Patent ID: 7842257

Claim:
An improved device for distributing fluid in a radial-flow direction through particles within a vertically extended vessel having a curved vessel wall, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, comprising: a) a plurality of panels, each defined by an arcuate section of a particle-retaining outer conduit having a multiplicity of conduit perforations in the direction of the center of the reactor and substantially parallel to the vessel wall and connected to a plurality portion of cylinders, each of which panels can be brought into the vessel via a vessel opening; b) a plurality of vertically extended cylinders, a plurality portion of which is contained in each of the panels, each cylinder having a hollow interior and a multiplicity of cylinder perforations; and at least one end of each cylinder communicating with one of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and, c) a perforated central conduit located in the center of said vessel and communicating with the other of said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet that is not communicating with the cylinders.