Abstract
A distributor element comprising: at least three plates, each plate comprising openings, each of the levels between adjacent plates having walls extending from one side of one plate onto an adjacent side of an adjacent plate to define a channel, the channels fluid-tightly connecting all of the openings between adjacent plates, in each of the levels between the walls, one or more hollow spaces being formed, each of the plates comprising at least one aperture not being fluid-tightly connected with the openings of an adjacent plate by a channel, in each level between the at least one aperture of the adjacent plate at least two fluid paths extend in the one or more hollow spaces, all of the at least two fluid paths of each level having a substantially same length, and a number of fluid paths increasing at least for 75% of the plates from level to level.
Claims
1. A distributor element for uniformly distributing a first fluid on a cross-sectional plane or collecting the first fluid distributed on the cross-sectional plane, wherein a second fluid flows in at least one of co-current flow and counter-current flow with regard to the first fluid through the distributor element, the distributor element comprising: at least three plates arranged substantially parallel to each other, one of a plurality of levels being defined between each of two adjacent plates of the at least three plates, each of the at least three plates comprising a number of openings, each of the levels having walls arranged therein, each of the walls extending from one side of one of the at least three plates onto an adjacent side of an adjacent plate of the at least three-plates such that each of the walls defines, one of a plurality of channels through which the second fluid flows, the channels fluid-tightly connecting all of the openings between adjacent plates of the at least three plates, in each of the levels between the walls defining the channels, one or more hollow spaces being formed, through which the first fluid is configured to flow, each of the at least three plates comprising at least one aperture not being fluid-tightly connected with one or more of the openings of an adjacent plate of the at least three plates by one of the channels, the at least one aperture being arranged adjacent to the one or more hollow spaces of adjacent levels such that in each level between the at least one aperture of the adjacent plate, at least two fluid paths extend in the one or more hollow spaces of the level, all of the at least two fluid paths of each level having a substantially same length, a number of fluid paths increasing, as seen in a direction from one outermost plate to an opposite outermost plate of the at least three plates of the distributor element, at least for 75% of the at least three plates from level to level, and the channels through which the second fluid flows are fluid-tightly separated by the walls from all of the one or more hollow spaces defining the fluid paths through which the first fluid is configured to flow.
2. (canceled)
3. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein the number of fluid paths increases, as seen in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate of the at least three plates of the distributor element, at least for 80% of the at least three plates from level to level.
4. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein, as seen in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate of the at least three plates of the distributor element, at least one of a number of channels and a number of the at least one aperture of one of the at least three plates increases from level to level.
5. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein lengths of all of the at least two fluid paths extending from an aperture of the first outermost plate to an aperture of the opposite outermost plate of the distributor element are substantially the same.
6. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein; all of the openings of each of the at least three plates are at least substantially regularly arranged in each of the at least three plates, each of distances between a center point of one of the openings and center point of a closest adjacent one of the openings of at least one of the at least three plates is 80 to 120% of an average distance of the center points of all of the openings and the closest adjacent openings of a respective one of the at least three plates, the average distance of the center points of all openings with the closest adjacent openings of a respective plate is determined by: measuring the distances between the center point of each of the openings and the center point of the closest opening of the respective one of the at least three plates, summing up all the measured distances of the respective one of the at least three plates, and dividing the sum by the number of openings of the respective one of the at least three plates.
7. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the openings of each of the at least three plates are arranged in a substantially grid-like pattern in each of the at least three plates, and the openings of each of the at least three plates are arranged in the respective plate one of the at least three plates in (2).sup.m rows and (2).sup.m columns, wherein m is an integer from 1 to 10.
8. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein: all of the at least one aperture of each of the at least three plates are at least substantially regularly arranged in each of the at least three plates, each of the distances between a center point of one of the at least one aperture and a center point of a closest adjacent aperture of the at least one aperture of each of the at least three plates is 80 to 120% of an average distance of the center points of all of the at least one aperture and the closest adjacent apertures of the at least one aperture of a respective plate, the average distance of the center points of all of the at least one aperture with the closest adjacent aperture of the at least one aperture of the respective plate is determined by: measuring the distances between the center point of each of the at least one aperture and the center point of the closest aperture of the respective one of the at least three plates, summing up all the measured distances of the respective one of the at least three plates, and dividing the sum by a number of the at least one aperture of the respective one of the at least three plates.
9. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, comprising two to fifteen fractal plates, wherein; each of the fractal plates comprises a lower number of openings than a fractal plate that is adjacent in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate of the distributor element, all of the fractal plates are adjacent to each other, with a first fractal plate of the fractal plates being the one outermost plate of the distributor element, and wherein the number of openings in each of the fractal plates is 4×(4).sup.n, wherein n is a number of a respective fractal plate in relation to the first fractal plate, with the first fractal plate being fractal plate 1.
10. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein: at least one of the at least three plates is a distribution plate such that there is at least one distribution plate, and each of the at least one distribution plate comprises a same number of openings as an adjacent plate that is adjacent in a direction opposite to the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate of the distributor element, and, if no such adjacent plate is present, a same number of openings as a plate that is adjacent in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate of the distributor element.
11. The distributor or collector element in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of the at least one distribution plate has a same form as the adjacent plate that is adjacent in the direction opposite to the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate, and, if no such adjacent plate is present, a same form as a plate that is adjacent in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate, and the openings are formed in each of the at least one distribution plate at same locations as in a plate the adjacent plate that is adjacent in the direction opposite to the direction from the one outermost late to the opposite outermost plate and, if no such adjacent plate (12″, 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″) is present, at same locations as in a plate that is adjacent in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate.
12. The distributor element in accordance with claim 10, comprising one to three distribution plates, wherein each of the distribution plates, has a higher number of the at least one aperture than a plate that is adjacent in the direction opposite to the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate, if present.
13. The distributor or collector element in accordance with claim 1, comprising only fractal plates and including three to fifteen fractal plate.
14. The distributor or collector element in accordance with claim 1, comprising only distribution plates and including three to ten distribution plates.
15. The distributor element in accordance with claim 1, comprising at least one fractal plate and at least one distribution plate, wherein all of the at least one distribution plates are arranged, as seen in the direction from the one outermost plate to the opposite outermost plate of the distributor element, behind all of the at least one fractal plate.
16. An apparatus comprising at least one distributor element in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a mass transfer column, a mixer, a disperser, a foaming device, a chemical reactor, a crystallizer and an evaporator, or the apparatus is a mass transfer column and comprises, below the at least one distributor element, a mass transfer structure selected from the group consisting of: contact trays, random packings and structured packings, or the apparatus is a mass transfer column and comprises, below the at least one distributor element, a mass transfer structure, the mass transfer structure having a honeycomb shape including capillaries, the walls defining the channels being step-shaped, made of tissue, or arbitrarily formed open-cell foams, or the apparatus comprises, below the at least one distributor element a mass transfer structure, the mass transfer structure comprising a contact zone designed to conduct the second fluid and designed such that the first fluid can be brought into contact with the second fluid, wherein in the contact zone at least one flow breaker is provided for interrupting a flow of the second fluid, or the apparatus comprises, below the at least one distributor element, a mass transfer structure selected from the group consisting of: tissues, open-pored materials, capillaries, step structures and arbitrary combinations of two or more thereof.
17. A method for uniformly distributing a first fluid on a cross-sectional plane of a distributor element in accordance with claim 1 and collecting the first fluid distributed on the cross-sectional plane, the method comprising: flowing the first fluid into at least one of the one or more hollow spaces defining the fluid paths; and flowing the second fluid through the channels of the distributor element, the distributor element being provided in one of; a mass transfer column, a mixer, a disperser, a foaming device and a chemical reactor.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0074] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a distributor element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0076] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the first level below the first fractal plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of FIG. 3A.
[0078] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the second level below the second fractal plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0079] FIG. 4B shows a schematic view of FIG. 4A.
[0080] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the third level below the third fractal plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0081] FIG. 5B shows a schematic view of FIG. 5A.
[0082] FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth level below the first distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0083] FIG. 6B shows a schematic view of FIG. 6A.
[0084] FIG. 6C shows a schematic part of FIG. 6B magnified.
[0085] FIG. 7A shows a schematic view of the fifth level below the second distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0086] FIG. 7B shows a schematic part of FIG. 7A magnified.
[0087] FIG. 7C shows a schematic view of the sixth level below the third distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0088] FIG. 7D shows a schematic part of FIG. 7C magnified.
[0089] FIG. 7E shows a schematic view of the seventh level below the fourth distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 1.
[0090] FIG. 7F shows a schematic part of FIG. 7E magnified.
[0091] FIG. 8 shows a perspective side view of the internal of a mass transfer column including a distributor element, a structured packing and a collector element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0092] FIG. 9 shows a perspective side view of the internal of a mass transfer column including a plurality of distributor elements, a plurality of structured packings and a plurality of collector elements according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0093] FIG. 10 shows a fractal plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0094] FIG. 11 shows a distributor element including a first fractal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0095] FIG. 12 shows a perspective side view of a distributor element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0096] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the distributor element shown in FIG. 12.
[0097] FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the first level below the first distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 12.
[0098] FIG. 14B shows a schematic view of FIG. 14A.
[0099] FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of the second level below the second distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 12.
[0100] FIG. 15B shows a schematic view of FIG. 15A.
[0101] FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of the third level below the third fractal distribution of the distributor element shown in FIG. 12.
