Importance

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Abstract

A mass transfer or heat exchange column is provided with a vapor distributor having, in one embodiment, a plenum which circulates a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column. The plenum has a plurality of spaced apart outlet ports which allow portions of the vapor stream to be introduced into the open column interior at a plurality of locations. The vapor streams exiting the plenum have sufficient velocity to cause turbulent mixing of the streams, thereby providing a more uniform distribution of the vapor across the horizontal cross section of the column. The ascending, uniformly distributed vapor is then able to interact more efficiently with liquid in an overlying zone which may include trays or random or structured packing. In another embodiment, the vapor distributor defines a flow channel of decreasing cross-sectional area that is in communication with a generally open bottom of the distributor. The decreasing area of the flow channel forces the vapor stream out the bottom of the distributor in a uniform manner for more even distribution across the horizontal cross section of the column.

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First Claim