Abstract:
A headless suspended mass transfer and reaction tower system used for the scrubbing, stripping or chemical reaction between gases and liquids. The system comprises an elongated shell having a closed top end and a suspension member configured to suspend the tower from an external suspension support. Various embodiments of the system can be adapted for the purposes of chemical vent scrubbing, absorption, odor abatement, gas-liquid chemical reactions, or similar processes. The tower can be operated in the classical counter current or concurrent flow modes, under pressure, or in a partial vacuum.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/850,519, filed on Aug. 4, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Conventional mass transfer or chemical reaction packed towers (also known as columns) typically comprise a rigid shell, internal tower components and packing. Shells are constructed with materials such as metals, plastics, composites or other rigid materials. The internal tower components typically consist of miscellaneous process equipment such as liquid gas/distributors, packing supports, mist eliminators, spray nozzles, instruments and the like which are installed in or on the tower to facilitate process requirements such as the management of liquid and gas flows. The packing typically consists of either random or structured packing, separate or in combination, or trays (plates) known in the industry. Other external ancillary equipment such as fans, pumps, lines, tanks are connected to the tower to complement the process requirements. Conventional packed towers are supported by the shell bearing on the floor or from a structure designed for a similar purpose. The internals tower components and packing are typically supported at different locations from nozzles or from the inside of the tower&#39;s shell. Conventional towers are mostly permanently installed and not easily portable. 
         [0003]    There is a need for a portable light weight tower system capable of being transported in a compact manner and installed at a variety of locations using equipment standard in the industry. The invention is directed at overcoming one or more of the problems by providing a lightweight, sectional, collapsible, portable tower capable of being installed in almost any industrial setting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The system is a suspended tower, and components thereof. A suspended tower system according to principles of the invention permits mass transfer or chemical reactions within a system, that can be transported, set up, and operated in either countercurrent or concurrent flow formats in a variety of locations, conditions, and environments. The suspended tower allows typical mass transfer operations such as absorption or stripping. The system generally comprises a top head and a bottom head connected by a soft shell containing, suspended packing, wherein the entire system is suspended by a suspension means located on the top head. In various embodiments described below, the system can further comprise upper tension hubs, lower tension hubs, internal tower components, internal suspension lines and external suspension lines. Collectively, the top head, bottom head, the packing, and shell connect to form a suspended tower. 
         [0005]    The top head provide structural support for the shell, suspended packing, tension hubs, and suspension lines. The top head is a rigid portion of the tower and is constructed of metal, plastic, composites or other rigid materials and it provides a location for the installation of internal tower components such as spray nozzles, liquid distributors, mist eliminators, packing bed limiters, instrumentation or the like. The top head houses the upper tension hub. The top head comprises a location for bracing and sealing the shell. Lateral lugs can be added for bracing the top head to reduce lateral movement. The design of the top head will vary depending of the demands of the process for which the system is designed. 
         [0006]    The bottom head is a rigid portion of the tower constructed of metal, plastic, composites or other rigid materials. In most embodiments, the weight of the bottom head and its contents will provide the tensile requirements of the system for bracing and shaping the shell. The bottom head houses the lower tension hub. The bottom head affords a location for the installation of internal tower components, such as liquid and gas nozzles, instrumentation and the like. The bottom head comprise a location for bracing and sealing the shell. The bottom head comprises a receptacle to collect the liquid falling down the tower&#39;s liquid management system. 
         [0007]    The upper tension hub and lower tension hub fit inside the top head and bottom head, respectively. The tension hubs are designed to provide a location for bracing the suspended packing and internal suspension lines. The tension hubs transfer the tensile force between the top and bottom heads. In one embodiment, the tension hubs are annular rigid rings having slots capable of mating with tension hub lugs located on the inside surface of the top head and bottom head, respectively. In other embodiment, the tension hubs may take different shapes depending of the design requirements. The design of the tension hubs can include a combination of functions in addition to bracing such as liquid/gas distribution, bed limiters, mist collectors or the like. 
