Patent ID: 7422197
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: B01D,B01J,F25J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: an exchange column for distillation or fractionation of a fluid mixture having a vapor phase and a liquid phase, the exchange column having a longitudinal axis and an inner wall spaced apart from and surrounding the longitudinal axis, thereby being an interior space between the inner wall and the longitudinal axis; a dividing wall disposed in the interior space, the dividing wall having a first side and a second side and dividing the interior space into at least a first longitudinal space adjacent the first side of the dividing wall and a second longitudinal space adjacent the second side of the dividing wall; a plurality of packing elements in a first layer of structured packing disposed in at least one of the first longitudinal space or the second longitudinal space; and at least one elongated stiffening member having a first end connected to the inner wall of the exchange column and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being connected to the first side or the second side of the dividing wall, at least a portion of the at least one elongated stiffening member being disposed in the first layer of structured packing, wherein the vapor phase and the liquid phase are countercurrently contacted on the plurality of packing elements in the first layer of structured packing to effect separation of the fluid mixture.