Patent ID: 8177198

Claim:
A device for the distribution of liquid over the top of a reactor bed, comprising: a liquid collection tray having a top and a bottom, having outlet ports therein; a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray outlet ports and affixed to the bottom of the liquid collection tray thereby creating a mixing chamber between the liquid collection tray and the distribution tray, and where the distribution tray has a plurality of openings on the bottom of the distribution tray; and a plurality of liquid spray nozzles, where each nozzle is disposed in an opening of the liquid distribution tray wherein said liquid collection tray, said liquid distribution tray and said plurality of liquid spray nozzles are in a reactor and above a reactor bed within said reactor; and wherein the fluid communication between the liquid distribution tray and the liquid collection tray comprises a plurality of channels arrayed circumferentially around the liquid collection tray, and where each channel directs the flow of liquid in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction to separate at least a portion of the liquid from a vapor phase; and further including vapor pipes configured for having an outlet in fluid communication with a space below the liquid distribution tray and above an inferior reactor bed and an inlet in fluid communication with a space above the liquid collection tray and below a superior reactor bed.