         [0008]    Generally, the shell is constructed of pliable or lightweight rigid materials allowing portability and ease of handling. The shell serves the functions of joining the top head and bottom head, containing the process gasses and liquids within the tower system, providing a space for the suspended packing bundle, supporting the packing in certain applications, and providing the flow shape of the tower. The shell has a means for a removable top attachment, which is any means for removably attaching the top of the shell to the top head or adjacent support, such as the support means on a connector head. The bottom of the shell comprises a means for a removable bottom attachment, which is any means for attaching the bottom of the shell to the bottom head or connector head. The shell may provide all, some or none of the weight bearing requirements of the tower. 
         [0009]    The shape of the shell is maintained by stretching the shell material between the top head and bottom head. Under normal conditions, the shell is under tension induced by the weight of the bottom head, and the shell conforms to its natural catenary shape. In another embodiment, the shape of shell can be enhanced by the use of battens installed on the surface of the shell. 
         [0010]    In order to form a leak-resistant seal between the shell and the bottom head, the shell comprises a liquid chute, which is an annular, tapered flap-like portion near the bottom of the shell. The chute directs the liquid flow away from the seal made by the bottom sealing cuff of the shell and the bottom head and channels the liquid into the bottom head. 
         [0011]    The shell can be increased in length by connecting one or more shells together using the suspension connector heads. The connector heads comprise one or more connector tension hubs and provide connectivity for tower internal components and ancillary equipment. The connector heads comprise one or more shell support means as described above in the context of the heads. In the suspended tower having multiple shell segments, a connector head can be disposed between an upper shell segment and a lower shell segment. The upper segment attaches to a support means on the connector head via the bottom support means on the upper shell segment. The lower shell segment attaches to a support means on the connector head via the top attachment means on the lower shell segment. The attachments are made by similar methods and means as those described above in the context of attaching the shell to the heads. 
         [0012]    The packing is suspended from the top head, from the shell, or a combination thereof. The suspended packing is used to provide a space for the intimate contact between the liquid and gas for mass transfer or chemical reaction to occur. The suspended packing in the interior of the tower can be installed by several methods known in the art. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the suspended tower comprises a soft shell and a suspension member, without a top head or a bottom head. This embodiment promotes simplicity of the component parts, as well as ease of transport and installation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of the mass transfer tower system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows an elevation view of an exemplary, partially disassembled suspended mass transfer tower. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view of a typical top head. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a typical top head. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a typical top head. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a typical bottom head. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a typical bottom head. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a typical bottom head. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a partial cross section view of a top head, showing the upper tension hub and the tension hub lugs. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an elevation view of a typical shell. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an elevation view of a typical top head showing one example of means of shell support. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11A  is a cross section view of one embodiment of a shell support means on a top head. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a top view of one embodiment of a top head having the support means shown in  FIGS. 11 and 11A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is an elevation view of the top head showing one embodiment of the top shell attachment means. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is an elevation of the top head showing one embodiment of the top attachment means. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14A  is an elevation of the top head showing one embodiment of the top attachment means in which bolts are used to attach the shell to the heads. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is an elevation view of the suspended mass transfer tower system having one embodiment of the battens. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is an elevation view of the suspended mass transfer tower system having one embodiment of the battens. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is an elevation view of the suspended mass transfer tower system having one embodiment of the battens. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is an elevation view of a typical top head showing the sealing bands securing the cuff of the shell. 
           [0034]      FIG. 18A  is an enlarged view of a typical arrangement of a shell&#39;s sealing cuff, sealing gasket, top head and sealing bands. 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is an elevation view of the bottom head showing the sealing bands securing the cuff of the shell and the liquid chute. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19A  is an enlarged view of a typical arrangement of a shell&#39;s sealing cuff, sealing gasket, bottom head and sealing bands. 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is an elevation view of one embodiment of the top attachment means. 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is an elevation view of the bottom head showing the fluid flow from the shell to the bottom head through the liquid chute. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21A  is an enlarged view of the liquid chute, shell&#39;s sealing cuff, sealing gasket and bottom head. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is an elevation view of a connection head. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is a cross section view of a typical connection head. 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is an exploded elevation view of a suspended tower system having multiple shell segments connected in series. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is a cross section view of the shell, showing typical seal ridges. 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  is an elevation view of one embodiment of suspended packing suspended within the tower system. 
