Patent ID: 7055810
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A mass transfer column comprising: an external shell having an inner surface and defining an open internal region; at least one vapor-liquid contact tray disposed within the open internal region of the column; an expansion ring underlying said at least one vapor-liquid contact tray, the expansion ring having a first end segment and a second end segment defining a cutout in the expansion ring, said expansion ring having an upright leg and a tray support flange extending radially inwardly at an upper end of said upright leg, said tray support flange providing a support surface for said vapor-liquid contact tray; at least one support ring underlying the at least one vapor-liquid contact tray and secured to said column shell and a plurality of rods extending between said one support ring and said expansion ring to transfer a load carried by said expansion ring to said one support ring; an expander associated with said first and second end segments of the expansion ring, the expander comprising a first bracket secured to the first end segment and a second bracket secured to the second end segment, a threaded member extending through said first and second brackets, and a pair of nuts carried on said threaded member and turnable against said first and second brackets to force said first and second end segments further apart to cause the expansion ring to expand against the inner surface of said column shell; and at least one seal plate carried by said threaded member and positioned to block said cutout in the tray support flange of said expansion ring.