periphery of the pan flowing in a direction away from the center in the radial direction is 1.5 M / second or less.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the liquid distributor of the present invention including a liquid distributor (10) and an impingement portion (30). [0009] FIG. 5 is a bottom view looking up a collision portion (30) of an embodiment of the liquid distributor of the present invention. [0010] FIG. 3A is a side view of one possible embodiment of a dish of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a top view of one possible embodiment of the dish of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating an example of a relationship between a distributor and a tray associated with a liquid dispensing apparatus of the present invention.

  [0012] The present invention relates to the velocity of the introduced liquid so that the liquid moving at a high initial velocity is rapidly directed into the container containing the liquid, and then the introduced liquid is evenly distributed in the container. The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing device that is useful for rapidly reducing Unlike prior art liquid distributors, the liquid distributor of the present invention does not include small holes. Thus, the present invention solves at least some of the problems associated with dispensing liquid at low speed through a plurality of small holes. The liquid dispensing apparatus of the present invention solves some of the problems of prior art dispensing because it includes a plurality of liquid dispensing pipes that direct high speed liquid to opposing dishes. When high speed liquid exiting the distribution outlet hits the dish, the liquid flow is redirected and further distributed, significantly reducing the speed of the liquid as it flows out of the dish.

  [0013] The liquid dispensing apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. The liquid dispensing device of the present invention comprises two main elements. The first major element is the liquid distributor 10 and the second major element is the liquid impingement portion 30. The liquid distributor 10 and the liquid impingement portion 30 may be interconnected to form a single liquid dispensing device structure located within the container. Alternatively, the liquid distributor 10 and the impingement portion 30 can be separately associated with the container so as to be oriented as described below.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, the liquid distributor 10 includes an inlet tube 12 having a first end 14 that is coupled to a piping manifold 16. A second end (not shown) opposite the inlet tube 12 is connected to a liquid supply source such as a pump connected to a supply tank filled with liquid, a liquid supply source, and the like. The pipe manifold 16 includes a plurality of liquid distribution pipes 18. Each liquid distribution pipe 18 includes an inlet 20 and an open outlet 22 connected to the pipe manifold 16.

  [0015] The liquid distribution pipe 18 and its corresponding outlet 22 may be connected to the pipe manifold 16 in any number and any orientation that efficiently distributes liquid into the container. The number of liquid distribution pipes 18 used depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the cross-sectional area of the liquid container, the designed liquid supply rate, and the desired supply rate exiting the outlet 22.

  [0016] The piping manifold 16 and distribution pipe 18 are generally connected to the manifold 16 and, as practical, essentially the same volume of liquid at essentially the same speed from the outlet 22 of each liquid distribution pipe 10. It has a length and internal dimensions that come out reliably. Generally, the speed of the liquid exiting the outlet 22 will be in the range of 1.2 to 7.5 M / sec, more preferably 2.0 to 6.0 M / sec, most preferably 3.5 to 5.0 M / sec. . However, in some cases it may be advantageous to design the dispenser 10 such that the tube 18 dispenses different volumes of liquid and / or delivers liquid at different speeds to different container locations.

  [0017] The velocity of the liquid exiting the outlet 22 of the liquid distribution pipe 18 must be reduced to ensure that the liquid is evenly distributed in the container. The impingement portion 30 provides a liquid velocity reduction element. The impingement portion 30 of the liquid dispensing device of the present invention is shown in FIG. The collision portion 30 includes a plurality of dishes 32, each dish including an upper surface 34 and a lower surface 36. The top surface 34 of the dish preferably has an area that is large enough to reduce the velocity of the liquid exiting the outlet 22 that impinges on the dish 32. In one embodiment, the pan reduces the speed of the liquid flowing laterally at the edge 33 of the pan 32 to 1.5 M / sec or less, preferably 0.6 M / sec or less, and most preferably 0.25 M / sec or less. To do. In general, each dish 32 has a cross-sectional area that is 4 to 200 times the cross-sectional area of one or more outlets 22 of the corresponding liquid distribution pipe. For example, in a typical container, the outlet 22 has a circular opening with a diameter of 2 cm to 6 cm or more. The dish 32 is circular with a diameter of 30 cm to 50 cm.

