WO2016027036A1

WO2016027036A1 - Device for bringing liquid and gas into contact and contacting facility comprising such a contacting device

Info

Publication number: WO2016027036A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/052233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benoît DAVIDIAN; Fabrice Del Corso; Clément LIX; Frédéric Rousseau; Bernard Saulnier; Mikael WATTIAU
Original assignee: L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date: 2014-08-20
Filing date: 2015-08-20
Publication date: 2016-02-25
Also published as: FR3024949A1; CN106573223A; FR3024949B1; EP3183055A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a contacting device (10) comprising vertical linear elements (12) and spacers attached to the linear elements (12) so as to separate them. The spacers include distance pieces (14), each one comprising: i) segments (14.1, 14.2) that are oblique in relation to the linear elements (12); and ii) a connection area (16) between the oblique segments (14.1, 14.2) such that each of the oblique segments (14.1, 14.2) descends from a respective connection area (16) towards a respective linear element (12).

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTACTING LIQUID AND GAS AND CONTACT INSTALLATION COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

The present invention relates to a contacting device configured to contact at least one liquid with at least one gas. In addition, the present invention relates to a contact installation configured to contact at least one liquid with at least one gas.

The present invention can be applied to any physical, chemical or physico-chemical field in which a liquid and a gas are brought into contact so as to exchange material and / or to exchange heat and / or to interact chemically and / or physically. In particular, the present invention can be applied to the field of absorption, desorption, condensation, distillation, rectification, dust removal, precipitation, separation, for example cryogenic separation. components of the air. Fluid and gas streams can flow countercurrent, cross-flow or co-flow.

US2007194471 A1 discloses a device for contacting a liquid with a gas, which comprises a lining having a plurality of vertical wires and a plurality of spacers attached to the wires. In use, the liquid flows by gravity along the son, while the gas rises between the son, so in contact with the liquid. Each spacer separates two adjacent linear elements. As the spacers extend horizontally, they offer an optimal ratio between, on the one hand, their weight and their bulk (minimum) and, on the other hand, their mechanical strength (very strong).

However, under certain operating conditions, particularly for liquids which have a high wettability such as cryogenic liquids or liquids which have a high viscosity, the horizontal struts can derive a part of the liquid out of the wires: this phenomenon is usually called " lampage ". This liquid thus derived degrades the uniformity of the distribution of the liquid in the horizontal section of the lining, which degrades the effectiveness of the contacting, therefore the transfer, between liquid and gas. In addition, the liquid thus derived may accumulate on the spacers, or to be re-driven upward by gas, thus causing bottlenecks of liquid at the interstices between the wires. These bottlenecks increase the pressure drop of the gas flows and reduce the processing capacity of an installation comprising the contacting device US2007194471 A1.

The present invention is intended in particular to solve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above, by providing a device for bringing a liquid into contact with a gas making it possible to increase the treatment capacity of an installation, by maximizing the flow of liquid down the linear elements, thus limiting or even avoiding the phenomenon of lamping.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a contacting device, configured to put at least one liquid in contact with at least one gas, for example for exchanges of heat and / or material between liquid and gas, the contacting device comprising at least:

a plurality of linear elements substantially parallel to each other, the linear elements extending generally in a longitudinal direction intended to be vertical when the contacting device is in the service position,

a plurality of spacers fixed to the linear elements so that each spacer separates at least two adjacent linear elements,

the contacting device being characterized in that the spacers include deflection spacers, each deflection spacer comprising:

at least two segments extending generally in oblique directions respectively with respect to the longitudinal direction, and

at least one junction zone arranged between said at least two segments so that, when the contacting device is in the service position, each of said at least two segments is oriented in a downward direction from said at least one zone of junction to a respective linear element.

In other words, the subject of the present invention is a contacting device for forming a contact installation configured to put at least one liquid in contact with at least one gas, for example for heat exchanges and / or material between liquid and gas, the installation of contacting comprising a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a liquid outlet and a gas outlet,

the contacting device having: i) a liquid inlet area to be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet and ii) a liquid outlet area to be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet, the device bringing into contact comprising at least:

at least one junction zone arranged between said at least two segments so that said at least two segments diverge from said at least one junction zone towards the exit zone of the liquid.

