Patent ID: 8430380
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: B01D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom, the assembly comprising: a plurality of apertures formed on a surface of the tray for facilitating flow of the second fluid flow upwardly therethrough; a plurality of floating valves disposed across the surface of the tray and mounted above the plurality of apertures, each floating valve of the plurality of floating valves comprising a top surface and at least one securement leg operatively coupled to the top surface; a first securement leg of the at least one securement leg, the first securement leg being adapted to intercept flow of the first fluid in the first direction by forming a diverting baffle for engaging the first fluid; a first aperture disposed in the first securement leg of each floating valve of the plurality of floating valves, the first aperture being operable to allow the second fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with flow of the first fluid in the first direction; a plurality of open side regions disposed in each floating valve of the plurality of floating valves for allowing flow of the second fluid to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely dispersed directions for contact with flow of the first fluid in the first direction; and wherein each floating valve of the plurality of floating valves allows the flow of the second fluid to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction thereby facilitating a propulsion of the first fluid across the tray.