  [0018] The dish 32 can have any shape, including but not limited to circular, square, star, rectangular and irregular shapes, which can reduce the velocity of the liquid exiting the outlet 22 to a desired velocity. It can be. However, the dish 32 is preferably circular. Furthermore, the outlet 22 of the liquid distribution pipe is preferably oriented so that the liquid exiting the outlet 22 impinges on the upper surface 34 of the dish essentially at the center 35 of the upper surface 34 of the dish. In most cases, this means that the outlet 22 is directed against the dish 32 such that the liquid flowing out of the outlet 22 impinges on the upper surface 34 of the dish at right angles. The combination of the circular shape of the dish and directing the liquid exiting the outlet 22 to the center of the upper surface 34 of the circular dish redirects the liquid by approximately 90 ° and is essentially the entire upper surface 34 of the dish with respect to volume. Evenly distributed. This combination further facilitates effectively reducing the liquid velocity of the liquid exiting the outlet 22. When the liquid flow from the outlet 22 impinges on the upper surface 34 of the dish 32, the liquid flow is redirected to flow parallel to the upper surface 34 of the dish. Initially, the horizontal velocity is proportional to the radius of the outlet 22. As liquid flows across the top surface 34 of the dish, the horizontal velocity of the liquid decreases. The distance that the liquid flows above the top surface of the dish to the surface 34 is preferably such that the liquid velocity is from 1.2 to 7.5 M / sec at the outlet 22 to 0.25 to 1.5 M / sec at the perimeter of the dish. It is big enough to be lowered. In addition, these dimensions generally reduce the liquid velocity substantially uniformly as the liquid passes through the entire top surface 34 of the dish, since the liquid velocity at any point around the edge 33 of the dish 32 is Is essentially equal to the liquid velocity at the perimeter of the pan and / or is lower than the liquid velocity at the perimeter of the pan described above.

  [0019] It is contemplated that a single dish 32 may be associated with multiple liquid dispensing outlets 22. For example, two liquid distribution outlets 22 may be associated with a single dish 32 having a figure-shaped top surface. In this embodiment, each outlet 22 can be centered over one of the eight circular portions. However, it is preferred that each liquid distribution outlet 22 is associated with a corresponding dish 32. In this way, all outlets 22 are located as far as possible above the center of the top surface 34 of the dish to which they are directed, thereby minimizing the interaction between the liquid streams exiting the different distribution outlets 22. Become.

  [0020] When mounted in a container as shown in FIG. 1, the dishes 32 preferably have their respective upper surfaces 34 relative to the direction of liquid flow exiting from the respective outlets 22 of the liquid distribution pipe 18. Directed to make a right angle. As the liquid exits the liquid distribution pipe 18 at high speed, the liquid hits the top surface 34 of the dish at a high speed so that it changes the direction of the liquid and flows laterally toward the edge 33 of the dish 32 in all lateral directions. Thereby distributing the liquid evenly throughout the container.

  [0021] The distance H between the outlet 22 of the distribution pipe 18 and the upper surface 34 of the pan 32 may vary. H should be a distance that allows essentially all of the liquid through the outlet 22 to impinge on the top surface 34 of the dish, and in conjunction with the dimensions of the dish, the liquid that flows down from the perimeter of the dish Should be at the desired liquid flow rate and preferably at a distance of 0.25 to 1.5 M / sec. For example, H can range from 5 cm to 60 cm or more.

  [0022] The distance H can be the same for all distribution pipes and pans of the liquid distributor, or some heights H can be the same, some can be different, or all The height H can be different for different outlet / dish combinations. This aspect of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 including a horizontal piping manifold 16 having a plurality of liquid distribution pipes 18. In FIG. 4, the liquid distribution pipe outlets 22 are not all on the same plane. However, in a preferred embodiment, the outlet 22 is coplanar. Furthermore, the top surface 34 of each dish 32 is also not coplanar in FIG. However, in the preferred embodiment, the top surfaces of the dishes 32 are essentially all coplanar with respect to each other. Finally, in FIG. 4, the distance H between the outlet 22 and the dish 32 is different. However, when outlet 22 and pan 32 are both essentially coplanar, distance H is essentially the same for all outlet / pan pairs.

  [0023] The top surface 34 of the dish may include particles and / or speed reducing surfaces that facilitate the reduction of the size of any particles in the container or liquid exiting the liquid distribution outlet 22. However, any dish top feature that may facilitate particle size reduction may also facilitate unwanted deposition of particles on the dish surface. Therefore, it is usually preferred that the upper surface of the dish is smooth.

  [0024] The top surface 34 of the dish may include a notch or knurled ridge 41 to be useful for controlling the level of liquid on the dish 30. A preferred ridge 41 is scored as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the knurled ridge 41 is a radially spaced notch starting at the center of the top surface 34 of the dish and ending radially around the periphery 33 of the dish. The distance between the nicks 37 and the valleys 39 is not particularly important. However, useful ticks typically have a distance between apex 37 and valley 39 of 1 cm to 5 cm.