In other words, each junction zone forms a peak or a vertex located in the free space between two adjacent linear elements and the segments descend respectively towards these two neighboring linear elements.

Thus, such a device for contacting makes it possible to limit or even to avoid lamping, since the deflection spacers reduce or even avoid clogging by the liquid in a contacting installation. Indeed, after the liquid has detached from a linear element and flows between two linear elements, deflection spacers are used to deflect the free liquid and bring it back to the neighboring linear elements.

Thus, such a contacting device makes it possible to increase the processing capacity, that is to say the effective flow rates of liquid and gas, of a contacting installation comprising such a contacting device. It has been found that such a contacting device makes it possible to increase the processing capacity by up to 40% compared with a contacting device of the prior art.

In other words, each junction zone and two adjacent segments form a chevron, that is to say an inverted "V"; the junction zone forms the tip of this chevron which is directed towards the liquid entry zone, while the neighboring segments form the branches of this chevron which extend from the junction zone to the liquid outlet zone. Thus, in the contacting installation, the tip of this chevron is directed towards the liquid inlet, while the branches of this chevron descend towards the liquid outlet.

Each deflection spacer has a high point which is formed by the junction zone. The junction zone is thus located higher than the neighboring segments, which allows the liquid to flow from the junction zone down the segments, and from there to the neighboring linear elements.

According to a variant of the invention, at least 70%, preferably at least

90%, spacers include deflection spacers.

According to a variant of the invention, several segments have a linear form. According to a variant of the invention, several segments have a curvilinear shape.

According to a variant of the invention, each deflection spacer is fixed relative to the linear elements that it separates. Preferably, each deflection spacer is integral with the linear elements that it separates.

According to a variant of the invention, each deflection spacer is in contact only with two linear elements.

According to one variant, the linear elements extend substantially vertically between the liquid inlet zone and the liquid outlet zone.

According to one variant, the linear elements extend substantially from the liquid inlet zone to the liquid outlet zone.

In the present application, the term "linear element" designates, in particular, any element whose pattern extends globally along a line. A linear element may for example be rectilinear or curvilinear with curvatures having large radii. A linear element may have any shape in cross section to the longitudinal direction. A linear element has negligible transverse dimensions in front of its length; in other words, a linear element is elongated or tapered, that is, thin and narrow. For example, a linear element may be formed by a wire, a wire bundle, a cable, a tape, a tape, a chain, or other shape. In the present application, the term "downward direction" refers to the gravitational field of gravity.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least in a first subset of deviation spacers, each deflection spacer consists of two segments and a junction zone, each deflection spacer separating only two linear elements. neighbors.

In other words, such a deflection spacer generally has the shape of an inverted "V" when the contacting device is in the service position.

Thus, such inverted "V" deflection spacers make it possible to maximize the compactness of the linear elements, since the "V" deflection spacers have a reduced bulk in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction. The deflection struts may have an angular shape or a rounded shape, while forming deflection bridges globally in "V".

According to a variant of the invention, each deflection spacer having only two segments and a junction zone is configured so that a gap between two adjacent linear elements is between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

Thus, such a gap avoids the contacts between adjacent linear elements, while minimizing the size of the deviation spacers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least in said first subset of deflection struts, each segment comprises a cylindrical section with a circular base.

Thus, such a segment shape ensures a very good wetting of the segment guiding the liquid to the vertical son.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least in said first subset of deflection struts, each segment comprises a prismatic section with a rectangular base. In other words, these deflection struts form plates. Each segment has substantially the shape of a rhombohedron, because the two joined segments are oblique at their intersection in the junction zone.

Thus, such a segment shape allows manufacture by foundry devices in a manner known per se.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least in a second subset of deviation spacers, each deflection spacer comprises more than two successive segments and at least two junction zones, each junction zone being arranged between two respective segments.

In other words, each of these deviation spacers forms a coil extending between at least two linear elements.

Thus, such deviation spacers can divert large flows of liquid detached linear elements and guide these flows to the vertical son.

According to a variant of the invention, each deflection spacer having more than two successive segments and at least two junction zones is configured so that a gap between two adjacent linear elements is between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm. . Thus, such a gap ensures the absence of contact between neighboring linear elements.

