Claims
- 1. A quench zone mixing apparatus comprising:
a) a swirl chamber that includes a liquid collection tray, a wall disposed between a ceiling and a floor, the floor including an orifice which provides a means of fluid communication out of the swirl chamber, the wall defining an inside of the swirl chamber, the swirl chamber further including a plurality of openings that provide a means of fluid communication into the swirl chamber from the liquid collection tray, at least some of the openings having a first baffle associated with the openings; b) a rough distribution network disposed beneath the swirl chamber that includes a splash plate and radially and outwardly extending channels, wherein the splash plate is adapted to collect fluid exiting the orifice and distribute it through the channels; and c) a distribution apparatus disposed beneath the rough distribution network that includes a plate having a plurality of apertures and a plurality of bubble caps with at least some of the bubble caps associated with at least some of the apertures.
- 2. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swirl chamber further includes at least one wall baffle located inside the swirl chamber and attached to the wall.
- 3. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swirl chamber also includes at least one internal baffle on the floor.
- 4. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first baffles are located inside the swirl chamber and in communication with the openings to receive and direct incoming fluid circumferentially about the swirl chamber.
- 5. A quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings are included in the wall.
- 6. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 4, wherein each first baffle further includes:
a) a bottom tangential ramp located adjacent to bottom of the opening and attached to the inside of the swirl chamber wall; b) an impinging wall extending upward from the distal end of the tangential ramp; and c) an end wall extending upward from the tangential ramp and normal to the impinging wall and the swirl chamber wall.
- 7. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first baffle includes a circumferential opening perpendicular to one of the openings such that incoming fluid is directed tangentially to the swirl chamber wall.
- 8. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the impinging wall extends from the distal end of the tangential ramp to the ceiling.
- 9. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the circumferential opening is in the same direction for each baffle.
- 10. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a weir formed about the periphery of the orifice to define a basin on the floor of the swirl chamber.
- 11. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drip trays with at least some of the drip trays located underneath the plate and associated with at least some of the bubble caps, wherein the drip trays receive the fluid exiting the bubble caps and distribute it through at least one discharge port in the drip trays.
- 12. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the drip tray further includes at least two discharge points.
- 13. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid collection tray comprises a frusto-conical liquid collection tray surrounding the swirl chamber, and wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray collects a fluid from a catalyst bed placed above the swirl chamber and directs it to the openings.
- 14. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray has one end adjacent the swirl chamber wall and located adjacent the bottom of the openings and another end at a vertical height above the one end to define a downward sloping conical surface.
- 15. A quench zone-mixing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the swirl chamber wall is cylindrical and includes the openings.
- 16. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a quench fluid system that includes:
a) a quench fluid feed pipe; b) a concentric quench fluid manifold surrounding the swirl chamber, and, c) a plurality of quench fluid laterals extending radially inward and terminating at nozzles that extend through the swirl chamber wall, each nozzle end having a discharge opening to direct quench fluid into the fluid stream falling from the baffles.
- 17. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 16, wherein an individual nozzle is associated with an individual baffle such that the quench fluid discharged from the nozzle is directed into the fluid stream falling from the associated baffle.
- 18. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the splash plate further includes a plurality of apertures.
- 19. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels include side walls with a plurality of spaced apart notches.
- 20. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the bubble caps comprises:
a) a riser having a lower end located within an aperture in the plate and a top end to define a passageway between the ends; b) a cap located over the end of the riser, the cap having a top portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion; and, c) a spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap.
- 21. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the bubble cap further comprises a deflector baffle placed below an outlet of the passageway.
- 22. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the deflector baffle is a substantially flat, round disc, a substantially frusto-conically shaped disk or a cone.
- 23. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 22, wherein the deflector baffle is a cone having a solid body or a ringed construction with concentric rings and supports between adjacent rings.
- 24. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 22 or 23, wherein the cone is placed below the outlet of the passageway, with the cone's apex pointing toward the passageway.
- 25. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 20, wherein at least some of the bubble caps include a plurality of riser vanes located between the top end of the riser and the top portion of the cap.
- 26. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 25, wherein a top edge of the riser vanes is attached to top of the riser.
- 27. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the riser vanes are spaced from each other, to define vane passageways.
- 28. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 27, wherein the vane passageways are the sole means of fluid communication between an annulus of the bubble cap, formed between the downwardly extending skirt portion and the riser, and the passageway.
