Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
  • B01D45/04—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia
  • B01D45/08—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by impingement against baffle separators
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
  • B01D45/04—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia
  • B01D45/08—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by impingement against baffle separators
  • B01D45/10—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by impingement against baffle separators which are wetted

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an entrainment separator. More particularly, it relates to an entrainment separator for the separation of entrained solids or liquids from gases, preferably entrained liquids. It also relates to a contactor-separator whereby a mist of drops of a liquid can be contacted with the gaseous stream to further remove entrained liquids, solids and/or soluble or reactive components of the gaseous stream (e.g. SO 2 removal by a caustic wash).
• a contactor-separator whereby a mist of drops of a liquid can be contacted with the gaseous stream to further remove entrained liquids, solids and/or soluble or reactive components of the gaseous stream (e.g. SO 2 removal by a caustic wash).
• gas-liquid dispersions should be separated.
• the quality of a process stream or of a product can suffer unless adulterating material in the form of another dispersed phase is removed.
• the efficiency of staged mass transfer operations can be reduced if there is mechani cal carryover of a dispersed phase with the continuous stream from one stage to the next.
• Valuable material can be lost from a system because of incomplete separation of dispersed material.
• With improper separation of the gas liquid dispersion there can be intrusion of an unwanted phase into equipment along the line of processing which result in poor performance or damage to the equipment. discharge of a gas-liquid dispersion from a stack can result in atmospheric pollution and possible destruction of pro perty.
• an entrainment separator for separating liquids from gas and solids from gases comprising: a. a housing providing an inlet at one end, an outlet at the opposed end and an outlet disposed along the side; b. an adjustable surface, preferably planar, providing a face facing the inlet and an opposed face; c. an annular deflector beneath the adjustable surface, attached to the housing and extending inward of the housing and positioned relative to the adjustable surface to pro vide an opening between the adjustable surface and annular deflector; d. means to adjust the position of the adjustable surface relative to the annular deflector; e. a tube attached to the opposed face of the adjustable surface and extending downward of the inlet; f. a funnel providing a downward extending spout positioned below the tube; and g. means providing flow of liquid in the funnel past the tube and to the spout.
• the above entrainment separator can also function as a contactor for liquids with gases, solids or liquids, by including means for providing a spray of liquid droplets or a mist to the interior volume above the adjustable surface and below the inlet, whereby a gaseous stream introduced through the inlet can be efficiently contacted with the spray or mist.
• the advantages of the invention include the following:
• the adjustment feature allows a wide turndown ratio, even during operation of the external adjustment is included.
• the cylindrical configuration of the housing is the least expensive for pressure or vacuum application, and is well suited for lining against corrosion, erosion, etc.
• the housing can be fabricated from standard piping or vessel sections, while the internals can be sized for particular applications.
• Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are longitudinal cross-sectional views through preferred embodiments of a contactor according to the invention;
• F 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a preferred embodiment of an entrainment separator of the invention; and
• Fig. 4 is a detail of a preferred adjustment means.
• the entrainment separator thereof comprises a housing 10. Positioned on housing 10 is removable cover 12 having an inlet 14., Positioned directly below and in line with inlet 14 is planar surface 16 which forms a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the sides of inlet 14. Planar surface 16 has a face directed toward inlet 14 and an opposed face. Planar surface 15 is positioned in proximity to and lying within a concave cavity formed by annular deflector 20 of frustoconical shape and which is attached housing 10. Annular deflector 20 attached to housing 10 extends, generally, downward and inward of the housing. The slope inward of annular deflector 20 is from about 15 o to about 75° from vertical.
• annular deflector have an inward slope of from about 30° to about 60°.
• Planar surface 16 has adjustment means 18 by which the position of the planar surface is adjusted in relation to annular deflector 20.
• An opening between planar surface 16 and annular deflector 20 is defined by the edge of the planar surface 16 and annular deflector 20.
• the adjustment means 18 By adjusting the adjustment means 18, the width of the open is correspondingly adjusted.
• Attached to the opposed face of planar surface 16 is tube 22.