According to a variant of the invention, at least a portion of the deflection struts is formed by son having said at least two segments and said at least one junction zone. Alternatively, each of these wires has a diameter similar to the diameter of a respective linear element belonging to the lining. In addition, these threads may be composed of a material similar to the material constituting the linear elements belonging to the lining.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least in said second subset of deviation spacers, each deflection spacer is formed by at least two son wound to form a double helix.

In other words, the coiled wires are twisted together. Thus, such a double-helix makes it possible to increase the mechanical resistance to the forces exerted in the direction of the wound wires, since the wound wires have a high quadratic moment. According to one embodiment of the invention, said plurality of linear elements comprises several series of linear elements, each wound wire is connected to a series of linear elements.

In other words, each series of linear elements forms a subset of the plurality of linear elements, all the linear elements of the same being linked by at least one common wound wire.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a respective oblique direction forming with the longitudinal direction a respective angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

The angle can be measured in projection in a vertical plane when the contacting device is in the service position.

In other words, the two oblique directions form between them a cumulative angle of between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, preferably between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. This cumulative angle is the sum of the two angles that the longitudinal direction respectively forms with the two oblique directions.

Thus, such an angle can effectively deflect the liquid detached from the linear elements, thus minimizing congestion by the liquid in a contacting installation.

According to a variant of the invention, in at least one subset of the deflection struts, each junction region has a sharp edge on the upper side.

In this application, the terms "lower" and "higher" are used by reference to the gravitational field. In other words, an upper component is located at a higher altitude than a lower component when the contacting device is in the service position. Thus the upper side of a junction zone is located opposite the falling segments to the neighboring linear elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the deflection spacers are distributed uniformly along each linear element, the interval between two consecutive deflection spacers on a linear element being between 1 cm and 100 cm, for example about equal at 5 cm. Thus, such a distribution makes it possible to optimize the deviation of the liquid detached from the linear elements while limiting the number of deflection spacers to be assembled.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the deflection struts are fixed to the linear elements so as to define a regular mesh network.

In other words, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each mesh of the network surrounds a region devoid of deviation spacers.

Thus, such a network arrangement allows effective mechanical support of the linear elements by the deviation spacers, while allowing additive manufacturing such as three-dimensional printing.

It will be noted that the meshes are observable in projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore the deviation spacers that form the different sections of a mesh can be either at the same altitude, or at different altitudes that is to say shifted in the longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the deflection spacers forming the mesh of the network are each formed by two son wound to form a double helix.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each mesh has a shape selected from the group consisting of a triangle, an equilateral triangle, a rectangle, a square, a regular hexagon.

Thus, these shapes or patterns of the network allow optimum mechanical support of the linear elements by the deflection struts.

According to a variant of the invention, the linear elements may be composed of materials selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, mineral materials, cellulosic materials, synthetic plastic materials and mixtures of the abovementioned materials.

According to a variant of the invention, the fixing of the deflection spacers to the linear elements results from a fixing method selected from the group consisting of welding, brazing, injection molding, an additive process such as a three-dimensional printing. , foundry or three-dimensional weaving. According to a variant of the invention, the contacting device further comprises:

a liquid and gas-tight enclosure, the enclosure generally having an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction, the set of linear elements covering the area of the enclosure in section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and

sealing members arranged around the set of linear elements so as to prevent the gas from circulating in a gap extending between the inner surface of the enclosure and the linear elements, each sealing member having at least one oblique portion configured to channel the liquid downhill to linear elements when the contacting device is in the service position, the oblique portion forming an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, with a line parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The embodiment mentioned above may be claimed in isolation or in any technically possible combination with one of the embodiments mentioned above or below.

Thus, such sealing members make it possible to minimize the circumferences of the linear elements by the gas (phenomenon sometimes referred to as "bypass"), because the sealing members force the gas to flow through the linear elements and not along. of the inner surface of the enclosure.

According to a variant of the invention, the enclosure has generally the shape of a cylinder coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal direction and circular base, and each oblique portion generally has a frustoconical shape whose axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction .

According to a variant of the invention, the dimensions of the enclosure, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are between 2 cm and 700 cm.