- 29. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the riser vanes are flat, curved or cut at an angle.
- 30. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 20, wherein an individual bubble cap is associated with an individual aperture of the plate to provide the sole means of fluid communication through the plate and wherein an individual drip tray is horizontally secured in association with an individual bubble cap.
- 31. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the cap has a plurality of spaced apart slots.
- 32. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is located within a reactor vessel and further comprises a support structure that includes:
a) a concentric hub; and, b) a first set of radial beams extending radially outward from the concentric hub to a single support ring attached to the reactor vessel, wherein the radial beams support the swirl chamber.
- 33. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the beams have a flange to support the distribution apparatus.
- 34. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the channels are provided on the beams.
- 35. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a second set of radial beams placed on top of the first set of radial beams.
- 36. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is located within a reactor vessel and further comprises a support structure that includes:
a) a concentric hub; and, b) a single set of radial beams extending radially outward from the concentric hub to a single supporting ring attached to the reactor vessel, wherein the radial beams support the swirl chamber.
- 37. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rough distribution network is supported by radial support beams which also support the swirl chamber.
- 38. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings comprise a sole means for fluid communication into the swirl chamber.
- 39. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the orifice comprises a sole means for fluid to exit the swirl chamber.
- 40. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels comprise longitudinal conduits including bottom and at least two walls connected to the bottom, the walls comprising a series of apertures.
- 41. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels have rectangular cross section.
- 42. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels are substantially U-shaped with a flat horizontal bottom or a rounded bottom.
- 43. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels are V-shaped.
- 44. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels are supported by radial support beams.
- 45. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels are supported by sides of radial support beams.
- 46. A reactor comprising a quench zone mixing apparatus interposed between two catalyst beds, an upstream and downstream catalyst bed, wherein the quench zone mixing apparatus comprises:
a) a swirl chamber that includes a liquid collection tray, a wall disposed between a ceiling and a floor, the floor including an orifice that provides a means of fluid communication out of the swirl chamber, the wall defining an inside of the swirl chamber, the swirl chamber further including a plurality of openings that provide a means of fluid communication into the swirl chamber from the liquid collection tray, at least some of the openings having a first baffle associated with the openings; b) a rough distribution network disposed beneath the swirl chamber, the network including a splash plate and radially and outwardly extending channels, wherein the splash plate is adapted to collect fluid exiting the orifice and distribute it through the channels; and c) a distribution apparatus disposed beneath the rough distribution network, the distribution apparatus including a plate having a plurality of apertures and a plurality of bubble caps with at least some of the bubbles caps associated with at least some of the apertures.
- 47. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the swirl chamber further includes at least one wall baffle located inside the swirl chamber and attached to the wall.
- 48. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the swirl chamber also includes at least one internal baffle on the floor.
- 49. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the first baffles are located inside the swirl chamber and in communication with the openings to receive and direct incoming fluid circumferentially about the swirl chamber.
- 50. The reactor of claim 46, wherein each first baffle further includes:
a) a bottom tangential ramp located adjacent a bottom of the inlet opening and attached to the inside of the swirl chamber wall; b) an impinging wall extending upward from the distal end of the tangential ramp; and c) an end wall extending upward from the tangential ramp and normal to the impinging wall and the swirl chamber wall.
- 51. The reactor of claim 50, wherein the first baffle includes a circumferential opening perpendicular to one of the openings such that incoming fluid is directed tangentially to the swirl chamber wall.
- 52. The reactor of claim 50, wherein the impinging wall extends from the distal end of the tangential ramp to the ceiling.
- 53. The reactor of claim 51, wherein the circumferential opening is in the same direction for each first baffle.
- 54. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the quench zone mixing apparatus further comprises a weir formed about the periphery of the orifice to define a basin on the floor of the swirl chamber.
- 55. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the openings are included in the wall.
- 56. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the liquid collection tray comprises a frusto-conical liquid collection tray surrounding the swirl chamber and wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray collects a fluid exiting from above the upstream catalyst bed and directs it to the openings.
- 57. The reactor of claim 56, wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray has one end adjacent the swirl chamber wall and located adjacent the bottom of the openings and another end at a vertical height above the one end to define a downward sloping conical surface.
- 58. The reactor of claim 57, wherein the swirl chamber wall is cylindrical and includes the openings.
