US2029277A - Bubble tray - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 28, 1936. p, SCOWLLE 2,029,277

BUBBLE TRAY Filed Feb. 23, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 4.19 5601 1145 6' A TTOR/VEV Jan. 28, 1936. Lu scOVlLLE 2,029,277

BUBBLE TRAY Filed Feb. 23, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 [N VENTOR LJQJCdV/LLE ///5 .4 TTOR/VE V Patented Jan'. 28, 1936 I'TE s'rss BUBBLE TRAY Loren P. Scoville, Flushing, N. Y., assignor to The Texas Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application February 23, 1933, Serial No. 658,083

9 Claims. (CL 261-114) This invention relates to improvements in fractionating towers employing transverse baffies or plates, such as the usual bubble trays.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide a tray construction which will operate more efiiciently than those used at present in fractionating towers and wherein the trays, which may be made in sections if preferred, may be readily installed and removed at will.

The above and other objects will appear more fully from the following description 'when con-' sidered in connection with the drawings wherein:

Fig. 1- is a vertical sectional view through a fractionating tower and bubble tray construction illustrating one form which the invention may assume.

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, similar to Fig, 1, illustrating a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 3. v

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the lines 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Considerable difiiculty has heretofore been experienced in placing bubble trays or apertured battles in fractionating towers, wherein there is a constant upward movement of vapors and downward flow of liquids, due to the fact that the tray must be placed in substantially sealed relation to the interior face of the tower wall for efiicient operation of the apparatus. In the usual construction the junction between the trays and the tower wall or the support thereon is closed by bolting the tray in place or by using a sealing compound or gasket, all such expedients interfering with the prompt removal of the tray and often causing inefiicient operation due to leakage or due to the sealing material becoming dislodged and clogging the liquid or vapor passages. According to the present invention, the difficulty of providing a seal between, the tray and the tower wall and betweenthe sections of the trayis overcome without using bolts, sealing material, gaskets, etc., and furthermore the construction which provides the sea] at these points materially increases the efiectiveness of the tray by performing the function of the bubble caps on the trays.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the tower proper includes a vertical side wall 2, usually circular in form although the present invention is applicable to towers of other forms. The bubble trays 4 are preferably formed of a plurality ,of

sections 4a, 4b and 40, which may be bolted or welded together as indicated at 5, although obviously unitary trays may be. employed. The trays are formed with overflow liquid nipples 6,

extending from the normal liquid level A above 5 the trays to points beneath the normal liquid level of the next lower tray.

The vapor passages 8 include vapor riser nipples I0 which may be formed integral with the tray 4 and which are shown as terminating at the level B above the plane of the tray 4 but beneath the normal liquid level A of the tray, although the nipples may extend higher if desired. The nipples ID are enclosed within bubble caps l2, which may be conveniently supported on and secured to the nipples, the caps extending downwardly overthe nipples ID to form a liquid vapor trap at the nipple. As shown, the lower edges of the bubble caps are formed with serrated edges extending from the level C at the base of the serrations to the level D at the tips thereof to cause the upwardly rising vapors to be broken up into small streams or series of bubbles which are contacted with the liquid on the tray. A desired number of vapor riser nipples and bubble caps may be placed on each tray.

The outer periphery of each tray 4 is extended upwardly, outwardly and downwardly, as shown at H, to form an inverted vapor trap or pocket 13 terminating in a downward projection M. The lower edge of the flange I4 is formed with serrations l6 extending from the level C to the level D so as to correspond to the level of-the serrations on the bubble caps l2. Each tray is supported at its outer peripheraledge, as by extensions l'l, on a supporting bracket l8 which is preferably welded securely to the inner face of the outer wall and which is formed with an upwardly extending projection 20, spaced from the wall 2 of the tower to form an upright liquid receiving pocket 22 into which the peripheral flange i l of the tray extends. It is preferred to have the upper edge of the flange 20 extend to the same height as the vapor riser nipples ID, at the level B, to provide uniform vapor flow through the space between the flanges 20 and I 4.

In assembling the apparatus, the flanges l8 are first welded or otherwise secured in gas type relation to thtepwalls 2, there being one bracket l8 for eac "y to be introduced. The trays are then placedirnsupported position upon the brackets as shown in the drawings, the trays being introduced either sectionally or as a whole depending, for example, upon the type of man- Way with which the tower is provided.

