Separation method and assembly for process streams in component separation units

Abstract

A method for removing contaminants from a process stream that includes the use of reticulated material to filter the process stream. The reticulated material also facilitate process stream flow distribution in process units. The reticulated material can be packed with a void space between a substantial number of the reticulated material that can be varied to enhance filtration and flow distribution. The method of filtering also provides a method of removing contaminants leaving process equipment. The methods can be used on a variety of process streams and process equipment. The reticulated material can include ceramics, metallic materials, and chemical vapor deposition elements. The reticulated material can be of various shapes and sizes, and can also be catalytically active.

1 . A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated process stream comprising:
 a) providing a plurality of randomly packed reticulated elements within a process unit, wherein the reticulated elements are sized such that there is a significant and varied void space therebetween, and wherein the entire depth of the randomly packed reticulated elements is capable of filtering contaminants from the process stream; and   (b) contacting the contaminated process stream with the reticulated elements to filter contaminants from the contaminated process stream on a surface of the reticulated elements while allowing the process stream to pass through the significant and varied void space between the reticulated elements to produce a substantially decontaminated process stream.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reticulated elements comprise a plurality of disk-shaped elements. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reticulated elements comprise a plurality of monoliths. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the depth of the randomly packed reticulated elements within the process unit is at least six inches. 
     
     
         5 . The method of claim  6 , wherein the depth of the randomly packed reticulated elements within the process unit is at least one foot.