- 59. The reactor of claim 49, wherein the quench zone mixing apparatus further comprises a quench fluid system that includes:
a) a quench fluid feed pipe; b) a concentric quench fluid manifold surrounding the swirl chamber; and, c) a plurality of quench fluid laterals extending radially inward and terminating at nozzles that extend through the swirl chamber wall, each nozzle end having a discharge opening to direct quench fluid into the fluid stream falling from the baffles.
- 60. The reactor of claim 59, wherein an individual nozzle is associated with an individual first baffle such that the quench fluid discharged from the nozzle is directed into the fluid stream falling from the associated baffle.
- 61. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the splash plate further includes a plurality of apertures.
- 62. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels include side walls with a plurality of spaced apart notches.
- 63. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the plate is substantially horizontally mounted within the vessel below the swirl chamber, the plate extending across the cross-section of the vessel to separate an upper section of the vessel from a lower section.
- 64. The reactor of claim 46 further comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal drip trays with at least some of the drip trays located underneath the plate and associated with at least some of the bubble caps, wherein the drip trays receive fluid exiting the bubble caps and distribute it through at least one discharge port in the drip trays.
- 65. The reactor of claim 64, wherein the drip tray further includes at least two discharge ports.
- 66. The reactor of claim 53, wherein the bubble cap comprises:
a) a riser having a lower end located within an aperture in the plate and a top end to define a passageway between the ends; b) a cap located over the top end of the riser, the cap having a top portion and downwardly extending skirt portion; and c) a spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap.
- 67. The reactor of claim 66, wherein an individual bubble cap is associated with an individual aperture of the plate to provide the sole means of fluid communication through the plate and wherein an individual drip tray is horizontally secured in associated with an individual bubble cap.
- 68. The quench zone mixing apparatus of claim 66, wherein the cap has a plurality of spaced apart slots.
- 69. The reactor of claim 46 further comprising a support structure that includes:
a) a concentric hub; and, b) a first set of radial beams extending radially outward from the hub to a single support ring attached to the reactor vessel, wherein the radial beams support the swirl chamber.
- 70. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the openings comprise a sole means for fluid communication into the swirl chamber.
- 71. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the orifice comprises a sole means for fluid to exit the swirl chamber.
- 72. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels comprise longitudinal conduits including bottom and at least two walls connected to the bottom, the walls comprising a series of apertures.
- 73. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels have rectangular cross-section.
- 74. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels are substantially U-shaped with a flat horizontal bottom or a rounded bottom.
- 75. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels are V-shaped.
- 76. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels are supported by radial support beams.
- 77. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the channels are supported by sides of radial support beams.
- 78. The reactor of claim 46, wherein the rough distribution network is supported by radial support beams which also support the swirl chamber.
- 79. A distribution apparatus comprising:
a) a plate with a plurality of apertures; b) a plurality of bubble caps with each of the bubble caps associated with one aperture, all of the apertures providing a sole means of fluid communication through the plate, each of the bubble caps comprising:
i) a riser having a lower end located within an aperture in the plate and a top end to define a passageway between the ends: ii) a cap located over the top end of the riser, the cap including a top portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion, the cap further including a plurality of spaced-apart slots; and iii) a spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap; c) a deflector baffle associated with and underneath each of the bubble caps.
- 80. The distribution apparatus of claim 79, wherein the deflector baffle is a substantially flat, round disk, a substantially frusto-conically shaped disk, a cone or a pyramid.
- 81. The distribution apparatus of claim 80, wherein the riser includes a plurality of riser vanes.
- 82. The distribution apparatus of claim 81, wherein the riser vanes are included in the riser between the top end of the riser and the top portion of the cap.
- 83. The distribution apparatus of claim 81, wherein top edge of the riser vanes is flush against the top portion of the cap.
- 84. The distribution apparatus of claim 81, wherein the skirt portion of the cap and the riser define a concentric area.
- 85. The distribution apparatus of claim 82, wherein the riser vanes are spaced from each other to define vane passageways which form a means of communication between the concentric area and the passageway.
- 86. The distribution apparatus of claim 79, wherein spray patterns produced by adjacent deflector baffles overlap.
