DISTRIBUTION DEVICE COMPRISING A DISTRIBUTOR WITH POLYGONAL CHANNELS AND CONTACTING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SUCH A DISTRIBUTION DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a distribution device having a container having side walls and a bottom with perforations; a distributor arranged beneath the container and provided with distribution channels that each have a polygonal cross-section; and mechanical connection bodies between the distributor and the linear elements, which extend beneath the distribution channels and fluidically connect the distribution channels to the linear elements when the distribution device is built into the contacting assembly.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A distribution device for distribution of a liquid on a plurality of substantially vertical linear elements, and belonging to an assembly for putting liquid into contact with at least one gas, the distribution device comprising at least: a receptacle comprising lateral walls and a base which are configured to receive a volume of liquid to be distributed, the base having a plurality of perforations configured for the flow of liquid; a distributor which is arranged below the receptacle when the distribution device is in the service position, the distributor having a plurality of distribution ducts which are configured to channel liquid flowing from the perforations by gravity, each distribution duct having a transverse cross-section with a polygonal form; and connection units which are configured to permit mechanical connection between the distributor and the linear elements, the connection units extending below the distribution ducts, the connection units being configured to connect the distribution ducts flow-wise to the linear elements when the distribution device is integrated in the contacting assembly.

19. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polygon which defines the transverse cross-section in the form of a polygon has a number of sides of less than 16.

20. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polygon which defines the transverse cross-section in the form of a polygon has a number of sides of less than 10.

21. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polygon which defines the transverse cross-section in the form of a polygon has a number of sides of less than 8.

22. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the distribution ducts are substantially parallel to one another and to a longitudinal direction which is designed to be vertical when the distribution device is in the service position.

23. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein each distribution duct is configured to be connected fluid-wise to at least one perforation.

24. The distribution device as claimed in claim 23, wherein each distribution duct has transverse dimensions, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, of between 0.5 mm and 20 mm, and wherein each distribution duct has a length, measured parallel to the longitudinal direction, of between 1 mm and 100 mm.

25. The distribution device as claimed in claim 23, wherein each distribution duct has globally a form in the shape of a prism.

26. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein, for at least one group of distribution ducts, each perforation is arranged opposite a respective distribution duct, when the distribution device is in the service position.

27. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein, for at least one group of distribution ducts, each perforation is offset relative to each of the closest distribution ducts.

28. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein each connection unit is arranged opposite a respective area of intersection situated between at least two respective distribution ducts.

29. The distribution device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the connection units comprise a plurality of connection pins, each connection pin having a peripheral surface which is connected flow-wise to said at least two respective distribution ducts.

30. The distribution device as claimed in claim 29, wherein each peripheral surface comprises at least one lower portion globally in the form of a cylinder, for example with a circular base, extending substantially parallel to said at least two respective distribution ducts.

31. The distribution device as claimed in claim 30, wherein each peripheral surface comprises an upper portion which has a divergent form, for example frusto-conical, which diverges towards the bottom of the respective connection pin.

32. The distribution device as claimed in claim 30, wherein each peripheral surface is totally in the form of a cylinder having a circular base.

33. The distribution device as claimed in claim 32, the cylinder being substantially tangent to respective walls belonging to said at least two respective distribution ducts.

34. The distribution device as claimed in claim 29, wherein each connection pin has transverse dimensions, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, of between 1 mm and 20 mm, and wherein each connection pin has a length, measured parallel to the longitudinal direction, of between 1 mm and 100 mm.

35. The distribution device as claimed in claim 29, wherein each connection pin has a receptacle which is configured to secure, for example by resilient snapping in or in the manner of a Morse taper, a respective connection joining piece which belongs to the contacting assembly, and supports at least one of said linear elements.

36. The distribution device as claimed in claim 18, wherein a plurality of distribution ducts, for example all of them, each have lateral notches which are configured to narrow the passage on the course of the liquid between the linear elements.

37. A contacting assembly which is configured to put at least one liquid into contact with at least one gas, the contacting assembly comprising at least: i) a liquid inlet; ii) a gas inlet; and iii) linear elements which are substantially parallel to one another, such as to extend according to a longitudinal direction which is vertical when the contacting assembly is in the service position, wherein the contacting assembly further comprises at least one distribution device according to claim 18.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The present invention will be well understood, and its advantages will also become apparent in the light of the following description, provided purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0074] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view in perspective, truncated by a vertical plane II, of a distribution device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0075] FIG. 2 is a schematic view in cross-section according to the plane II in FIG. 1, of the distribution device in FIG. 1 in the disassembled state;

[0076] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of the distribution device in FIG. 1 in the assembled state and in the service position;

