Patent ID: 9457291
Filing Date: 2016-10-04
CPC Classification: B01D,B01F

Claim Text:
1. A combined collector and distributor for collecting a descending liquid from an overlying packing bed within a distillation column and distributing the descending liquid to an underlying packing bed within the distillation column, the combined collector and distributor comprising: at least two arrays of a plurality of spaced-apart distribution channels, the plurality of distribution channels having an open top portion and a perforated bottom wall to distribute the descending liquid to the underlying packing bed within the distillation column, the at least two arrays of distribution channels defining open spaces between adjacent distribution channels for passage of an ascending vapor from the underlying packing bed within the distillation column; one or more headers connected to and disposed between the adjacent arrays of distribution channels, the one or more header having an open top portion and a perforated bottom wall and configured to feed the descending liquid to the plurality of distribution channels in the at least two arrays; at least one pre-distribution box having an open top portion and a perforated bottom wall disposed, the at least one pre-distribution box disposed adjacent to the one or more headers and configured to distribute the descending liquid to the one or more headers; a plurality of collection elements configured to collect the descending liquid from the overlying packing bed within the distillation column, the plurality of collection elements covering the open spaces between adjacent distribution channels and the open top portions of the distribution channels, the plurality of collection elements having an open end and further configured to direct the collected descending liquid from the open end to a sump region, the sump region having a bottom opening to discharge the descending liquid into the at least one pre-distribution box; and wherein the collection elements are further disposed in a staggered orientation wherein some of the collection elements are disposed at higher positions above the open spaces or above the open top portions of the distribution channels and some of the collection elements are disposed at lower positions above the open spaces or above the open top portions of the distribution channels to enable ascending vapor flow through the combined collector and distributor.