- 87. A reactor having at least one catalyst bed and a distribution apparatus located above the catalyst bed, wherein the distribution apparatus comprises:
a) a plate with a plurality of apertures; b) a plurality of bubble caps with each of the bubble caps associated with one aperture, all of the apertures providing a sole means of fluid communication through the plate, each of the bubble caps comprising:
i) a riser having a lower end located within an aperture in the plate and a top end to define a passageway between the ends: ii) a cap located over the top end of the riser, the cap including a top portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion, the cap further including a plurality of spaced-apart slots; and iii) a spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap; c) a deflector baffle associated with and underneath each of the bubble caps.
- 88. The reactor of claim 87, wherein the deflector baffle is a substantially flat, round disk, a substantially frusto-conically shaped disk, a cone or a pyramid.
- 89. The reactor of claim 88, wherein the riser includes a plurality of riser vanes.
- 90. The reactor of claim 87, wherein the riser vanes are included in the riser between the top end of the riser and the top portion of the cap
- 91. The reactor of claim 87, wherein top edge of the riser vanes is flush against the top portion of the cap.
- 92. The reactor of claim 89, wherein the skirt portion of the cap and the riser define a concentric area.
- 93. The reactor of claim 92, wherein the riser vanes are spaced from each other to define vane passageways which form a means of communication between the concentric area and the passageway.
- 94. The reactor of claim 93, wherein spray patterns produced by adjacent deflector baffles overlap.
- 95. A process for contacting fluid reactants in a reactor comprising the steps:
a) introducing a first fluid into the reactor at a location above a swirl chamber, b) introducing the first fluid into the swirl chamber, c) introducing a second fluid into the swirl chamber and contacting the first fluid with the second fluid to form a turbulent swirl chamber fluid mixture; d) collecting the swirl chamber fluid mixture exiting from an outlet in the swirl chamber, e) distributing the swirl chamber fluid mixture through a rough distribution network which includes a splash plate and radially and outwardly extending channels; f) passing a fluid mixture exiting the radially and outwardly extending channels onto a distribution apparatus that includes a redistribution plate with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of bubble caps with at least some of the bubble caps associated with at least some of the apertures; and g) transporting the fluid mixture through the redistribution plate to form a redistribution tray fluid mixture.
- 96. The process of claim 95 further comprising the steps of:
a) transporting the redistribution tray fluid mixture onto a plurality of deflector baffles with at least some of the deflector baffles located underneath the redistribution plate and associated with at least some of the bubble caps.
- 97. A process for transferring a fluid from a first bed of a reactor to a second bed of a reactor comprising the steps:
a) introducing a fluid from the first bed of the reactor into a swirl chamber, b) imparting turbulence to the fluid in the swirl chamber, c) removing the fluid from the swirl chamber and introducing it into a rough distribution network including a splash plate and radially and outwardly extending channels; d) radially distributing the fluid over a distribution apparatus that includes a redistribution plate and a plurality of apertures and a plurality of bubble caps with at least some of the bubble caps associated with at least some of the apertures; and e) passing the fluid through the redistribution plate; and f) transporting the fluid to the second bed of the reactor.
- 98. The process of claim 97 further comprising the steps of:
a) introducing a second fluid into the swirl chamber; and b) contacting the first fluid with the second fluid to form a swirl chamber fluid mixture.
- 99. The process of claim 98 further comprising the steps of:
a) transporting the fluid passed through the redistribution plate onto a plurality of deflector baffles with at least some of the deflector baffles located underneath the redistribution plate and associated with at least some of the bubble caps.
- 100. A swirl chamber that includes:
a) a liquid collection tray; b) a swirl chamber wall disposed between a ceiling and a floor, the floor including an orifice which provides a means of communication out of the swirl chamber, the swirl chamber wall defining an inside of the swirl chamber, the swirl chamber further including a plurality of openings in the swirl chamber wall that provide a means of fluid communication into the swirl chamber, c) a plurality of first baffles located inside the swirl chamber and in communication with the openings to receive and direct incoming fluid circumferentially about the swirl chamber, and d) at least one wall baffle located inside the swirl chamber and attached to the swirl chamber wall.
- 101. A swirl chamber of claim 100 wherein each of the first baffles includes:
a) a bottom tangential ramp located adjacent to bottom of one of the openings and attached to the inside of the swirl chamber wall; b) an impinging wall extending upward from the distal end of the tangential ramp; and c) an end wall extending upward from the tangential ramp and normal to the impinging wall and the swirl chamber wall.
