Mass transfer assembly and column with dividing wall and methods involving same

Abstract

A mass transfer column comprising: a shell ( 12 ); an open internal region ( 14 ) defined by said shell; and a mass transfer assembly ( 16 ) positioned in the open internal region ( 14 ), the mass transfer assembly ( 16 ) comprising: a dividing wall ( 18 ) forming first and second sub-regions; one or more zones of mass transfer structures positioned in the first and second sub-regions ( 22 and 24 ); and a liquid flow divider ( 48 ) positioned above the dividing wall ( 18 ) for delivering a volumetric split of liquid to the first and second sub-regions. The liquid flow divider ( 48 ) may comprise a moveable weir ( 68 ) or a valve ( 180 ) in order the change the ratio of liquid flow between the two sub-regions.

1 . A mass transfer assembly for use in an open internal region within a mass transfer column, the mass transfer assembly comprising:
 a dividing wall forming first and second sub-regions on opposite sides of the dividing wall;   one or more zones of mass transfer structures positioned in the first and second sub-regions on the opposite sides of the dividing wall; and   a liquid flow divider positioned above the dividing wall for delivering a volumetric split of liquid to the first and second sub-regions and moveable between a first configuration for delivering a volumetric flow of liquid to the first sub-region and a second configuration for delivering a greater volumetric flow of liquid to the first sub-region to allow an adjustment of the volumetric split of liquid when delivered to the first and second sub-regions on the opposite sides of the dividing wall,   wherein when the liquid flow divider is in the first configuration the volumetric flow of liquid to the first sub-region is less than or the same as a volumetric flow of liquid to the second sub-region and when the liquid flow divider is in the second configuration the volumetric flow of liquid to the first sub-region is greater than the volumetric flow of liquid to the second sub-region,   wherein the liquid flow divider comprises first and second conduits through which said volumetric split of liquid is respectively delivered to said first and second sub-regions and a moveable valve for varying a cross-sectional area that is open to liquid flow within the first conduit, wherein when the liquid flow divider is in the first configuration the cross-sectional area that is open to liquid flow is less than the cross-sectional area that is open to flow when the liquid flow divider is in the second configuration.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The mass transfer assembly of  claim 1 , including outlets in said outflow boxes for passage of said volumetric flows of liquid. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The mass transfer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid flow divider further comprises an actuator associated with the valve for controlling movement of the valve. 
     
     
         12 . The mass transfer assembly of  claim 11 , further including a linkage coupling said actuator with said valve. 
     
     
         13 . The mass transfer assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said valve includes a restrictor plate positioned within said first conduit. 
     
     
         14 . A mass transfer column comprising:
 a shell;   an open internal region defined by said shell; and   a mass transfer assembly of  claim 1  positioned within said open internal region.   
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The mass transfer column of  claim 14 , further including outlets in said outflow boxes for passage of said volumetric flows of liquid. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The mass transfer column of  claim 14 , further including an additional dividing wall, wherein the dividing walls are positioned in horizontally spaced-apart and parallel relationship to each other. 
     
     
         22 . A method of operating a mass transfer column comprising a shell, an open internal region defined by the shell, and a mass transfer assembly of  claim 1  positioned within said open internal region, said method comprising the steps of:
 operating an actuator to move the liquid flow divider between a first configuration for delivering a volumetric flow of liquid to the first sub-region and a second configuration for delivering a greater volumetric flow of liquid to the first sub-region to allow an adjustment of the volumetric split of liquid delivered to the first and second sub-regions on the opposite sides of the dividing wall; 
 introducing a feedstream into the open internal region; 
 processing the feedstream to cause liquid to descend through the first and second sub-regions; and 
 withdrawing a product or product from the mass transfer column. 
 
     
     
         23 . The mass transfer column of  claim 14 , wherein said actuator is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, a magnetic actuator, and a thermal actuator. 
     
     
         24 . The mass transfer column of  claim 23 , wherein said actuator is a rotary actuator or a linear actuator. 
     
     
         25 . The mass transfer column of  claim 14 , further including another moveable valve in the second conduit. 
     
     
         26 . The mass transfer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, a magnetic actuator, and a thermal actuator. 
     
     
         27 . The mass transfer assembly of  claim 26 , wherein said actuator is a rotary actuator or a linear actuator.