[0102] FIG. 16B shows a schematic view of FIG. 16A.
[0103] FIG. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth level below the fourth distribution plate of the distributor element shown in FIG. 12.
[0104] FIG. 17B shows a schematic view of FIG. 17A.
[0105] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a distributor element 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The distributor element 10 comprises three fractal plates 12, 12′, 12″ and below the third fractal plate 12′″ five distribution plates 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16′″. Between each two adjacent plates 12, 12′, 12″, 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16′″, a level 18 is defined. Each plate 12, 12′, 12″, 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16′ comprises openings 20, wherein each opening 20 has a square cross-section with rounded edges. Each opening 20 is surrounded by a wall 22 defining in each level 18 below each plate 12, 12′, 12″, 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″16.sup.iv a channel 24 through which the second fluid flows. Above the center of the first fractal plate 12, an inlet 26 in the form of a pipe with a substantially cross-shaped cross-section is arranged.
[0106] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 1. The uppermost fractal plate 12 comprises sixteen at least substantially square openings 20 having rounded edges and arranged in a grid-like pattern. Each of the openings 20 has the same size and form, wherein the 16 openings are arranged in the first uppermost fractal plate 12 equidistantly in 4 rows and 4 columns of openings 20. An essentially cross-shaped aperture 28 is arranged in the center of the first fractal plate 12 and is surrounded by an inlet 26 having a corresponding form.
[0107] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the first level 18 below the first fractal plate 12 and above the second fractal plate 12′ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of FIG. 3A. Sixteen channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the uppermost fractal plate 12, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the uppermost first fractal plate 12 onto the upper surface of the second fractal plate 12′. The circle 28 in FIG. 3B schematically shows the location of the aperture 28 formed in the uppermost fractal plate 12, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the first level 18. Even if the aperture 28 formed in the uppermost fractal plate 12 is, as shown in FIG. 2, essentially cross-shaped, the aperture of the plate 12 arranged above the level 18 shown in FIG. 3B is shown in FIG. 3B and in the subsequent further schematic FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B as circle, in order to show that it is an “incoming aperture”, i.e. an aperture, through which liquid flows into the level 18. In contrast thereto, the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v of the plate 12′ arranged below the level 18 shown in FIG. 3B are shown in FIG. 3B and in the subsequent further schematic FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7A, 7C and 7E as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures”, i.e. apertures, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. Between some of the channel walls 22, partition walls 32 are arranged, which define a hollow space defining eight fluid paths 33 between and around the four central channels 20 of the first level 18. Each of the eight fluid paths 33 of the first level 18 have at least substantially the same length. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 in the eight fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow space is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Those parts of the channels 24, through which the first fluid cannot flow due to the partition walls 32, are shown in FIG. 3B shaded or hatched, respectively. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the hollow space of the first level 18 through the inlet 26 and the central aperture 28 of the first uppermost fractal plate 12 flows along the eight fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow space between the four central channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the partition walls 32 and is directed to the four apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28.sup.iv of the second fractal plate 12′, from which it flows downwardly into the second level. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the first level from one central point 28 via the eight fluid paths 33 formed by the channels 24 and the partition walls 32 and collected in the four apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28.sup.iv.
[0108] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the second level below the second fractal plate 12′ and above the third fractal plate 12″ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B shows a schematic view of FIG. 4A. Sixty four channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the second fractal plate 12′, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the second fractal plate 12′ onto the upper surface of the third fractal plate 12″. The four circles 28 schematically show the location of the apertures 28 formed in the second fractal plate 12′, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the second level 18. Again, the apertures 28 of the plate 12′ arranged above the level shown FIG. 4B are shown in FIG. 4B as circle, even if the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v formed in the upper fractal plate 12′ are, as shown in FIG. 3A, essentially cross-shaped, in order to show that they are “incoming apertures” 28, i.e. apertures 28, through which liquid flows into the level. In contrast thereto, the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v of the plate 12″ arranged below the level shown in FIG. 4B are shown in FIG. 4B as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures” 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v, i.e. apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. Between some of the channel walls 22, partition walls 32 are arranged, which define 32 fluid paths 33, each fluid path defined in or by, respectively, the hollow spaces between and around four channels 20 surrounding an aperture 28′ of the second fractal plate 12′. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Again, those parts of the channels 24, through which the first fluid cannot flow due to the partition walls 32, are shown in FIG. 4B shaded or hatched, respectively. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the second level through the apertures 28 flows along the 32 fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow spaces between the respective channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the partition walls 32 and is directed to the sixteen apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v of the third fractal plate 12″, from which it flows downwardly into the third level. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the second level from four apertures 28 to the sixteen apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v.