           [0045]      FIG. 26A  is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of suspended packing supported within the shell portion of the tower system. 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is an elevation view of the steps of attaching the suspended packing via the upper tension hub to the top head and raising the top head and suspended packing. 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is an elevation view of the step of preparing the shell for attachment to the top head. 
           [0048]      FIG. 29  is an elevation view of the steps of connecting the top head to the shell and preparing the bottom head for installation. 
           [0049]      FIG. 30  is an elevation view of the steps of installing the bottom head securing the suspended tower. 
           [0050]      FIG. 31  shows an elevation view of one embodiment of the industrial connectivity of ancillary equipment used for a typical suspended mass transfer tower system. 
           [0051]      FIG. 32  shows a typical headless suspended mass transfer tower system with a portion of the shell removed to expose the packing inside the shell. 
           [0052]      FIG. 33  shows a partial headless suspended mass transfer tower system with a portion of the shell pulled back to expose the tension head, internal structure, and packing. 
       
    
    
       [0053]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes, or proportions shown in the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0054]    Referring to the Figures, various embodiments of an exemplary suspended tower system, and components thereof, are shown. A suspended tower system according to principles of the invention permits mass transfer or chemical reactions between liquid and gases within a portable system that can be transported, set up permanently or temporarily, and operated in a variety of locations, conditions, and environments. The embodiments disclosed herein are meant for illustration and not limitation of the system. An ordinary practitioner will understand that it is possible to create other variations of the following embodiments without undue experimentation. 
       Suspended Tower System 
       [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the system generally comprises a top head  10  and a bottom head  12  connected by a soft shell  15  containing a suspended packing bundle  16 , wherein the entire system is suspended by a means for suspension  11  located on the top head  10 . In various embodiments described below, the system can further comprise upper tension hubs  17 , lower tension hubs  20 , internal suspension lines  18 , and external suspension lines  19 . Collectively, the top head  10 , bottom head  12 , the suspended packing  16  and shell  15  connect to form a suspended tower, as described below. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the top head  10  and bottom head  12  are an integral part of the mechanical support of the tower. They provide structural support for the shell  15 , suspended packing  16 , upper tension hubs  17 , lower tension hubs  20 , internal suspension lines  18 , and external suspension lines  19  and miscellaneous tower components. The top head  10  supports the weight of the entire system, which is suspended from the suspension means  11 . The bottom head  12  can be anchored via anchoring means  13  to the floor, external structures or a ballast to provide added stability to the entire tower. 
         [0057]    The top head  10  has two main functions, which are first to provide a structure from which to suspend the tower, and second, to provide a place for the installation of internal tower components and provide connectivity to miscellaneous ancillary process equipment. Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the top head  10  is a rigid portion of the tower and is constructed of metal, plastic, composites, other rigid materials or a combination thereof. The top head  10  incorporates a means for suspension  11 , such as lugs, hooks, clasps, anchors, or the like. The top head  10  has one or more suspension means  11  to apply the tension necessary to lift and suspend the entire tower system. The top head  10  can further comprise lateral lugs  23  that can be spaced laterally for bracing the top head  10 , thereby reducing lateral or twisting movement. The top head  10  is laterally braced by attaching the lateral lugs  23  using lateral braces (not shown), such as rods or cables to a structure. The top head  10  provides a location  44  for the installation internal tower components such as liquid distribution, liquid distributors trays, mist eliminators, packing bed limiters, instrumentation and the like. The top head  10  also affords the installation of process nozzles  31  for the installation of internal tower components or to provide connectivity to ancillary process equipment  206 . The remaining design of the top head  10  will vary depending of the demands of the process for which the system is designed. 