- 102. A swirl chamber of claim 100, wherein the orifice is located substantially centrally in the floor.
- 103. A swirl chamber of claim 100, which further includes at least one internal baffle on the swirl chamber floor.
- 104. The swirl chamber of claim 100, wherein at least some of the first baffles include a circumferential opening perpendicular to at least one of the openings, such that incoming fluid is directed tangentially to the swirl chamber wall.
- 105. The swirl chamber of claim 101, wherein the impinging wall extends from the distal end of the tangential ramp to the ceiling.
- 106. The swirl chamber of claim 104, wherein the circumferential opening is in the same direction for each first baffle.
- 107. The swirl chamber of claim 104, further comprising a weir formed about the periphery of the orifice to define a basin on the floor of the swirl chamber.
- 108. The swirl chamber of claim 100, wherein the liquid collection tray comprises a frusto-conical liquid collection tray surrounding the swirl chamber, and wherein the frusto-conical liquid-collection tray collects a fluid from a catalyst bed placed above the swirl chamber and directs it to the inlet openings.
- 109. The swirl chamber of claim 108, wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray has one end adjacent the swirl chamber wall and located adjacent the bottom of the openings and another end at a vertical height above the one end to define a downward sloping conical surface.
- 110. The swirl chamber of claim 109, wherein the swirl chamber wall is cylindrical and includes the openings.
- 111. The swirl chamber of claim 100, further comprising a quench fluid system that includes:
a) a quench fluid feed pipe; b) a concentric quench fluid manifold surrounding the swirl chamber; and c) a plurality of quench fluid laterals extending radially inward and terminating at nozzles that extend through the swirl chamber wall, each nozzle end having a discharge opening to direct quench fluid into the fluid stream falling from the first baffles.
- 112. The swirl chamber of claim 111, wherein an individual nozzle is associated with an individual first baffle such that the quench fluid discharged from the nozzle is directed into the fluid stream falling from the associated first baffle.
- 113. A reactor comprising a swirl chamber that includes:
a) a liquid collection tray; b) a wall disposed between a ceiling and a floor, the floor including an orifice which provides a means of communication out of the swirl chamber, the wall defining an inside of the swirl chamber, the swirl chamber further including a plurality of openings in the wall that provide a means of fluid communication into the swirl chamber, c) a plurality of first baffles located inside the swirl chamber and in communication with the openings to receive and direct incoming fluid circumferentially about the swirl chamber, and d) at least one wall baffle located inside the swirl chamber and attached to the wall.
- 114. A reactor of claim 113, wherein each of the first baffles further includes:
a) a bottom tangential ramp located adjacent to bottom of the opening and attached to the inside of the swirl chamber wall; b) an impinging wall extending upward from the distal end of the tangential ramp; and c) an end wall extending upward from the tangential ramp and normal to the impinging wall and the swirl chamber wall.
- 115. The reactor claim 114, wherein the orifice is located substantially centrally in the floor.
- 116. The reactor of claim 114, which further includes at least one internal baffle on the swirl chamber floor.
- 117. The reactor of claim 114, wherein at least some of the first baffles include a circumferential opening perpendicular to at least one of the openings to receive and direct incoming fluid tangentially to the swirl chamber.
- 118. The reactor of claim 114, wherein the impinging wall extends from the distal end of the tangential ramp to the ceiling.
- 119. The reactor of claim 116, wherein the circumferential opening is in the same direction for each first baffle.
- 120. The reactor of claim 113, further comprising a weir formed about the periphery of the orifice to define a basin on the floor of the swirl chamber.
- 121. The reactor of claim 113, wherein the liquid collection tray comprises a frusto-conical liquid collection tray surrounding the swirl chamber, and wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray collects a fluid from a catalyst bed placed above the swirl chamber and directs it to the openings.
- 122. The reactor of claim 121, wherein the frusto-conical liquid collection tray has one end adjacent the swirl chamber wall and located adjacent the bottom of the inlet openings and another end at a vertical height above the one end to define a downward sloping conical surface.
- 123. The reactor of claim 113, wherein the swirl chamber wall is cylindrical and includes the inlet openings.
