Patent ID: 6390454
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A process for fractional distillation which comprises:a.) contacting liquid and vapor on a substantially horizontal decking area of a first fractionation tray retained in a cylindrical column; b.) collecting liquid from the decking area of the first fractionation tray in an elongated downcomer bisecting the decking area, with the downcomer having a central portion and two terminal portions; c.) discharging liquid from the downcomer toward a second fractionation tray having a substantially circular periphery through liquid outlet spouts located in a bottom portion of the downcomer; and, d.) collecting liquid being discharged from liquid outlet spouts located in the terminal portions of the downcomer in a liquid distribution device, transporting the collected liquid beyond the terminal portion of the downcomer in the liquid distribution device and then discharging the collected liquid from the liquid distribution device onto decking of the second fractionation tray.