         [0058]    The bottom head  12  has two main functions, which are first to provide a structure to anchor the suspended tower and second, to provide a place for the installation of internal tower components and provide connectivity to miscellaneous ancillary process equipment. As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the bottom head  12  is a rigid portion of the tower constructed of metal, plastic, composites, other rigid materials or a combination thereof. The bottom head  12  has one or more anchoring means  13  to apply the tension necessary to shape the shell  15  or anchor the suspended tower. The bottom head  12  can further comprise lateral lugs  23  that can be spaced laterally for bracing the bottom head  12 , thereby reducing lateral or twisting movement. The bottom head  12  is laterally braced by attaching the lateral lugs  23  using lateral braces (not shown), such as rods or cables to a structure. The anchoring lug  13  or lateral braces  23  can also be attached to ballasts. The bottom head  12  affords a location  44  for the installation of different internal tower components such as the lower tension hub  20 , liquid chute  25 , spray nozzles, gas distributors, packing support trays and the like. The bottom head  12  also affords the installation of process nozzles  31  for the installation of internal tower components or to provide connectivity to ancillary process equipment  206 . The bottom head  12  comprises a receptacle to collect the liquid falling down the tower&#39;s liquid management system. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the upper tension hub  17  and lower tension hub  20  fit inside the top head  10  and bottom head  12 , respectively. The tension hubs  17 ,  20  are designed to provide a location for retaining and anchoring the suspended packing  16  and internal suspension lines  18 . In one embodiment, the tension hubs  17 ,  20  are annular rigid rings having slots  40  capable of mating with tension hub lugs  45  located on the inside surface of the top head  10  and bottom head  12 , respectively. The lugs  45  can be welded or otherwise firmly attached to the interior of the heads  10 ,  12 . The tension hubs  17 ,  20  are attached by inserting the hub into the respective head, aligning the slots  40  of the tension hubs  17 ,  20  with the tension hub lugs  45 , and twisting the tension hubs  17 ,  20  such that the lugs  45  are securely and removably seated within the slots  40 . Alternatively, the tension hubs  17 ,  20  can be bolted or welded in place. Several other embodiments of the tension hubs can be used. For example, the tension hubs could comprise bars forming a cross, grids, or racks, as desired. 
         [0060]    Generally, the shell  15  is constructed of pliable or lightweight rigid materials allowing portability and ease of handling. The shell  15  serves the functions of joining the top head  10  and bottom head  12 , containing the process gasses and liquids within the tower system, providing a space for the suspended packing  16 , supporting the packing in certain applications, and providing the flow shape of the tower. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the shell  15  can be constructed of a combination of pliable materials such as polymer films, fabrics, rubber, membranes or a combination thereof. A single layer or multiple layers of similar or different materials can be used to fabricate the shell  15 . One of the layers is typically of a stretch resistant material used for tensioning and shaping. Other layer materials can be applied as lining for the shell  15  to provide chemical, erosion or fire resistance or for sealing purposes. Insulating layers can be used as required for the design. Multiple layers can be joined together by gluing, stitching, thermal fusing, vulcanizing or any other joining methods or combinations thereof. Supporting lines can be embedded within the layers of the shell  15  to provide additional tensile capacity. Access ports can be installed directly on the shell  15  to add or remove packing. In one embodiment, the top and bottom of the shell  15  comprise sealing cuffs  21  that snugly fits over the top  10  and bottom  12  heads to prevent process leaks. 
         [0061]    The shell  15  can be detached from the top head  10  and bottom head  12  as described below. In embodiments where the shell  15  is constructed of pliable materials, when the shell  15  is detached from the heads  10 ,  12  and packing  16 , it can be rolled, folded, or otherwise collapsed to promote easier handling and transportation. Depending on the size and configuration of the tower system, the collapsed shell  15  and the heads  10 ,  12  with the suspended packing  16  can be easily transported to nearly any location. 
         [0062]    The shell  15  has a means for a removable top attachment  33 , which is any means for removably attaching the top of the shell  15  to the top head  10  or to a connection head  26  as described below. Referring to  FIGS. 11-14 , the top attachment means  33  can comprise a variety of attachment methods such as ties, hook-and-loop closures, buttons, hooks, bolts, or any other kind of releasably secured fastener. The heads  10 ,  12  comprise a means for shell support  50 , such as hooks, rings, clasps, anchors, or the like. In one embodiment, the support means  50  comprises a ring  51  supported by wedge-shaped gussets  53  attached to the outer surface of the top head  10  or bottom head  12 , where the attachment could be made by a weld, chemical bond or other. The ring  51  is seated over the gussets  53  such that the tension pull created by the shell  15  forces the ring  51  and gussets  53  to support the weight. The gussets  53  are radially spaced about the circumference of the heads  10 ,  12 , which allows radial gaps  54  for securement of the attachment means  33 ,  34 . In this embodiment, the attachment means  33 ,  34  could be straps secured with hook-and-loop closures, hooks, straps, fastener rings, or the like. In another embodiment attachment means  33 ,  34 , shown in  FIG. 14A , bolts are used to attach the shell  15  to the heads  10 ,  12  without using a ring structure  51 . 
