Patent ID: 6068244
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A fractionation tray for use in a distillation column to enhance separation interaction between a vapor and a liquid comprising:a plurality of interlocking panels having a plurality of valve perforations for the passage of said vapor from below and through the fractionation tray to interact with said liquid flowing above the fractionation tray;a first said interlocking panel having an alignment area with at least one alignment slot and at least one alignment perforation;a second said interlocking panel having at least one alignment tab for insertion into said alignment slot of the first said interlocking panel and a valve perforation within said alignment tab such that when the second said interlocking panel is aligned with the first said interlocking panel and the alignment tab is inserted into the alignment slot on the first said interlocking panel, the valve perforation aligns with the alignment perforation so that vapor can pass from below and through the fractionation tray to interact with the liquid above the fractionation tray whereby mechanical dead zones are reduced across the fractionation tray; anda support means for mounting said fractionation tray within said distillation tower.