[0077] FIG. 4 is a schematic view in perspective of the top of the distribution device in FIG. 3;

[0078] FIG. 5 is a schematic view in perspective of the bottom of the distribution device in FIG. 3;

[0079] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a contacting assembly according to the invention, comprising the distribution device in FIGS. 1 to 5;

[0080] FIG. 7 is a schematic view on an enlarged scale of the detail VII in FIG. 1;

[0081] FIG. 8 is a schematic view on an enlarged scale of the detail VIII in FIG. 2;

[0082] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the bottom of a part of the distribution device in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0083] FIG. 10 is a schematic view in perspective of the bottom of a part of a distribution device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0084] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the top of a part of the distribution device in FIG. 10;

[0085] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a distribution device according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0086] FIG. 13 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 7, illustrating a distributor constituting a distribution device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0087] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a distribution device 1 for distribution of a liquid L on a plurality of linear elements 1002 which are substantially vertical, and belong to a contacting assembly 1000. Each linear element 1002 is in this case globally in the form of a wire. The linear elements 1002 are in this case substantially parallel to one another.

[0088] The contacting assembly 1000 is configured to put a liquid L, in this case liquid air, into contact with a gas, not represented, in this case gaseous air, for exchanges of heat and/or material between liquid L and gas. In FIG. 3, the flows of liquid L are represented by arrows in broken lines.

[0089] The distribution device 1 comprises in particular: [0090] a receptacle 4 with perforations 10 for the liquid L; [0091] a distributor 20 with distribution ducts 22; and [0092] connection units 30 in order to connect the distribution ducts 22 to the linear elements 1002.

[0093] The receptacle 4 comprises lateral walls 6 and a base 8. The lateral walls 6 and the base 8 are configured to receive a predetermined volume of liquid L to be distributed. The base 8 has a plurality of perforations 10 which are configured for the flow of the liquid L. The receptacle 4 is in this case globally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0094] In the example in FIG. 1, each perforation 10 is circular. For this purpose, the perforations 10 are through perforations, and each has a diameter or width equal to approximately 2.2 mm. The perforations 10 can be produced by a drill, a punch, a drilling laser beam, or any other equivalent means. In this case, the perforations 10 are distributed regularly on the base 8. In this case, the base 8 is formed by a perforated plate which is placed near the bottom of the lateral walls 6, and has a flat lower face and a flat upper face, as shown in FIG. 2. The base 8 can have a thickness E8 approximately equal to 1 mm.

[0095] The distributor 20 is arranged below the receptacle 4 when the distribution device 1 is in the service position (FIG. 3). The distributor 20 has a plurality of distribution ducts 22 which are configured to channel liquid L which flows from the perforations 10 by gravity. The distribution ducts 22 are placed in the form of a rectangular matrix which occupies the entire transverse cross-section of the distributor 20.

[0096] Each distribution duct 22 has a transverse cross-section in the form of a polygon, and in this case in the form of a square. The distribution ducts 22 are substantially parallel to one another and to a longitudinal direction Z. The distribution ducts 22 are in this case distributed regularly in the distributor 20.

[0097] The longitudinal direction Z is vertical when the distribution device 1 is in the service position (FIG. 3). The transverse cross-section of each distribution duct 22 is taken on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0098] Each distribution duct 22 is configured to be connected fluid-wise to a perforation 10. When the distribution device 1 is in the service position (FIG. 3), each distribution duct 22 is connected fluid-wise mainly to a perforation 10, and secondarily to approximately eight adjacent perforations 10.

[0099] Each distribution duct 22 has globally a form in the shape of a prism, which has a square base (transverse cross-section) and is parallel to the longitudinal direction Z. Each distribution duct 22 has a width W22 equal to approximately 4.4 mm, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction Z. Each distribution duct 22 has a length L22 equal to approximately 4.4 mm, measured parallel to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0100] For all the distribution ducts 22, each perforation 10 is arranged opposite a respective distribution duct 22 when the distribution device 1 is in the service position (FIG. 3).

[0101] The connection units 30 are configured to permit a mechanical connection between the distributor 20 and the linear elements 1002. The connection units 30 extend below the distribution ducts 22. The connection units 30 are configured to connect the distribution ducts 22 fluid-wise to the linear elements 1002 when the distribution device 1 is integrated in the contacting assembly 1000, as described hereinafter.

[0102] In the example in FIGS. 1 to 9, each connection unit 30 is arranged opposite a respective region of intersection 32, which is situated between four respective distribution ducts 22. The outputting section of each distribution duct 22 is thus completely cleared by the connection units 30. In other words, the connection units 30 are arranged alternately with the distribution ducts 22, in the manner of a checker board.