         [0063]    The shell  15  comprises a means for a removable bottom attachment  34 , which is any means for removably attaching the bottom of the shell  15  to the bottom head  12  or to a connector head  26  as described below. The bottom attachment means  34  can comprise a variety of attachment structures such as ties, hook-and-loop closures, buttons, hooks, bolts, or any kind of releasably secured fastener similar to those used for the top attachment means  33 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 15-17  show several embodiments for the shape of the shell  15 . The shape is maintained by stretching the shell  15  between the top head  10  and bottom head  12 . Under normal conditions, the shell  15  is under tension induced by the weight of the bottom head  12 , and the shell  15  conforms to its natural catenary shape. In many embodiments, the weight of the bottom head  12  and its contents can provide the tensile requirements for the system as described above. 
         [0065]    In another embodiment, the shape of shell  15  can be enhanced by the use of battens  35  installed on the surface of the shell  15 . The battens  35  can be adjusted as desired to alter the shape of the shell  15  for optimum performance of the process within the tower. For example, the battens  35  could be circular rings  36  placed around the exterior of the shell  15  to maintain the uniform circular section. These circular rings  36  can prevent collapse of the shell  15  where the mass transfer system is operated under a partial vacuum. In another embodiment, the battens  35  could be vertical vanes  37  providing lateral stiffness to the shell  15 . In another embodiment, the battens  35  could comprise external suspension lines  19  running through sleeves  39  on the external portion of the shell  15 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIGS. 18-20 , the top of the shell  15  comprises a sealing cuff area  21  forming a seal on the top head  10 . The bottom of the shell  15  comprises a sealing cuff section area  21  forming a seal on the bottom head  12 . The seals are formed by installing sealing bands  24  or other means of restraint on the cuff  21  section. The sealing bands  24  are tightened over the exterior of the top head  10  and bottom head  12 , respectively, to seal in the process fluids. 
         [0067]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 20 , the top attachment means  33  and bottom attachment means  34  can comprise flanges  41  that mate to and form a seal against a rims or flanges installed on top head  10  and bottom head  12 , respectively. This seal can be formed by tightly bolting or otherwise securing the flanges  41  to the respective flange or rim in the top head  10  and bottom head  12 . This type of seal is conventional in industrial applications. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , in order to form a leak-resistant seal between the shell  15  and the bottom head  12 , the shell  15  comprises a liquid chute  25 , which is an annular, tapered flap-like portion near the bottom of the shell  15 . The chute  25  directs the liquid flow away from the bottom seal created by sealing cuff  21  and the bottom head  12  and channels the liquid into the bottom head  12 . The chute  25  can be inserted into the shell  15  or integral therewith. Optionally, a sealing gasket  42  can be placed between the cuffs  21  and the heads  10 ,  12 . The sealing gasket  42  is any device or article capable of forming a seal between the upper or lower sealing cuff  21  and the top head  10  or bottom head  12 . For example, the sealing gasket  42  could be an elastomer ring or band, rubber gasket, or the like. The liquid chute can be reinforced with battens  35  or braced to retain the integrity of its shape. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , the shell  15  can be increased in length by connecting one or more shells  15  together using the suspension connector heads  26 . The connector heads  26  comprise means for connecting to the shells  15  and provide a place for tower internals and equipment  31 . The bracing of the shell  15  is similar to the top head  10  and bottom head  12 . The connector heads  26  comprise one or more shell support means  50  such as described above in the context of the heads  10 ,  12 . In the suspended tower having multiple shell  15  segments, a connector head  26  can be disposed between an upper shell segment  15   a  and a lower shell segment  15   b . The upper segment  15   a  attaches to a support means  50  on the connector head  26  via the bottom support means  34  on the upper segment  15   a . The lower segment  15   b  attaches to a support means  50  on the connector head  26  via the top attachment means  33  on the lower shell segment  15   b . The attachments are made by similar methods and means as those described above in the context of attaching the shell  15  to the heads  10 ,  12 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 25 , circular seal ridges  27  can be attached to the inside of the shell  15  to provide effective contact between the inner wall of the shell  15  and the suspended packing  16 . The seal ridges  27  are annular or semi-annular flaps protruding towards the interior of the shell. As described below, the suspended packing  16  is supported or suspended inside the shell  15 . The seal ridges  27  provide a means by which the liquid flowing down the inside of the shell  15  can contact the suspended packing  16  and gas rising inside the shell  15 . Effective contact is required to enhance liquid-gas interaction and to reduce wall effect disturbances that can reduce the efficiency of the tower. The aforementioned contact also reduces the possibility of liquid channeling down the inside wall of the shell  15 . 