• the sides of tube 22 are perpendicular to the plane of planar surface 16.
• Tube 22 extends downward from planar surface 16 into the mouth of funnel 24 lying directly below planar surface 16.
• Funnel 24 has a spout 26 extending downward toward the bottom of housing 10.
• Lying below spout 26 is a liquid or solids outlet 34.
• Spout 26 can have a lateral gas exhaust port 28. If spout 26 has a gas port 28, shield 30 is provided and positioned directly above gas port 28 and attached to funnel 24 to prevent liquid or solids from flowing through the opening.
• a gas outlet 32 is positioned on the side of housing 10, directly facing and in line with gas port 28.
• the entrainment separator of this invention is designed to separate liquids and solids from the gas in which they are entrained. Although the separator of the invention can be used to separate solid particles from gases, it is particularly suited to separate liquids from gases.
• the entrainment separator for separating solids from gases have washing means 36 for washing the solids, disengaged from the gas, from the surfaces on which they accumulate.
• washing means include a spray or series of spray nozzles, ring sprayers and the like.
• the description of the entrainment separator will be better understood by the following, discussion of the flow of gas-liquid dispersion therethrough.
• the gas-liquid dispersion to be separated enters in a downward flow into the entrainment separator housing 10 through inlet 14 located on cover 12.
• Cover 12 can be either fixed or removable. It has been found to be preferred to have the cover removable to facilitate inspection, cleaning, adjustment or repair of the separator.
• the downward flowing gas-liquid dispersion strikes planar surface 16 which lies directly in the path of the dispersion flow.
• the planar surface diverts the flow of gas but the liquid entrained in the dispersion is impinged on the planar surface.
• the entrained liquid droplets in the dispersion are carried toward the planar surface by their large downward flowing momentum relative to the gas flow and the liquid droplets thereby impinge upon the planar surface.
• the gas continues to flow around the edges of the planar surface striking annular deflector 20.
• the annular deflector directs the gas through the opening between the planar surface and the annular deflector. Any liquid which remained in the gas after striking the planar surface is impinged onto the surface of the annular deflector.
• the gas passing through the opening between the planar surface and annular deflector is directed by the annular deflector into the sides of tube 22. Any liquid which still remains in the gas may also impinge or disengage from the gas by centrifugal force onto the surface of tube 22.
• the flow of substantial liquid-free gas from the funnel and the tube continues due to the gas flow pressure striking the side of the housing whereupon remaining liquid is impinged or disengaged from the gas by centrifugal force and the gas then flows through gas-outlet 32 located on the side of housing 10.
• Tube 22 has a plurality (e.g., 3 or 4) of slotted lug members (one of which 40 is shown in the figure) which corresponds with slotted lugs 41 on the cone 24 and permits vertical adjustment of the gap between cylinder 22 and co 24. The adjustment is made such that the disengaged liquid can flow down cone 24 but not so great as to permit excess flow of air downward.
• the slots are shown as 42 in the figure. Clamping is achieved by bolt and nut, 43. It is preferred that the gas-outlet 32 extend into the housing 10 to prevent re-entrainment of the liquid that collected on the interior wall of the housing as it flows down the wall toward the liquid outlet.
• the flow of gas and the velocity thereof can be controlled by the adjustment means 18 located on planar surface 16.
• the adjustment means positions planar surface 16 relative to annular deflector 20 and thereby controls the width of the opening between the planar surface and the annular deflector.
• the planar surface lies within the concave cavity of the annular deflector. By raising or lowering the planar surface, the opening is correspondingly widened or narrowed.
• Any convenient adjustment means can used to adjust the planar surface such as bolt and nut, bolt with threaded aperture in the planar surface, slide fastener, and the like.
• the liquid impinged on planar surface 16 collects on the surface until droplets of sufficient size are formed such that they begin to run off the planar surface.
• the drops of liquid fall off the edge of the planar surface striking annular deflector 20.
• the liquid flows down the annular deflector.
• the inner and lower edge of the annular deflector extends inward of housing 10 and over the mouth of funnel 24 lying below.
