Described herein is a column packing for a distillation apparatus, the column packing having an upper end opposite a lower end, the column packing comprising: a body extending along a central axis, the body comprising: a central channel extending parallel to the central axis, the central channel comprising a first open end opposite a second open end; and a plurality of perimeter channels circumscribing the central channel, each of the perimeter channels comprising a first open end opposite a second open end wherein the multi-channel body is formed of fluoropolymer.

Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through vapor compression and to derive mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Vapor compression (by mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression) minimizes the total energy usage. Optionally, combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.

Distillation trays having improved efficiency and capacity are described. The improvement is accomplished with unique downcomer spout arrangements and bubble promoters which provide equal liquid distribution to all areas of the tray. The ratio of the open area of a contacting zone including part of a bubble promoter and associated deck zone over the open area of the downcomer spout zone on the adjacent tray for distributing liquid to the zone is essentially the same across the tray.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for separation of sulfurous material(s) from a multi-component feed stream. The systems and methods can comprise contacting the multi-component feed stream with a solvent in a contacting column so that at least a portion of the sulfurous material(s) is transferred from the multi-component feed stream to the solvent. A stream of a substantially purified gas can thus be provided along with a liquid stream comprising at least a majority of the sulfurous material. In particular, the solvent can comprise liquid carbon dioxide, which can be particularly beneficial for removing sulfurous materials from multi-component feed streams.

A vapor distributor for use in an internal region of a mass transfer column to receive and redistribute a vapor stream when it is introduced radially into the internal region through a radial inlet in a shell of the mass transfer column. The vapor distributor includes a plurality of multiple-sided elongated deflectors arranged in a descending array and a pair of braces that extend longitudinally across the array of elongated deflectors and hold them in spaced apart and side-by-side relationship to each other. Each of the elongated deflectors has a deflecting surface that faces toward the radial inlet to redirect and redistribute the radially-introduced vapor stream. The braces each include a strut that may also redirect and redistribute the vapor stream.

A vapor distributor for use in an internal region of a mass transfer column to receive and redistribute a vapor stream when it is introduced radially into the internal region through a radial inlet in a shell of the mass transfer column. The vapor distributor includes a plurality of multiple-sided elongated deflectors arranged in a descending array and a pair of braces that extend longitudinally across the array of elongated deflectors and hold them in spaced apart and side-by-side relationship to each other. Each of the elongated deflectors has a deflecting surface that faces toward the radial inlet to redirect and redistribute the radially-introduced vapor stream. The braces each include a strut that may also redirect and redistribute the vapor stream.

Embodiments described herein provide a method, comprising reducing pH of a glycol vaporization separator purge stream to form an acid stream; distilling the acid stream to form an overhead stream and a bottoms stream; and recycling the bottoms stream to the vaporization separator.

A contact tray has a tray deck for receiving a liquid stream and a plurality of valves distributed across the tray deck through which vapor ascends for interacting with the liquid stream. Each valve includes an opening in the tray deck, wall segments that extend upwardly along opposite sides of the opening, and a valve body. The valve body has a trapezoidal valve cover positioned in covering relationship above and extending outwardly beyond the opening and legs that are attached to the valve cover at recesses located at opposite ends of the valve cover. A vent is positioned in one of the legs.

Enclosed Partition Dividing Wall (EPDW) distillation columns and methods of using EPDW distillation columns are disclosed. The EPDW distillation column includes a column body, a dividing wall, and a wall cap attached to the dividing wall. The wall cap, a portion of column body bound to the wall cap and/or an EPDW surrounding wall, and the dividing wall form an enclosed partition wall rectification section with an opening at the bottom such that a portion of components from the bottom of the column body is separated in the EPDW rectification section.

A chamber for a distillation column that is to operate at a temperature below 0° C., comprises at least four walls, which in use are vertical, and a roof, the chamber being designed to contain at least one distillation column, at least one other element that is to operate at a cryogenic temperature, and insulation, at least one wall being convex.