When the tower is in operation, liquid is maintained .at the normal liquid level A, any excess overflowing downwardly through the liquid nipples 6 to the next lower tray. The vapors constantly rise through the vapor riser nipples i and pass downwardly beneath the edges of the bubble caps I2 where the liquid and vapors are contacted and the heavier bodies retainedwith the liquid while the lighter vapor bodies pass upwardly through the liquidand escape with other lighter vapor particles into the next section of the tower. Due to the reversed relation of the flanges l4 and 20 on the tray and wall brackets, respectively, the pocket 22 is maintained full of liquid. The vapors accordingly pass upwardly over the flange 20 and beneath the serrated edges l6 of the bubble tray in the same manner that they pass through the vapor nipples l0 and caps l2. Obviously, no liquid can leak past the edges of the various trays since the brackets [8 may be secured in gas tight relation against the inner face of the tower wall, the upwardly rising vapors preventing the liquid from overflowing past the flanges l4 and 20. It is unnecessary to use any sealing material or gaskets therefore to prevent leakage. It will be understood that, if preferred, where an extremely highrate of vapor passage is contemplated, the trays may be locked against displacement as shown at 24.

The trays are readily removed by being lifted from their supported position on the brackets since no sealing materials or gaskets are employed.

In the modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 3 to the sectional trays may be sealed by employing the construction described above in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, or, if preferred, any of the usual sealing devices may be employed at the periphery of the tray. The construction disclosed in these figures relates particularly to the devices employed for sealing the junctions of the tray sections to prevent leakage between the junctions and to increase the capacity of the trays.

As shown, each tray 26 is formed of three sections 26a, 26b and 260, thesections being supported upon a supporting ring l8a. terminating in a vertical flange 20a of the type shown in the first form of the invention. The trays are spaced from the upper edges of the flanges 200. as by means of the several spaced supporting lugs 21. The trays are provided with any desired number of vapor riser nipples Illa and bubble caps I22]. and with overflow liquid nipples 6a as will be readily understood.

Each tray section 26a is formed at its free edge with a vertically extended flange 28 which terminates at substantially the same height as the vapor riser nipples "la and vertical flange 20a of the supporting ring. The adjacent edge of the next tray section 26b is extended upward- 1y, outwardly and downwardly to form an inverted vapor trap or pocket 30 terminating in a downwardly extending projection 32. The free edge of the projection 32 is preferably serrated and terminates at substantially the same height as the serrated edges of the vapor riser caps to simulate the construction and operation of the vapor riser caps at the junction between the sections 26a and 26b. The projection 32 may be connection with the tray sections 26a and 26b. It will be noted, however, that the central tray section 26b, where only three sections are provided, has the two inverted vapor pockets 3!! and serrated lower edges and that the two outer tray sections 260.- and 260 are formed with flanges 28 extending upwardly into the vapor traps or pockets 30. This construction facilitates the introduction of the tray sections in that the central section may be introduced last after the outer sections 26a and 260 have been -properly placed and without disturbing the positions of the outer sections. The sections 26a, 26b and 260 may be bolted or locked together, as indicated at 34, and if necessary the entire tray may be bolted to the flange I8a, although this is not considered necessary since the weight'of the sectional tray is ordinarily suflicient to hold'it' in place.

While, as illustrated, the tray 26 is preferably formed at the outer edge with the same type of construction as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it will be understood that the sectional tray construction, illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, is useful whether or not the particular devices disclosed for sealing the outer peripheral edge of the entire tray are employed.

In the construction disclosed in Figs. 3 to 5, the vapor riser nipples and bubble caps function in the usual manner to conduct vapors through the trays and to contactthe vapors with liquid 'maintained on the tray at the height shown in Fig. 1. The periphery of the entire tray as well as the periphery of each tray section is sealed against the downward passage of liquid through the tray.

The construction disclosed materially increases.

the capacity of the tower since the devices for sealing the periphery of the trays and of the tray sections are constructed to perform the function of the bubble caps and to this extent increase the capacity of the trays.

While the vapor riser nipples and vertical flanges for cooperation with the peripheral vapor pockets of the trays and tray sections are shown as terminating at the height B, beneath the liquid level A, it will be understood that these nipples may extend higher so that the'bubble caps are positioned at or above the liquid level A on the tray, if desired, the height of the nipples de- I termining the certainty of the vapor trap at the should be imposed as are indicated in the appended. claims.

I claim:

1. In a bubbletower, a supporting ring secured to the interior face of the tower and having an upwardly extending flange about the inner periphery thereof to form a liquid retaining trough, a sectional bubble tray removably supported within the tower by said trough, vapor risers and bubble caps carried by said tray, the marginal portions of said tray sections adjacent the said trough having-flanges overlapping the said upwardly extending flange of the trough and then depending down into the trough in spaced relation to the upwardly extending flange and to subfrom each other to form additional vapor passages,'there being an upwardly extending flange on one tray section to form a liquid pool thereon and an overlapping flange on the adjacent tray section which extends downwardly in spaced relation to the said upwardly extending flange and into the said liquid pool to substantially the same level as the lower ends of the bubble caps, and

spaced supports between the said upwardly extending flange and the said overhanging flange of adjacent tray sections, whereby additional vapor bubble passages are provided between the said tray sections, the said tray sections being supported substantially entirely by each other and by the said liquid retaining trough.