According to a variant of the invention, said at least one oblique portion is fixed to the enclosure, and wherein each sealing member is connected to linear elements.

According to a variant of the invention, the sealing members are secured directly to linear elements. Thus, such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce all the liquid flowing over the internal surface of the enclosure towards the linear elements.

According to a variant of the invention, the contacting device further comprises anchoring members which are located at the periphery of the set of linear elements and which are oriented in a downward direction from the enclosure to an element. respective linear, the sealing members being connected to the anchoring members.

Thus, such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce all the liquid flowing over the internal surface of the enclosure towards the linear elements.

Furthermore, the subject of the present invention is a contact installation configured to put at least one liquid in contact with at least one gas, for example for exchanges of heat and / or material between liquid and gas, the installation contacting device comprising at least one liquid inlet and at least one gas inlet, the contacting installation being characterized in that it further comprises a contacting device according to the invention.

When the contacting installation is in the service configuration, the liquid inlet and the gas outlet are located in an upper region of the contacting installation, whereas the liquid outlet and the inlet of the The gases are located in a lower region of the contacting facility. Thus, liquid can flow by gravity from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet, while gas can flow, by natural or forced convection, from the gas inlet to the gas outlet .

The embodiments and variants mentioned above may be taken individually or in any technically permissible combination.

The present invention will be well understood and its advantages will also emerge in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a contact installation according to the invention comprising a contacting device according to a first embodiment of the invention and in the operating position;

Figure 2 is a front view of a portion of the contacting device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view and on a larger scale of a part of the contacting device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a front view, on a larger scale, of a detail of Figure 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a part of the contacting device of FIG. 3 comprising an enclosure;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the portion of the contacting device of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 of a portion of a contacting device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a front view of a portion of a contacting device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view on a smaller scale of a portion of the contacting device of Figure 8;

FIG. 10 is a view from above of part of the contacting device of FIG. 8;

Figure 1 1 is a view similar to Figure 5 of a portion of the contacting device of Figures 8 to 10;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 6 of a portion of the contacting device of Figures 8 to 10;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view on a large scale of a portion of a linear element and deflection struts belonging to a contacting device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of detail XIV in FIG. 13;

Figure 15 is a top view of a deflection strut network according to a first variant of the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of a deflection spacer network according to a second variant of the fourth embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of a deflection spacer network according to a third variant of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a contacting installation 1 which is configured to contact a liquid, here liquefied air at cryogenic temperature, with a gas, here air. The contacting installation 1 makes it possible to exchange heat and / or material between this liquid and this gas.

The contacting installation 1 comprises a liquid inlet 2, a gas outlet 4, a liquid outlet 6 (or residual fluid) and a gas inlet 8. The contacting installation 1 further comprises a contacting device 10. When the contacting installation 1 is in the service configuration, the liquid inlet 2 and the gas outlet 4 are located in an upper region of the contacting installation 1 , while the liquid outlet 6 and the gas inlet 8 are located in a low region of the contacting installation 1. Thus, liquid can flow by gravity through the contacting device 10 and from the liquid inlet 2 to the liquid outlet 6, while gas can flow, by natural or forced convection, since the gas inlet 8 to the gas outlet 4.

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate in more detail the contacting device 10, which is configured to contact the liquid with the gas. The contacting device 10 makes it possible to exchange heat and / or material between the liquid and the gas.

As shown in FIG. 1, the contacting device has: i) a liquid inlet zone 10.2, which is intended to be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet 2, and ii) an outlet zone of liquid 10.6, which is intended to be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet 6.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the contacting device 10 comprises a plurality of linear elements 12 and a plurality of spacers which are fixed to the linear elements 12.

The linear elements 12 are substantially parallel to each other. The linear elements 12 extend generally in a longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L is vertical when the contacting device 10 is in the service position (Figure 1). Thus, when the contacting device 10 is in the service position (FIG. 1), the linear elements 12 are substantially vertical. The linear elements extend substantially vertically between the liquid inlet zone 10.2 and the liquid outlet zone 10.6. The linear elements 12 extend substantially from the liquid inlet zone 10.2 to the liquid outlet zone 10.6.