[0103] The connection units 30 in this case comprise a plurality of connection pins 34. Each connection pin 34 has a peripheral surface 36 which is connected fluid-wise to the four respective distribution ducts 22 which border the connection pin 34 concerned.

[0104] The connection pins 34 permit securing of the linear elements 1002 to the distribution device 1. For this purpose, each connection pin 34 has a receptacle 38 which is configured to secure, for example by resilient snapping in or in the manner of a Morse taper, a respective connection joining piece 1004, represented in FIG. 8, which belongs to the contacting assembly 1000 and supports one of the linear elements 1002.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, each peripheral surface 36 comprises an upper portion 36.1 with a frusto-conical form which diverges towards the bottom of the connection pin 34. These divergent forms of the adjacent connection pins form a narrowing on the passage of the liquid L obtained from the distribution ducts 22.

[0106] In addition, each respective peripheral surface 36 comprises a lower portion 36.2 globally in the form of a cylinder with a circular base extending substantially parallel to the respective distribution ducts 22, and thus to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0107] Each connection pin 34 has an outer diameter D34 approximately equal to 3 mm, measured on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and to the level of the lower portion 36.2. Each connection pin 34 has a length L34 equal to approximately 6 mm, measured parallel to the longitudinal direction Z, including an upper portion 36.1 and lower portion 36.2. Lateral notches 22.5 make it possible to narrow the passage on the course which the liquid could follow between the linear elements, which makes it possible to channel the liquid to the upper portion 36.1.

[0108] Four adjacent connection pins 34 border a respective distribution duct 22, extending its walls towards the bottom of the distribution device 1.

[0109] When the distribution device 1 is in service (FIG. 3), from the top to the bottom, a flow of liquid L flows along the walls of the distribution duct 22, mainly on and around its ridges 23. Then, the liquid L continues its path along the upper portion 36.1 and the lower portion 36.2. The connection pins 34 thus ensure a regular passage of the liquid L from the distribution ducts 22 to the connection units 30, and finally to the linear elements 1002.

[0110] In service, the distribution device 1 distributes the liquid L in the contacting assembly 1000 spatially very regularly. In fact, the liquid L flows along the entire length of the ridges of the distribution ducts 22 with square cross-sections. Thus, the liquid L flows only slightly, or not at all, in the center of the distribution ducts 22.

[0111] At the outlet of the distribution ducts 22, the liquid L is distributed on the peripheral surface 36 of each connection unit 30, and from there onto each linear element 1002.

[0112] The contacting assembly 1000 is configured to put the liquid L into contact with a gas, not represented, for exchanges of heat and/or material between liquid and gas. The contacting assembly 1000 comprises in particular:

[0113] i) a liquid inlet, formed by the receptacle 4;

[0114] ii) a gas inlet, not represented; and

[0115] iii) a plurality of linear elements 1002, which are parallel to one another such as to extend according to the longitudinal direction Z which is vertical when the contacting assembly 1000 is in the service position (FIG. 6).

[0116] The contacting assembly 1000 additionally comprises the distribution device 1 which is arranged above the linear elements 1002.

[0117] In addition, the contacting assembly 1000 also comprises: [0118] an enclosure, not represented, which is sealed against the liquid and the gas, and has an elongate form parallel to the linear elements 1002; and [0119] sealing units which are arranged around the assembly of the linear elements 1002, such as to prevent the gas from circulating in a gap which extends between the enclosure and the linear elements 1002.

[0120] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a distribution device 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Since the distribution device 101 is similar to the distribution device 1, the description of the distribution device 1 previously given in relation with FIGS. 1 to 9 can be transposed to the distribution device 101, with the notable exception of the differences described hereinafter.

[0121] A component of the distribution device 101 which is identical or corresponds, by virtue of its structure or its function, to a component of the distribution device 1, bears the same numerical reference increased by 100.

[0122] There is thus definition of a base 108, perforations 110, a distributor 120, distribution ducts 122, connection units 130 with connection pins 134, and areas of intersection 132. Each connection pin 134 has a peripheral surface 136 and a receptacle 138.

[0123] The distribution device 101 differs from the distribution device 1, since each peripheral surface 136 of a respective connection pin 134 is totally in the form of a cylinder with a circular base, and parallel to the longitudinal direction Z. This cylinder is substantially tangent to respective walls belonging to four respective distribution channels 122.

[0124] As a result of this tangency, the connection pins 134 ensure a regular passage of the liquid L from the distribution ducts 122 to the linear elements 1002, without a significant change of direction, such that the liquid L flows substantially vertically when the distribution device 101 is in service.