• the liquid that has run off the planar surface flows down the annular deflector collecting any liquid impinged thereon and drops into funnel 24.
• Liquid that is impinged on tube 22 likewise drops into funnel 24.
• Funnel 24 can be attached to the housing or can be attached. to tube 22.
• funnel 24 is attached to the tube or housing in such a manner that it can be readily removed to facilitate cleaning. It is preferred that the funnel be attached to the tube such that a gap of from about 1/8 to about 1/4 inches (3.2 to 6.4 mm) is formed between the funnel and tube. Alternatively, the funnel can be attached to the lower end of the tube with slots provided in the tube to enable liquid to flow from the funnel to the spout. More preferably, the means of attachment of the funnel to the tube are adjustable to vary the gap within the desired range of about 1/8 to 1/4 inches (3.2 to 6.4 mm).
• the liquid collected in funnel 24 flows down spout 26 and drops out of the top of the spout into liquid outlet 34 and out of housing 10 of the separator. Any liquid impinged on the side of the housing or outlet 32 runs off the surface of the outlet, down the side of the housing and out liquid outlet 34.
• a gas exhaust port 28 can be provided in spout 26 of funnel 24 to allow any gas passing down the spout a passageway out of the funnel.
• the gas port allows the gas to pass out of the spout rather than pass through the narrow spout at the same time as the liquid.
• the gas port provides a pathway of least resistance for gas out of the spout. The passage of the liquid down the spout is also enhanced by the availability of gas port 28.
• this device is a separator, and with means provided for adding a liquid mist of droplets, e.g., as when a spray coom and nozzle are inserted in the inlet, is a contactor/ separator.
• a spray boom 1 which can introduce a spray of liquid droplets or a mist which can provide intimate contact of a wash liquid, (e.g water) or a reagent (e.g., aqueous base to react with acidic gases) with the fluid entering through the inlet 14.
• a wash liquid e.g water
• a reagent e.g., aqueous base to react with acidic gases
• the spray-head 3 could be directed upward toward the inlet 14 or, as illustrated, toward the adjustable surface 16. It will be noted that the surface washing means 36 a to be distinguished from the means 1 of introducing a spray or mist to the interior of the upper volume of the device thus permitting efficient contact of the spray or mist wi a fluid stream comprising gases containing entrained solids and/or liquids.
• the adjustment means for positioning the planar surface 52 with respect to the annular deflector 55 includes a plurality of units each comprising a bolt 50 and nut 51, the bolt being received within a sleeve 54 mounted on the deflector 55, with washers 53 positioned between the end of the sleeve and the lower face of planar surface
• the gas load through the system was about 550 lbs/hr. (250 Kg/ hr.) of air, about 650 lbs/hr. (295 Kg/hr.) CO., saturate plus acid entrainment from pondwater.
• Operating pressure was between 10 and 20 inches of mercury (3450 to 6900 Kg/ temperature was 70 - 105°F (21 to 41°C).
• the liquid drain was sealed into a hot well by a full vacuum leg.
• An entrainment separator as in Fig. 5, for separating liquids from gases was constructed having an overall height of 3 feet, 6-3/8 inches (1.08 meters) and a diameter of 1 foot, 2 inches (35.6 cm).
• the base portion of the housin for the separator was 2 feet, 3/8 inches (61.9 cm) in height.
• the remo able cover was fitted with means for securely fastening the cover onto the base portion of the housing.
• An 8 inch (20.3 cm) diameter gas-liquid dispersion in was provided on top of the removable cover. Below the in was a 10 inch (25.4 cm) in diameter circular planar surface with one side thereof directed toward the inlet. The planar surface was positioned within the concave cavity created an annular deflector. The annular deflector had an inward slope of 45° and had an opening at the bottom thereof of 9 inches (22.9 cm) in diameter. The planar surface was fitted with three adjustment means each including a bolt and two nuts, to position the planar surface above the annular deflector. By adjusting the nuts on the bolts, the planar surface could be raised or lowered.
• the tube was fastened perpendicular to the planar surface and extended downward therefrom toward a funnel.