In the contacting installation 1, the linear elements 12 extend vertically between the liquid inlet 2 and the liquid outlet 6. The linear elements 12 extend here substantially from the liquid inlet 2 to the at the liquid outlet 6.

The spacers are fixed to the linear elements 12 so that each spacer separates at least two adjacent linear elements 12. The spacers include deflection spacers 14. In the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, 100% of the spacers represented are spacers of deviation 14.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the subset of deflection struts 14 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, each deflection spacer 14 consists of two branches or segments 14.1 and 14.2 and a junction zone 16 between the segments 14.1 and 14.2.

Each deflection spacer 14 separates only two adjacent linear elements 12. Each deflection spacer 14 is configured so that a gap 12.12 between two adjacent linear elements 12 is approximately equal to 2.3 mm.

In the subset of deflection struts 14 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the segments 14.1 and 14.2 have a linear shape and each comprise a cylindrical section with a circular base.

The segments 14.1 and 14.2 extend along respective directions O1 and O2 which are oblique with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In other words, each deflection spacer 14 has the overall shape of an inverted "V" when the contacting device 10 is in the service position (FIGS. 2 to 4). Thus, each junction zone 16 forms a peak or a vertex located in the free space between two adjacent linear elements 12 and the segments 14.1 and 14.2 which respectively descend towards these two neighboring linear elements 12. Each deflection spacer 14 has a point which is formed by the junction zone 16. The junction zone 16 is thus located more high that the neighboring segments 14.1 and 14.2, which allows the liquid to flow from the junction zone 16 down the segments 14.1 and 14.2, and thence on the neighboring linear elements 12.

The oblique directions 01 and 02 respectively form an angle O1 L or O2L of approximately 45 degrees with the longitudinal direction L in projection in a vertical plane, for example the plane of FIG. 4, when the contacting device 10 is in position. service position (Figures 1 to 4). The oblique directions 01 and 02 form between them a cumulative angle approximately equal to 90 degrees (45 + 45), which is the sum of the two angles 01 L and O2L that the longitudinal direction L forms respectively with the two oblique directions 01 and 02.

The junction zone 16 is arranged between the segments 14.1 and 14.2 so that, when the contacting device 10 is in the service position, each oblique segment 14.1 or 14.2 is oriented in a downward direction from the junction area 16 to a respective linear element 12. In the example of FIG. 4, the oblique segment 14.1 is oriented in a downward direction from the junction zone 16 towards the linear element 12 on the left, while the oblique segment 14.2 is oriented in a downward direction from the junction zone 16 to the linear element 12 on the right.

In other words, the junction zone 16 is arranged between the two segments 14.1 and 14.2 so that the two segments 14.1 and 14.2 diverge from the junction zone 16 to the exit zone of the liquid 10.6.

Each junction zone 16 and the two adjacent segments 14.1 and 14.2 form a chevron, that is to say an inverted "V". The junction zone 16 forms the tip of this chevron which is directed towards the liquid inlet zone 10.2, while the adjacent segments 14.1 and 14.2 form the branches of this chevron which are directed towards the liquid outlet zone 10.6. In the contacting installation 1, the tip of this chevron is directed towards the liquid inlet 2, while the branches of this chevron are directed towards the liquid outlet 6.

In the subset of the deflection struts 14 of Figures 2 to 4, each junction area 16 has a sharp edge on the upper side. The sharp edge has a radius of curvature of about 1 mm.

The deflection struts 14 are distributed uniformly along each linear element 12. In the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, the interval P14 between two consecutive deflection struts 14 on a linear element 12 is approximately equal to 5 cm.

In the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, the linear elements 12 and the deflection spacers 14 are composed of metallic materials. Fixing the deflection struts 14 to the linear elements 12 may result from brazing.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contacting device 10 further comprises a liquid and gastight enclosure 20. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a part of a wall forming the enclosure 20, as well as the arrangement of the linear elements 12 and deflection spacers 14 with respect to the enclosure 20.

The enclosure 20 has generally an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction L. The enclosure 20 has the overall shape of a cylinder parallel to the longitudinal direction L and circular base of diameter approximately equal to 600 cm.