[0125] FIG. 12 illustrates a distribution device 201 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Since the distribution device 201 is similar to the distribution device 1, the description of the distribution device 1 previously provided in relation with FIGS. 1 to 9 can be transposed to the distribution device 201, with the notable exception of the differences described hereinafter.

[0126] A component of the distribution device 201 which is identical or corresponds, by virtue of its structure or its function, to a component of the distribution device 1, bears the same numerical reference increased by 200. There is thus definition of a receptacle 204 with lateral walls 206 and a base 208, perforations 210, a distributor 220, distribution ducts 222 and connection units 230.

[0127] The distribution device 201 differs from the distribution device 1, since, for all the distribution ducts, each perforation 210 is offset relative to each of the closest distribution ducts 222.

[0128] Thus, when the distribution device 201 is in service, these offsettings between perforations 210 and distribution ducts 222 make it possible to increase the regularity of the pre-distribution of the liquid L provided by the perforations 210 towards the distribution ducts 222.

[0129] In fact, the liquid L obtained from each perforation 210 will fall onto an area of intersection 232 between distribution ducts 222. Then, the liquid L flows equally well towards each adjacent distribution duct 222.

[0130] FIG. 13 illustrates a distributor 320 constituting a distribution device and a contacting assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Since the distributor 320 is similar to the distributor 20, the description of the distributor 20 previously given in relation with FIGS. 1 to 9 can be transposed to the distributor 320, with the notable exception of the differences described hereinafter.

[0131] A component of the distributor 320 which is identical or corresponds, by virtue of its structure or its function, to a component of the distributor 320 bears the same reference number increased by 300. This therefore defines distribution ducts 322 which each have ridges 323, and connection units 330 with connection pins 334.

[0132] The distributor 320 differs from the distributor 20, since each distribution duct 322 has a transverse cross-section substantially in the form of a triangle, which in this case is equilateral.

[0133] As for the connection pins 34, each connection pin 34 has a peripheral surface. However, since the transverse cross-section of each distribution duct 322 is substantially in the form of a triangle, each peripheral surface is connected fluid-wise to only three distribution ducts 322 which border the connection pin 34 concerned, whereas a peripheral surface 36 of a connection pin 34 is connected fluid-wise to four respective adjacent distribution ducts 22.

[0134] In addition, the distributor 320 comprises a plurality of elementary components 340 which are assembled such as to form the distribution ducts 322. Each elementary component 340 comprises six wings 342 which are joined in a central region 343 of the elementary component 340.

[0135] In this case, the wings 342 are distributed regularly around the central region 343 and the wings 342 have the same length, in order to define a cross-section in the form of an equilateral triangle for each distribution duct 322. Thus, each elementary component 340 has a form in the shape of a regular asterisk in transverse cross-section relative to the longitudinal direction Z.

[0136] Each wing 342 ends, opposite the central region 343, in a joining face 344 which is attached, in a manner sealed against the liquid L, to a corresponding joining face defined by a wing 342 belonging to an adjacent elementary component 340. By attaching all the elementary components 340 according to their joining faces 344, the distributor 320 is formed.

[0137] Similarly, the distributor 20 in FIGS. 1 to 9 can comprise a plurality of elementary components which are assembled such as to form the distribution ducts 22. Each elementary component thus comprises four wings which are joined in a central region of the elementary component. These wings are also regularly distributed around the central region and the wings also have the same length, in order to define a cross-section in the form of a square for each distribution duct 22. Each elementary component has a form in the shape of a cross or a cross-piece. Each wing of an elementary component which forms the distributor 20 ends, opposite the central region, in a joining face which is attached, in a manner sealed against the liquid L, to a corresponding joining face defined by a wing belonging to an adjacent elementary component. By attaching all these elementary components according to their joining faces, the distributor 20 can be formed.

[0138] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described in the present patent application, or to embodiments within the scope of persons skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be envisaged without departing from the context of the invention, starting from any element which is equivalent to an element indicated in the present patent application.

[0139] While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention may suitably comprise, consist or consist essentially of the elements disclosed and may be practiced in the absence of an element not disclosed. Furthermore, if there is language referring to order, such as first and second, it should be understood in an exemplary sense and not in a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.

[0140] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0141] “Comprising” in a claim is an open transitional term which means the subsequently identified claim elements are a nonexclusive listing (i.e., anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scope of “comprising”). “Comprising” as used herein may be replaced by the more limited transitional terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0142] “Providing” in a claim is defined to mean furnishing, supplying, making available, or preparing something. The step may be performed by any actor in the absence of express language in the claim to the contrary.

[0143] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstances may or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0144] Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value, along with all combinations within said range.

[0145] All references identified herein are each hereby incorporated by reference into this application in their entireties, as well as for the specific information for which each is cited.