         [0071]    Depending on the particular application of the tower system, the shell  15 , tension hubs  17 ,  20 , and support lines  18 ,  19  provide redundant load paths to support the dead weight of the tower. In some embodiments of the system, the shell  15  is capable of providing sufficient tensile strength to support the weight of the system without additional tensile support from other members. In other embodiments, internal suspension lines  18  or external suspension lines  19  can share or support the entire tensile load. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the internal suspension lines  18  are cables or rigid rods that are used in the interior of the towers, which the exterior suspension lines  19  are disposed on the exterior of the tower. The suspension lines  18  are attached to the tension hubs  17 ,  20  in the top head  10  and bottom head  12 , respectively. The external suspension lines  19  are attached to 50 or other bracing points on the top head. The suspension lines  18 ,  19  can be used to provide lateral stiffness and tensile strength to the tower. 
         [0072]    The packing is suspended from the top head  10  via the upper tension hub, from the shell  15 , or a combination of the thereof. The suspended packing  16  is used to provide a space for the intimate contact between the liquid and gas for process requirements. The suspended packing  16  in the interior of the tower can be installed by several methods. In one embodiment, the upper tension hub  17  comprises suspension bars  47  that serve as hangers for lines  18  supporting the suspended packing  16 . The lines  18  could be cables, ropes, strings, straps, or any like material that can resist the tension and the chemicals in the system. As shown in  FIG. 26 , individual lines  18  can be threaded through the packing  16  material, which are suspended and anchored using the tension hubs  17 ,  20 . 
         [0073]    The suspended packing  16  can be comprised of random or structured packing. In one embodiment, a packing bundle or cartridge is made by enclosing random packing in a membrane and suspended using lines  18 . In other embodiments, structured packing can be aligned using suspension lines  18  and using a retainer base near the bottom of the tower system.  FIG. 26A  shows an embodiment where packing can be dumped inside the shell  15  which is fitted with a reticulated support  38 . In this case, the shell  15  supports the packing in a bag like fashion. Otherwise, the tower can be operated as a spray tower with the internals supported on the shell or from the top head. 
       Method of Installation and Use 
       [0074]      FIGS. 27-30  show a typical method of installing the system. The method comprises the steps of attaching the suspended packing to the top head  110 , raising the top head and packing bundle  115 , preparing the shell for attachment to the top head  120 , connecting the top head to the shell  125 , preparing the bottom head for installation  130 , installing the bottom head  135 , securing the suspended tower  140 , and connecting the external equipment to the suspended tower  145 . 
         [0075]    In the step of attaching the suspended packing to the top head  110 , the top head  10  is laid on its side while the packing bundle  16  is attached. The upper tension hub  17  is inserted into the top head  10  and twist-locked, bolted, or otherwise secured into place. As described above, the packing bundle  16  and suspension lines  18 ,  19  can be attached to the top head  10  as required for the particular application. 
         [0076]    In the step of raising the top head and suspended packing  115 , a suspension device  100  is attached to the suspension means  11 , and the top head  10  and packing bundle  16  are lifted off of the ground surface to a height sufficient to provide the necessary ground clearance for preparing the shell  15  for attachment to the top head  10 . 