As shown in FIG. 6, the set of linear elements 12 covers the area of the enclosure 20 in section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, in the plane P6, the set of linear elements 12 occupies a disc whose diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the enclosure 20.

The linear elements 12 are very close to the inner surface 20.1 of the enclosure 20, which allows contacts between the gas and the liquid flowing either on the inner surface 20.1 of the enclosure 20 or on the peripheral linear elements 12 . This arrangement of the linear elements 12 therefore limits the bypass of the linear elements 12 by the gas (phenomenon sometimes referred to as "bypass").

In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the contacting device 10 further comprises anchoring members 22 which fix peripheral linear elements 12 to the inner surface 20.1 of the enclosure 20. The anchoring members 22 are located at the periphery of all the linear elements 12. The anchoring members 22 are oriented in a downward direction from the enclosure 20 to a respective linear element 12.

Figure 7 illustrates a contact device 1 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Insofar as the contacting device 1 10 is similar to the contacting device 10, the description of the contacting device 10 given above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6 can be transposed to the setting device in contact 1 10, with the notable exception of the differences set out below.

A component of the contacting device 1 10 which is identical or corresponding, in structure or function, to a component of the contacting device 1 10 bears the same numerical reference increased by 100. Thus, linear elements 1 12 are defined. and deflection struts 1 14 having segments 1 14.1 and 1 14.2 and a joining zone 1 16.

The contacting device 1 10 differs from the contacting device 10, because in the sub-set of deflection struts 1 14 illustrated in FIG. 7, each segment 1 14.1 or 1 14.2 comprises a prismatic section with a rectangular base. . In other words, the deflection struts 1 14 form plates.

Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a contact device 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Insofar as the contacting device 210 is similar to the contacting device 10, the description of the contacting device 10 given above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6 can be transposed to the setting device. contact 210, with the notable exception of the differences set out below.

A component of the contacting device 210 which is identical or corresponding, in structure or function, to a component of the contacting device 210 has the same reference numeral increased by 200. Thus, linear elements 212, spacers are defined. deflector 214 having segments 214.1 and 214.2 and a junction zone 216, a housing 220 and anchor members 222.

The contacting device 210 differs from the contacting device 10, since the contacting device 210 further comprises sealing members, one of which is visible in FIGS. 7 to 12 with the reference 224.

Each sealing member 224 is arranged around all the linear elements 212 so as to prevent the gas from circulating in a gap extending between the inner surface of the enclosure 220 and the linear elements. 212. Thus, the sealing member 224 minimizes the bypass of the linear elements 212 by a gas flow F224 ("bypass"). The sealing member 224 constrains the flow of gas F224 to flow through the linear elements 212 and not along the inner surface of the enclosure 220.

In addition, each sealing member 224 has an oblique portion

226 and a cylindrical portion 227. The cylindrical portion 227 extends the oblique portion 226 downwardly when the contacting device is in the service position (FIGS. 1 to 4). Like the enclosure 20, the enclosure 220 has the overall shape of a coaxial cylinder or parallel to the longitudinal direction L and circular base. The oblique portion 226 generally has a frustoconical shape whose axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

The oblique portion 226 is configured to channel a downward flow of liquid F226 to the linear elements 212 when the contacting device 210 is in the service position (FIGS. 8, 9, 11 and 12). To thereby channel the flow of liquid F226, the oblique portion 226 forms an angle A226 approximately equal to 45 degrees with a straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction L, as shown in FIG. 8.

The oblique portion 226 is fixed to the enclosure 220. Each sealing member 224 is connected to respective linear elements 212, among those located at the periphery of the set of linear elements 212.

Like the contacting device 10, the contacting device 210 further comprises anchoring members 222 which are located at the periphery of the set of linear elements 212 and which are oriented in a downward direction from the enclosure 220 to a respective linear element 212.

But unlike the contacting device 10, the sealing members 224 are connected to the anchoring members 222, while in the contacting device 10, the anchoring members 22 connect and fix the linear elements. peripherals 12 directly to the inner surface 20.1 of the enclosure 20.

