Flow distribution for monolithic reactors

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and methods for distributing a mixed phase fluid to a monolith catalyst bed within a reactor, wherein a mixed phase fluid may be generated by a nozzle tray comprising a plurality of nozzles, the mixed phase fluid may be distributed by the nozzles to a mixed phase distributor system, and the mixed phase fluid may be further distributed by the mixed phase distributor system to a plurality of monolith channels within the reactor.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid distribution nozzle, comprising:
 a nozzle body,   at least one liquid inlet arranged laterally in the nozzle body, and   an axial gas inlet at the proximal end of the nozzle, wherein:   the nozzle body includes a proximal body portion and a distal body portion,   the proximal body portion defines a substantially cylindrical proximal void within the nozzle body,   the distal body portion defines a substantially cylindrical distal void within the nozzle body,   the proximal void is in fluid communication with the distal void,   the distal void is wider than the proximal void,   the proximal void and the distal void jointly define an inner surface of the nozzle body,   the proximal terminus of the proximal void defines the gas inlet, and each of the liquid inlets is in fluid communication with the inner surface of the nozzle body.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one extension conduit extending inwardly from the nozzle body into the distal void, wherein:   the at least one extension conduit is in fluid communication with the at least one liquid inlet and with the distal void.   
     
     
         3 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one extension conduit is configured for delivering liquid from the at least one liquid inlet to an axial region of the distal void. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one extension conduit is linear or curved. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one extension conduit is curved downwards. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one extension conduit extends radially inward. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the nozzle comprises a plurality of the liquid inlets and a corresponding plurality of extension conduits, and   each of the extension conduits is affixed to the nozzle body at a corresponding one of the liquid inlets.   
     
     
         8 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 each of the plurality of extension conduits extends inwardly from the nozzle body into the distal void, and   at least one of the plurality of extension conduits is non-radial.   
     
     
         9 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 each of the extension conduits is in fluid communication with the corresponding one of the liquid inlets and with the distal void, and   each of the extension conduits is configured for delivering liquid from the corresponding one of the liquid inlets to an axial region of the distal void.   
     
     
         10 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is configured for generating a mixed phase fluid and for discharging the mixed phase fluid distally from a nozzle distal end. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a splash guard disposed distally to the nozzle distal end, wherein:   the splash guard is configured for contacting the mixed phase fluid emanating from the nozzle distal end.   
     
     
         12 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 11 , wherein the splash guard has a convex upper surface. 
     
     
         12 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 11 , wherein the splash guard is configured as substantially domed or substantially conical. 
     
     
         14 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 11 , wherein the splash guard is disposed at least substantially orthogonally to the nozzle axis. 
     
     
         15 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 11 , wherein the splash guard is disposed at least substantially co-axially with the nozzle body. 
     
     
         16 . The fluid distribution nozzle according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the distal void tapers distally from narrow to broad.