         [0077]    In the step of preparing the shell for attachment to the top head  120 , the shell  15  is placed below and aligned with the elevated top head  10  and suspended packing  16 . The top attachment means  33  is prepared for attachment to the top head  10 , and the shell  15  is prepped for receiving any battens  35  or external suspension lines  19 , as the situation requires. 
         [0078]    In the step of connecting the top head to the shell  125 , the suspended packing  16  and top head  10  are lowered into the shell  15 . The top attachment means  33  is secured to the support means  50  on the top head  10  such that the shell  15  is securely and removably attached to the top head  10 . All fasteners are secured and all sealing bands  24  are tightened. 
         [0079]    In the step of preparing the bottom head for installation  130 , the top head  10 , suspended packing bundle  16 , and shell  15  are lifted to provide adequate ground clearance to prepare the bottom head  12  for installation. The bottom head  12  is position below the shell  15  such that the shell  15  will align with the bottom head  12  when the shell  15  is lowered. 
         [0080]    In the step of installing the bottom head  135 , the top head  10 , suspended packing  16 , and shell  15  are lowered to connect with the bottom head  12 . The bottom tension hub  20  is inserted into the bottom head  12  and twist-locked, bolted, or otherwise secured into place. The bottom attachment means  34  is connected to the support means  50  on the bottom head  12  such that the shell  15  is securely and removably attached to the bottom head  12 . All fasteners are secured and all sealing bands  24  are tightened. As described above, the packing bundle  16  and suspension lines  17 ,  18 , can be attached to the bottom head  12  as required for the particular application. As another optional embodiment in step  135 , any suspension lines can be tensioned or stretched. Once the suspension lines have been tensioned, the bottom attachment  34  of shell  15  can be attached to bottom head  12  support means  50  and sealing bands  24  tightened. 
         [0081]    In the step of securing the suspended tower  140 , the top head  10 , suspended packing bundle  16 , shell  15 , and bottom head  12  are lifted so that the entire tower system is elevated above the floor or ground. Optionally, one or more anchor lines  49  can be attached to the anchor means  13  on the bottom head  12 , and lateral bracing lines (not shown) are attached to the lateral lugs  23  as desired. 
         [0082]    In the step of connecting the external ancillary process equipment to the suspended tower  145 , the external equipment is connected to the suspended tower system by any manner conventional in the industry.  FIG. 31  shows that the tower installation configuration will vary depending on the service required. The external ancillary process equipment may include any combination of circulation pumps  201 , circulation tanks  202 , fans  208 , dosing pumps  204 , scrubbing chemical tanks  205 , and a plurality of conventional hoses, lines, ducts and conduits  206 . 
       Headless Suspended Tower System 
       [0083]    In another embodiment of the suspended mass transfer tower, the system does not need a top head  10  or a bottom head  12  to function properly. Instead, the suspended tower system comprises the basic elements of a soft shell  515  and a suspension member  511  in a baglike manner. In this embodiment, the packing  516  contributes to shaping and contouring of the shell  515 . This embodiment has the added advantages of simplifying the required component parts of the mass transfer tower by eliminating the top head  10  and bottom head  12 . The weight savings of this embodiment promotes ease of transport and installation of the headless suspended mass transfer tower  599 . 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 32 , the shell  515  is formed from pliable, stretch-resistant material in an elongated shape having closed top and bottom ends. The shell  515  could be a single piece of material or formed in segments, as described above. To support the headless suspended tower system  599 , the shell  515  is suspended by a suspension member  511  attached to the shell  515 . The suspension member  511  can be any lug, hook, clasp, anchor, or similar member configured to connect the suspended tower system to a suspension support of a supporting structure external to the tower. In many embodiments, the shell  515  will have a substantially circular cross sectional shape. However, other cross sectional shapes may be used according to the application of the suspended tower system  599 . 
         [0085]    In this embodiment, the shell  515  is constructed of pliable materials, as taught in the embodiments discussed above. The shell  515  serves the functions of containing the process gasses and liquids within the tower system, providing a space for the suspended packing  516 , supporting the packing  516  in certain applications, and providing the flow shape of the tower  599 . The shell  515  can be constructed of a combination of pliable materials such as polymer films, fabrics, rubber, membranes or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the shell  515  comprises a pliable material adapted to fold when the shell is removed from the suspension support. The pliable material permits the shell  515  to be folded into a compact form, which promotes ease of transport. 