Thus, such an arrangement of the sealing members 224, in particular their oblique portions 226, makes it possible to reduce all the liquid flowing over the internal surface of the enclosure 220 towards the linear elements 212. According to an alternative not shown in this third embodiment, the sealing members can be secured directly to linear elements, that is to say without intermediate anchoring members.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate a contacting device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Insofar as this contacting device is similar to the contacting device 10, the description of the contacting device 10 given above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6 can be transposed to the contacting device. Figures 13 to 15, with the notable exception of the differences set out below.

A component of the contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15 which is identical or corresponding, by structure or function, to a component of the contacting device 10 bears the same numerical reference increased by 300. Linear elements are thus defined. 312 and deflection spacers 314.

The contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15 differs from the contacting device 10, since each deflection spacer 314 comprises more than two successive segments 315 and several joining areas 316. Each joining zone 316 is arranged between two segments. In other words, each deflection spacer 314 forms a coil extending between two linear elements 312.

As for a deflection spacer 14, in a deflection spacer 314, two consecutive segments 315 extend in respective directions O1 and O2 which are oblique with respect to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, each joining zone 316 forms a peak or a vertex located in the free space between two adjacent linear elements 312 and the segments 315 which descend respectively towards these two neighboring linear elements 312.

In the example of Figures 13 to 15, each deflection spacer 314 is configured such that a gap 312.312 between two adjacent linear elements 312 is approximately equal to 40 mm, instead of 5 mm for the gap 12.12.

In addition, the contacting device of Figures 13 to 15 differs from the contacting device 10, since each deflection spacer 314 is formed by two son wound to form a double helix. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, these coiled wires are twisted together, forming the segments 315 and the junction areas 316. The plurality of linear elements 312 comprises several series of non-referenced linear elements. As shown in Fig. 15, each coiled wire is bonded to a series of linear elements 312. To secure each deflection spacer 314 to a respective linear element 312, the linear element 312 is sandwiched between the two coiled wires. In other words, the two coiled wires pass respectively on one side and the other of the linear element 312.

The contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15 still differs from the contacting device 10, since, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, like the plane of FIG. 15, the deflection struts 314 are fixed linear elements 312 so as to define a regular mesh network.

In other words, in the plane of FIG. 15, each mesh of the network surrounds a region devoid of deviation spacers 314. In the example of FIGS. 13 to 15, each mesh has an equilateral triangle shape.

In the example of FIGS. 13 to 15, the meshes are observable in projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, like the plane of FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 13, the deflection struts 314 which form the various Mesh component stretches are at different altitudes. In other words, the deflection struts 314 which form the different sections composing a mesh are shifted in the longitudinal direction L.

FIG. 16 illustrates a variant of the contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15. Insofar as the variant of FIG. 16 is similar to the contacting device 10, the description of the contacting device 10 given below FIGS. 13 to 15 may be transposed to the variant of FIG. 16, with the notable exception of the differences set out below.

A component of the contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15 which is identical or corresponding, by its structure or function, to a component of the variant of FIG. 16 bears the same numerical reference increased by 100. Linear elements are thus defined. 412 and deflection spacers 414.

The variant of Figure 16 differs from the contacting device of Figures 13 to 15, because each mesh has a square shape. FIG. 17 illustrates a variant of the contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15. Insofar as the variant of FIG. 17 is similar to the contacting device 10, the description of the contacting device 10 given below FIGS. 13 to 15 may be transposed to the variant of FIG. 17, with the notable exception of the differences set out below.

A component of the contacting device of FIGS. 13 to 15 which is identical or corresponding, by its structure or function, to a component of the variant of FIG. 17 bears the same reference numeral increased by 200. Linear elements are thus defined. 512 and deviation spacers 514.

The variant of Figure 17 differs from the contacting device of Figures 13 to 15, because each mesh has a regular hexagon shape.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described in the present patent application, nor to embodiments within the scope of those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, from any element equivalent to an element indicated in the present patent application.