2. In a bubble tower, an annular trough secured to the inner wall of the tower, a sectional bubble tray composed of outer sections and a cenabout the tray sections, vapor risers and bubble tral section, the marginal portions of said sections overlapping the inner edge of said trough and then extending downwardly into the trough for a distance to form a vapor bubble passage caps carried by the tray sections. the outer tray sections having upstanding flanges along the sides thereof adjacent the central tray section, the latter having side flanges overhanging the said upstanding flanges and then extending downwardly toward the outer tray sections a distance to form additional vapor bubble passages between the tray sections, the said central tray section being supported for upward removal from the said outer tray sections and annular trough. and the said outer tray sections being supported for upward removal from the said annular trough following removal of the said central tray section.

3. In a bubble tower, a supporting projection encircling the interior face of said 'tower and formed with an upwardly extending flange spaced from the tower wall, a readily removable bubble tray supported upon said flange and provided with vapor risers and bubble caps positioned over the same, the upper edge of said projection and the upper ends of said vapor risers.

being at approximately the same level, the outer edge of said tray extending over and behind said .with an upwardly opening liquid retaining pocket,

a bubble tray having vapor risers and bubble caps supported at spaced points upon said flange to leave a vapor space therebetween, a downwardly extended notched flange carried by said tray at its periphery and positioned in sealed relation in said pocket about substantially the entire periphery thereof, and means for maintaining an effective liquid level within said upwardly opening liquid retaining pocket substantially corresponding to the efiective liquid level on said tray about said vapor risers and bubble caps, whereby the annular passage between said tray and tower flanges also functions as a vapor flow passage during normal operation of said tower.

5. In a bubble tower, a supporting flange secured to the inner face of said tower and formed with an upwardly opening liquid retaining pocket, a bubble tray supported at spaced points adjacent its periphery on said flange and provided with vapor riser nipples extending above the body of said tray, bubble caps enclosing said nipples and extending downwardly beneath the upper edge of said nipples, said tray being formed with a downwardly extended flange at its outer periphery positioned in sealed relation in said pocket, said downwardly extending flange ter'minating substantially at the level of the lower edge of said bubble caps and having portions spaced from said flange to form vapor passages.

6. In a bubble tower, a supporting flange secured'to the inner face of said tower and formed with an upwardly opening liquid retaining pocket, a bubble tray supported for free upward removal at spaced points adjacent its periphery on said flange and provided with vapor riser nipples extending above the body of said tray, bubble caps enclosing said nipples and extending downwardly beneath the upper edge of said nipples, said tray being formed with a downwardly extended flange at its outer periphery positioned in sealed relation in said pocket, said downwardly extending flange terminating substantially at the level of the lower edge of said bubble caps and having portions spaced from said flange to form vapor passages, and a liquid nipple for maintaining a predetermined height of liquid on said tray and liquid retaining pocket and for conducting excess liquid to a lower tray.

7. In a bubble tower construction, a supporting ring secured to the interior face of said tower and having an upwardly extending flange constructed to form a pocket for retaining a pool of liquid therein, a bubble tray supported for free upward removal at spaced points adjacent its periphery on said supporting ring and extending across said tower, said tray being formed about substantially the entire periphery thereof with a downwardly extending flange positioned in said pocket and having a vapor underflow level positioned above the plane of said tray, vapor riser nipples on said tray extending above the plane of said tray and substantially to the height of the flange on said supporting ring and bubble caps positioned over said nipples and extending downwardly to provide a vapor underflow at subing serrated lower edges.

8. In a bubble tray construction for fractionating equipment, a sectional tray, means for maintaining a body of liquid on said tray, bubble caps and nipples-on said tray for conducting upwardly rising vapors through said tray and for contacting the same with liquid on said tray and an upwardly extending flange and a cooperating overhanging flange formed on the contiguous edges of adjacent tray sections for sealing the junctions of the sections of said tray, said flanges being spaced to form vapor passages and liquid traps for conducting upwardly rising vapors through said tray between said sections and for contacting the same with liquid on said tray, said bubble caps and vapor passages between said flanges contacting vapor and liquid on substantially the same horizontal level.

through said tray and for contacting the same with liquid on said tray beneath the liquid level on said tray and means for supporting and sealing the peripheral edges of said tray comprising a liquid retaining trough about the periphery of the tray into which a depending flange from the tray extends, and providing means for accommodating the upward passage of vapors at the edges of the tray while contacting said vapors with the liquid in said trough to afford additional vapor bubble 10 space.

LOREN P. SCOVILLE.

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