         [0086]    A single layer or multiple layers of similar or different materials can be used to fabricate the shell  515 . One of the layers is typically of a stretch resistant material used for tensioning and shaping. Other layer materials can be applied as lining for the shell  515  to provide chemical, erosion or fire resistance or for sealing purposes. Insulating layers can be used as required for the design. Multiple layers can be joined together by gluing, stitching, thermal fusing, vulcanizing or any other joining methods or combinations thereof. Supporting lines can be embedded within the layers of the shell  515  to provide additional tensile capacity. Access ports  532  can be installed directly on the shell  515  to add or remove packing. The access ports  532  are disposed within the shell and configured to accommodate insertion of packing  516  or tower internals, such as nozzles, into the shell. 
         [0087]    Under the tension created by suspending the system or vacuum within the system, the pliable shell  515  will tend to collapse absent sufficient lateral support. There are many ways to provide lateral support to the shell  515  to assist in maintaining a contour or profile necessary to operate the chemical and mass transfer processes for which the tower system  599  is employed. For example, the suspended packing  516  can be a semi-rigid material, such as a foam material, capable of providing a shaping form to the shell  515 . Alternately, as shown in  FIG. 26A , the packing  516  can be retained by reticulated supports disposed intermittently along the height of the tower system  599 . These “pockets” of packing material  516  tend to create tension in the shell  516 , thereby providing the shell  516  with form and shape. 
         [0088]    In another embodiment, the shell  515  is tightly packed with packing  515 , which creates a lateral expansion force, thereby creating a lateral tension force in the shell  515 . The gravitational force of the dense packing  516  additionally creates a vertical tension force in the shell  515 . Under these perpendicular tension forces, the shell  515  retains the shape in a baglike manner, as designed for particular mass transfer applications. 
         [0089]    In another embodiment, the headless suspended tower  599  comprises external battens for shaping the shell  515  in a manner similar to that described in previous embodiments. In another embodiment of the headless tower system  599 , the shell  515  can be supported by an internal structure  550 , such as a frame, paneling, inflatable soft shell walls, or the like. This embodiment permits the packing  516  to comprise softer material, which may be better suited for certain chemical or mass transfer processes. The internal structure  550  comprises rigid or semi-rigid elements, such as metals, plastics, or composite materials. Lightweight materials may be preferred for certain applications of the tower system  599 . The material for the internal structure  550  should be selected to withstand a harsh corrosive environment inside the tower system  599 . 
         [0090]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 33 , the headless suspended tower  599  can comprise a tension hub  517  that serves as a ring-like, structural support member from which to suspend the shell  515  or packing material  516 . For example, the shell  515  can be attached to the exterior of the tension hub  517  in a manner similar to the top attachment means taught in embodiments discussed above. For example, the shell  515  has a means for a removable attachment  533 , which is any means for removably attaching the shell  515  to the tension hub  517 . The attachment means  533  can comprise a variety of attachment structures, such as ties, hook-and-loop closures, buttons, hooks, bolts, slotted connections, or any other kind of releasably secured fastener. The packing  516  can also be suspended from the tension hub  517 , such as by attaching the packing  516  to lines suspended from the tension hub  517 . The tension hub  516  provides lateral support to the shell  515 , thereby assisting the tower system  599  in retaining its desired shape and diameter. The tension hub  517  can also provide an anchorage point to which the suspension member  511  or the internal structure  550  can be attached. 
         [0091]    In at least one embodiment, the shell  515  further comprises nozzle ports  531  configured to connect process components inside the shell  515  to equipment outside the shell  515 . The remaining design of the shell  515  will vary depending of the demands of the process for which the system is designed. 
         [0092]    The foregoing embodiments are merely representative of the suspended, mass transfer system and not meant for limitation of the invention. For example, one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that many components described herein can be customized for specific applications by an ordinary practitioner. Several components of the suspended tower may be altered depending on the chemical process being deployed. Consequently, it is understood that equivalents and substitutions for certain elements and components set forth above are part of the invention, and therefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as set forth in the following claims.