Claims

claims

1. Contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) configured to contact at least one liquid with at least one gas, for example for exchanges of heat and / or material between liquid and gas,

the contacting device (10; 1; 10; 210) comprising at least:

a plurality of linear elements (12; 1 12; 212; 312; 412; 512) substantially parallel to one another, the linear elements (12-512) extending generally in a longitudinal direction (L) intended to be vertical when the contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) is in the service position,

a plurality of spacers fixed to the linear elements (12-512) so that each spacer separates at least two adjacent linear elements (12-512),

the contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) being characterized in that the struts include deflection struts (14; 14; 214; 314; 414; 514), each deflection strut (14-514); comprising:

at least two segments (14.1, 14.2, 14.1, 14.2, 214.1, 214.2, 315) extending generally in oblique directions (O1, O2) respectively with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), and

at least one junction area (16; 1 16; 216; 316) arranged between said at least two segments (14.1, 14.2; 1 14.1, 1 14.2; 214.1, 214.2; 315) so that when the setting device contact (10; 1 10; 210) is in the operating position, each of said at least two segments (14.1, 14.2 - 315) is oriented in a downward direction from said at least one junction area (16-316) to an element respective linear (12 - 512). 2. The contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to claim 1, wherein, at least in a first subset of deflection struts (14; 1 14; 214), each deflection spacer ( 14; 14; 214) consists of two segments (14.1, 14.2, 14.1, 14.2, 214.1, 214.

2) and a zone of junction (16; 1 16; 216), each deflection spacer (14; 1 14; 214) separating only two adjacent linear elements (12; 1 12; 212).

The contacting device (10; 210) according to claim 2, wherein, at least in said first subset of deflection struts.

(14; 214), each segment (14.1, 14.2; 214.1, 214.2) comprises a cylindrical section with a circular base.

The contacting device (1 10) according to claim 2, wherein, at least in said first subset of deflection struts.

(1 14), each segment (1 14.1, 1 14.2) comprises a prismatic section with a rectangular base.

The contacting device (310) according to claim 1, wherein, at least in a second subset of deflection struts.

(314; 414; 514), each deflection spacer (314; 414; 514) comprises more than two successive segments (315) and at least two joining regions (316), each joining zone (316) being arranged between two respective segments (315).

The contacting device (310) according to claim 5, wherein, at least in said second subset of deflection struts (314; 414; 514), each deflection spacer (314; 414; 514) is formed by at least two wires wound so as to form a double helix.

The contacting device (310) according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of linear elements (12; 12; 212; 312; 412; 512) comprise a plurality of series of linear elements (312; 412; 512 ), each wound wire being bonded to a series of linear elements (312; 412; 512).

8. The contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective oblique direction (O1, O2) forms with the longitudinal direction (L) a respective angle (O1 L, O2L) between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

9. The contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection struts (14-

514) are uniformly distributed along each linear element (12 - 512), the interval (P14) between two consecutive deflection struts (14 - 514) on a linear element (12 - 512) being between 3 cm and 100 cm, for example about 5 cm.

10. A contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein, in projection in a plane perpendicular (P6) to the longitudinal direction (L), the deflection struts (14; - 514) are fixed to the linear elements (12 - 512) so as to define a regular mesh network.

1 1. The contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to claim 10, wherein each mesh has a shape selected from the group consisting of a triangle, an equilateral triangle, a rectangle, a square, a regular hexagon.

12. The contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a liquid and gas tight enclosure (220), the enclosure (220) having a generally elongated shape in the longitudinal direction (L), the plurality of linear elements (12) covering the enclosure area (20) in section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), and

sealing members (224) arranged around the plurality of linear elements (212) to prevent gas from flowing in a gap extending between the inner surface of the enclosure (220) and the linear elements ( 212), each sealing member (224) having at least one oblique portion (226) configured to channel downflow liquid to linear members (212) when the contacting device (1) is in the service position, the oblique portion (226) forming an angle (A226) of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, with a straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction (L).

13. A contacting device (10; 1 10; 210) according to claim 12, wherein the enclosure (220) has the overall shape of a cylinder coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) and circular base and wherein each oblique portion (226) has generally a frustoconical shape whose axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction (L).

14. Contacting installation (1) for forming a contacting installation (1) configured to put at least one liquid in contact with at least one gas, for example for exchanges of heat and / or material between liquid and gas,

the contacting installation (1) comprising a liquid inlet (2), a gas inlet (8), a liquid outlet (6) and a gas outlet (4),

the contacting installation (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a contacting device (10; 1; 10; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims.