Patent ID: 6287367
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A separation process which employs a series of trays arranged in a sequence with a tray above another, each tray comprising at least one perforated area through which vapor comprising entrained liquid travels upward from one tray to another, wherein said perforated area of each tray is covered by an impermeable roof in order to inhibit the rise of entrained liquid, each tray further comprising at least one outlet weir which is adjacent to the perforated area, and wherein at least one tray of the series further comprises at least two baffles, each of which is vertically located between the perforated area and the impermeable roof but is not attached to either, one baffle being a topmost baffle and other baffle or baffles being located vertically below the topmost baffle, wherein all baffles aid in the deflection of vapor and entrained liquid to a disengaging area between the trays, where vapor is separated from liquid, the vapor moving upward and the liquid falling downward.