Apparatuses and processes for distillation and distillation column assembly
An apparatus and process for distillation column fabrication can include forming multiple distillation column packing units that are positionable in a column to define a single packing section so that multiple columns of packing can be positioned in parallel with each other within a single distillation pressure vessel. Each of these multiple columns can have a pre-selected cross-sectional shape, such as a hexagonal shape, and each packing unit can have the same cross-sectional shape (e.g. hexagonal). Each column can include a riser, or distributor, attached to its upper or top portion. A plurality of outer jigsaw seal elements can be arranged between the outer portion of the columns and the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Each packing unit can include a plurality of layered corrugated sheets that are provided in a pre-selected arrangement to facilitate gas and liquid separation via the packing.
1 . A process for fabrication and/or use of an apparatus for distillation, the process comprising:
providing a plurality of packing units, each of the packing units having a plurality of corrugated sheets of material encircled by at least one banding element;
providing a plurality of column assembly sheets, each of the column assembly sheets being corrugated to have a plurality of flat walls and a plurality of angled walls, each of the flat walls extending from a first end to a second end, each of the flat walls having a first side and a second side opposite the first side between the first end and the second end, the plurality of flat walls comprising a first flat wall and the plurality of angled walls including a first angled wall extending from the first side of the first flat wall and a second angled wall extending from the second side of the first flat wall;
positioning the packing units in channels of a first column assembly sheet of the plurality of column assembly sheets and attaching a second column assembly sheet to the first column assembly sheet to enclose the packing units and form columns for forming a multicolumn assembly.
2 . The process of claim 1 , comprising:
attaching a riser assembly to an end portion of each of the columns.
3 . The process of claim 2 , comprising:
positioning the multicolumn assembly within a chamber of a pressure vessel.
4 . The process of claim 3 , comprising:
positioning jigsaw seal elements within the chamber between at least one wall of the pressure vessel and the multicolumn assembly to define an annular seal between the pressure vessel and the multicolumn assembly.
5 . The process of claim 4 , comprising:
connecting the multicolumn assembly to hangers positioned in the chamber.
6 . The process of claim 3 , comprising:
connecting the multicolumn assembly to hangers positioned in the chamber.
7 . The process of claim 3 , comprising:
passing a feed through the pressure vessel for distillation of the feed such that different portions of the feed passes through different columns in parallel to output an upper stream and a lower stream.
8 . The process of claim 3 , comprising:
positioning a plurality of hangers in the chamber to support the multicolumn assembly within the chamber.
9 . The process of claim 8 , wherein each of the hangers comprises:
an elongated member positioned in the chamber;
a plurality of spaced apart fastener elements extending from the elongated member;
a plurality of clamping members, each clamping member attached to a distal end of a respective one of the fastener elements.
10 . The process of claim 9 , wherein each of the clamping members has a slot to receive walls of adjacent columns and at least one engagement element positionable in the clamping member to engage the walls within the slot.
11 . The process of claim 10 comprising:
positioning a plurality of riser assemblies so that each of the riser assemblies is positioned in an upper end portion of a respective one of the columns of the multicolumn assembly, walls of bottom portions of adjacent riser assemblies being positioned within the slot for engagement with the at least one engagement element within the slot.
12 . The process of claim 1 , wherein the providing of the packing units comprises:
connecting a first portion of a first banding element to a first portion of a cradle while the cradle is in an open position;
connecting a second portion of the first banding element to a second portion of the cradle while the cradle is in the open position;
positioning sheets of corrugated material on the first portion of the first banding element and positioning sheets of corrugated material on the second portion of the second banding element while the cradle is open;
closing the cradle so that terminal end portions of the first portion of the first banding element connect with terminal end portions of the second portion of the first banding element to form the first banding element to encircle the sheets of corrugated material to form a first packing unit of the plurality of packing units.
13 . The process of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the terminal end portions of the first portion of the first banding element has a slot and at least one of the terminal end portions of the second portion of the first banding element has a projection positionable within the slot when the cradle is closed.
14 . The process of claim 12 , wherein the first banding element comprises at least one seal element and a plurality of protuberances.
15 . The process of claim 1 comprising:
positioning a plurality of riser assemblies so that each of the riser assemblies is positioned in an upper end portion of a respective one of the columns of the multicolumn assembly.