  [0025] An example of a cross section of a container having a plurality of dishes 30 is shown in FIG. The cross section shown in FIG. 2 includes a central dish 32A and a plurality of surrounding dishes 32B. The surrounding dish 32B can be directed against the central dish 32A in any manner such that the flow from the outlet of the distributor tube is evenly distributed within the container. In one embodiment, dish 32B is oriented in a spoke-like pattern with respect to center dish 32A. In this embodiment, each peripheral dish 32B is separated from its adjacent peripheral dish 32B by an angle α, which is generally the same for each pair of adjacent peripheral dishes 32B. Note that the angle α need not be the same and can be different for all from one of the adjacent surrounding dishes 32B.

  [0026] The term "essentially" is used herein to modify a particular term. The term “essentially” takes into account that there may be some variation from the desired orientation, length, plane, center, etc., for example, due to the construction of the device and mounting factors.

  [0027] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a liquid distributor of the present invention mounted in a container 50. FIG. Container 50 includes a wall 51 having an outer surface 54 and an inner surface 56. The connecting plate 60 supports the dish 32 or, alternatively, the connecting plate 60 supports the horizontal beam 66 that supports the dish 32. Thus, the connecting plate 60 fixes the collision portion 30 in place during operation of the container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a vertical support column 67 connected to a dish support beam 66 holds one or more liquid distribution pipes 18 or manifolds 16 in place within the container 50. The method of supporting and holding the liquid distributor 10 and the liquid impingement portion 30 in place in the container shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of how the container spacing is fixed in place. Any other method known to those skilled in the art for securing the distributor or other built-in in place in the container during operation can be used in the present invention.

  [0028] FIG. 1 shows the orientation of the liquid distributor 10 with respect to the liquid impingement portion 30, where the liquid distribution outlet is directed downward and the pan 30 is horizontally below the outlet 22 of the liquid distribution pipe 18. Directed. Any other pan / exit orientation that is useful for dispensing the liquid supplied to the container may be used. For example, the liquid distribution pipe outlet 22 may be directed upward toward the horizontal dish 32. Alternatively, the outlet 22 can be directed at an angle with respect to the container. An important feature of any orientation of the liquid distributor 10 relative to the impingement is that the pan 32 is always oriented so that the pan surface 34 is essentially perpendicular to the liquid flow exiting the liquid distribution outlet 22. Is to be done.

Claims (10)

A liquid distributor including an inlet pipe and a pipe manifold connected to a first end of the inlet pipe, wherein the pipe manifold includes a plurality of liquid distribution pipes, each liquid distribution pipe being connected to the pipe manifold. A liquid distributor including an inlet and an outlet,
A collision portion comprising a plurality of dishes, each dish having an upper surface, wherein the upper surface of at least one dish is relative to the direction of the liquid exiting from the outlet of at least one of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes A collision part oriented essentially at right angles, and
A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising:   2. The liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein different dishes are associated with respective liquid distribution pipe outlets.   3. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface of each dish is circular and each liquid outlet directs liquid essentially to the center of the upper surface of each circular dish.   2. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the outlet of each liquid distributor to the upper surface of each dish is in the range of 5 cm to 60 cm.   2. The liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface area of the upper surface of the dish is 4 to 200 times the area of the outlet of the associated liquid distribution pipe.   2. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one of the dishes includes two or more radial ridges.   7. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the radial ridges is scored.   The liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outlets of each of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes are substantially coplanar with respect to each other, and each of the upper surfaces of the plurality of dishes is essential with respect to each other. Liquid dispensing device that is generally coplanar.   A dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device has an interior space defined by a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the liquid distributor being located above the impingement portion with respect to height. A container located in the interior space. In a method for dispensing a liquid in a container,
Attaching the liquid dispensing device of claim 1 to the interior of the container such that the liquid distributor is located above the impingement portion with respect to height;
Directing a sufficient amount of liquid through the inlet pipe into the pipe manifold to provide a liquid velocity in the range of 1.2 to 7.5 M / sec at each outlet of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes;
Directing the liquid flowing from each outlet of each of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes on the top surface of the at least one dish so that at least a portion of the directed liquid is redirected radially away from the center of the dish And the flow rate of the redirected liquid measured at the outer periphery of the dish flowing radially away from the center of the dish is 1.5 M / sec or less.

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