- 124. The reactor of claim 113, further comprising a quench fluid system that includes:
a) a quench fluid feed pipe; b) a concentric quench fluid manifold surrounding the swirl chamber; and c) a plurality of quench fluid laterals extending radially inward and terminating at nozzles that extend through the swirl chamber wall, each nozzle end having a discharge opening to direct quench fluid into the fluid stream falling from the first baffles.
- 125. The reactor of claim 124, wherein an individual nozzle is associated with an individual first baffle such that the quench fluid discharged from the nozzle is directed into the fluid stream falling from the associated first baffle.
- 126. A method of operating a swirl chamber which includes:
a) a liquid collection tray; b) a swirl chamber wall disposed between a ceiling and a floor, the floor including an orifice which provides a means of communication out of the swirl chamber, the wall defining an inside of the swirl chamber, c) a plurality of openings, in the wall, which provide a means of fluid communication into the swirl chamber, d) a plurality of first baffles located inside the swirl chamber and in communication with the openings to receive and direct incoming fluid circumferentially about the swirl chamber, the method comprising introducing a fluid into the swirl chamber through the openings, directing the fluid onto the first baffles, directing the fluid from the first baffles onto the floor and towards the orifice, in such a manner that at least one of the first baffles is partially submerged by the fluid
- 127. The method of claim 126, wherein each of the first baffles includes:
a) a bottom tangential ramp located adjacent to bottom of the opening and attached to the inside of the swirl chamber wall; b) an impinging wall extending upward from a distal end of the tangential ramp; c) an end wall extending upward from the tangential ramp and normal to the impinging wall and the swirl chamber wall; the method further comprising directing the fluid from the openings onto the bottom tangential ramp and against the impinging wall, so that the fluid is directed tangentially to the swirl chamber wall.
- 128. The method of claim 127, wherein the fluid exits the bottom tangential ramp, and vapor and liquid phases of the fluid disengage and form a vapor phase vortex and a liquid phase vortex with the vapor phase vortex above the liquid phase vortex.
- 129. The method of claim 128, wherein the impinging wall of at least one of the first baffles is partially submerged by the liquid phase vortex.
- 130. The method of claim 128, wherein the swirl chamber further includes at least one wall baffle, attached to the swirl chamber wall, and the liquid phase vortex contacts the wall baffle.
- 131. The method of claim 130, wherein the wall baffle is partially submerged in the liquid phase vortex.
- 132. The method of claim 131, wherein the swirl chamber further includes at least one internal baffle on the floor, and the liquid vortex contacts the internal baffle.
- 133. The method of claim 132, wherein the internal baffle is partially submerged in the liquid phase vortex.
- 134. A bubble cap comprising:
a) a riser having a lower end located within an aperture in the plate and a top end to define a passageway between the ends, the passageway including an inlet and an outlet; b) a cap located over the top end of the riser, the cap having a top portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion; c) a spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap; and d) a deflector baffle placed below the outlet of the passageway.
- 135. A bubble cap of claim 134, wherein the deflector baffle is a substantially flat, round disc, a substantially frusto-conically shaped disk or a cone.
- 136. A bubble cap of claim 135, wherein the deflector baffle is a cone having a solid body or a ringed construction with concentric rings and supports between adjacent rings.
- 137. A bubble cap of claim 135 or 136, wherein the cone is placed below the outlet of the passageway, with the apex of the cone pointing toward the passageway.
- 138. A bubble cap comprising:
a) a riser having a lower end located within an aperture in the plate and a top end to define a passageway between the ends; b) a cap located over the top end of the riser, the cap having a top portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion; c) a spacer located between the riser and the cap to maintain a gap between the top end of the riser and the cap; and d) a plurality of riser vanes located between the top end of the riser and the top portion of the cap.
- 139. A bubble cap of claim 137, wherein a top edge of the riser vanes is attached to the top end of the riser.
- 140. A bubble cap of claim 138, wherein the riser vanes are spaced from each other, to define vane passageways.
- 141. A bubble cap of claim 140, wherein the vane passageways are the sole means of fluid communication between an annulus of the bubble cap, formed between the downwardly extending skirt portion and the riser, and the passageway.
- 142. A bubble cap of claim 141, wherein the riser vanes are flat, curved or cut at an angle.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of a pending application, Ser. No. 08/659,122, filed Jun. 4, 1996.
Continuation in Parts (1)
|
Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
08659122 |
Jun 1996 |
US |
Child |
10000867 |
Nov 2001 |
US |