• the funnel was attached to the tube such that a gap of from about 1/8 to about 1/4 inches (3.2 to 6.4 mm) was formed between the tube and funnel.
• the funnel mouth had a 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter opening and narrowed to an outlet and spout of 1-1/2 inches (38.1 mm) in diameter.
• the tube extended approximately 2-1/2 inches (63.5mm) down into the mouth of the funnel.
• the funnel had a downward slope of about 45°.
• the spout on the funnel was 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and the tip of the spout was cut on a 30° bias.
• the spout was positioned over a 1-1/2 inch (38.1 mm) diameter outlet, 4 inches (10.2 cm) long on the bottom of the separator.
• a gas port approximately 1/8 to 3/8 inches (3.2 to 9.5 mm) deep and 3 inches (76.2 mm) down the spout.
• a shield approximately 1 inch (25.4 mm) long and at a downward slope of 45°.
• Across from the gas port was a gas outlet 6 inches (15.2 cm) in diameter, and approximately 9 inches (22.9 cm) long at the bottom, centered 13 inches
• the plant entrainment separator was not inspected or adjusted after being received from the fabricator and placed in service. The plant was on stream for approximately 70 days. There was no sign of scale or corrosion in the separator.
• the vertical step down from the main support flange is a means to lower the bolts below the main flange to allow the top housing to be slid off sideways - a convenience for cleaning access. Access to the securing bolts for the lower funnel is difficult. The bolting lugs should come a little higher above the funnel.
• the top plate should be of heavy gauge material so that it will not warp. Spacers should be fitted over the bolts under the planar surface, in place of the existing nuts, to give uniform adjustment of the planar surface.
• a spray-boom can be installed above the adjustable surface (as illustrated in Fig. 1), thus permitting washing the gaseous stream with clean water (or other solvent or reagent) to further remove soluble materials from the gas.
• the subject invention particularly when utilized as entrainment separator or demister, can be used in any pro cess where there is a sufficient available pressure drop:
• the apparatus usually at least about 1/2 psi (350 Kg/m ). That is, it is preferably used where there is a light to moderate vacuum, in contrast to very high vacuum. It can also be useful in a pressurized system, and in fact, it can be used at very high pressures (such as are encountered in hydrorefining or hydrogenation of petroleum oils).
• the apparatus can be used in any process where there is a liquid phase reaction in a vessel where a gas is evolved, or used as a reactant.
• hydrogen is manufactured, such as, reforming or in the reac tion of ores with an acid, such as digestion of zinc ores with sulfuric acid.
• a special advantage of this invention is that it is to a great extent self-cleaning or, when cleaning is require it is much more easy to clean than such devices as the Anderson separator which utilizes a cylinder containing numerous slots which can plug up and require rodding out.
• plastic (polypropylene) packing saddles were dislodged from the scrubber and collected on the top of the separator (or demister). This caused a considerable pressure drop in the separator and solids from the packing collected on the top plate. The separator fully protected the vacuum pump. When the process was shut down for cleaning, the packing and collected solids were readily cleaned out.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)
• Gas Separation By Absorption (AREA)
• Separating Particles In Gases By Inertia (AREA)
• Treating Waste Gases (AREA)
• Separation Of Particles Using Liquids (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=27129544

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (9)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (10)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 1979
  • 1979-05-23 WO PCT/US1979/000350 patent/WO1979001130A1/en unknown
  • 1979-05-23 DE DE792952800A patent/DE2952800A1/de active Pending
  • 1979-05-23 JP JP50093079A patent/JPS55500376A/ja active Pending
  • 1979-05-23 GB GB8000555A patent/GB2036589B/en not_active Expired
  • 1979-05-25 MA MA18649A patent/MA18455A1/fr unknown
  • 1979-05-25 FR FR7913393A patent/FR2426491A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
  • 1979-05-25 BR BR7903274A patent/BR7903274A/pt unknown
  • 1979-05-25 CA CA328,337A patent/CA1122547A/en not_active Expired
• 1980
  • 1980-01-25 SU SU802877809A patent/SU963448A3/ru active

Patent Citations (10)

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