[0109] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the third level 18 below the third fractal plate 12″ and above the first distribution plate 16 of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5b shows a schematic view of FIG. 5A. Two hundred fifty six channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the third fractal plate 12″, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the third fractal plate 12″ onto the upper surface of the first distribution plate 16. The sixteen circles 28 schematically show the location of the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v formed in the third fractal plate 12″, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the third level. Again, the apertures 28 of the plate 12″ arranged above the level shown FIG. 5b are shown in FIG. 5b as circle, even if the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v formed in the upper fractal plate 12″ are, as shown in FIG. 4A, essentially cross-shaped, in order to show that they are “incoming apertures” 28, i.e. apertures 28, through which liquid flows into the level. In contrast thereto, the apertures 38 of the distribution plate 16 arranged below the level shown in FIG. 5b are shown in FIG. 5b as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures” 38, i.e. apertures 38, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. However, in fact, as shown in FIG. 5A, the apertures 38 of the distribution plate 16 as well as those of all lower distribution plates 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16′.sup.v are circular and not, as in the upper fractal plates 12, 12′, 12′″ essentially cross-shaped. Between some of the channel walls 22, partition walls (not shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B) are arranged, which define 128 fluid paths 33, each fluid path 33 defined or formed, respectively, in the hollow spaces of the third level. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Again, those parts of the channels 24, which cannot be flown through by the first fluid due to the partition walls 32 are shown in FIG. 5b shaded or hatched, respectively. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the third level through the apertures 28 flows along the 128 fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow spaces between the respective channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the partition walls and is directed to the sixty four apertures 38 of the first distribution plate 16, from which it flows downwardly into the fourth level. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the third level from sixteen apertures 28 to the sixty four apertures 38.
[0110] FIG. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth level below the first distribution plate 16 and above the second distribution plate 16′ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6B shows a schematic view of FIG. 6A and FIG. 6C shows a part of FIG. 6B magnified. The first distribution plate 16 has the same form and same number and dimensions of openings 20 as the third fractal plate 12″, wherein the first distribution plate 16 has no apertures 38 at the crossing-points below those, in which the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v of the third fractal plate 12″ are located, but wherein the first distribution plate 16 has apertures 38 at any crossing-point adjacent to those, in which the apertures 28′, 28″, 28′″, 28′.sup.v of the third fractal plate 12″ are located. Thereby, during the operation of the distributor element 10 a further distribution of the first fluid is achieved in the fluid paths 33 defined by the hollow space(s) as shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C.
[0111] As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E, between each adjacent of the four further distribution plates 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv a level is defined. Each of the four further distribution plates 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv has the same form and same number and dimensions of openings 20 as the third fractal plate 12″ and the first distribution plate 16. However, each of the further distribution plates 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv has a higher number of apertures 38, 38′, 38″ than its adjacent upper plate 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″. This allows that any part of the hollow space(s) defining the fluid paths 33 is filled during the operation of the distributor element with the first fluid and thus via the large number of apertures 38, 38′, 38″ in the lowest of the distribution plates 16′ a particular high distribution density is achieved.
[0112] FIG. 8 shows a perspective side view of the internal 40 of a mass transfer column 8 including a distributor element 10, a structed packing 42 and a collector element 44. The mass transfer column 8 may be a rectification column 8. The distributor element 10 is composed as described above and as shown in FIG. 1 to 7. The collector element 44 is composed as the distributor element 10, but simply inverted so that the first fractal plate is the lowest plate and the fifth distribution plate is the uppermost plate. During the operation of the mass transfer column 8, liquid enters the distributor element 10 via the inlet 16 and is distributed over the cross-sectional plane as described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 7. The distributed liquid then flows downwardly onto the surface of the structured packing 42 and further downwards. Gas continuously flows in the counter-direction, i.e. from the bottom of the mass transfer column 8 upwardly. In the structured packing, an intensive mass and energy transfer between the liquid and gas occurs, since both are distributed over the large specific surface area of the structured packing 42. The liquid then flows onto the surface of the collector element 44, in which it is collected and concentrated in one point, from which it leaves the internal via the outlet 46.
[0113] FIG. 9 shows a perspective side view of the internal of a mass transfer column 8 including a plurality of distributor elements 10, a plurality of structured packings 42 and a plurality of collectors elements 44, each of which composed as described above and as shown in FIG. 8. In order to distribute the first fluid to all of the plurality of distributor elements 10, a distribution manifold 48 is arranged above the plurality of distributor elements 10. Likewise, a collector manifold 50 is arranged below the plurality of collector elements 44.
[0114] FIG. 10 shows a fractal plate 12″ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fractal plate 12″ is similar to the third fractal plate 12″ of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 except that the dimensions of the apertures 28 having an essentially cross-shaped cross-section are slightly different.
[0115] FIG. 1 shows a distributor element including a first fractal plate 12 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The first fractal plate 12 is similar to the first fractal plate 12 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that within the channels 24 static mixers 52 are arranged for mixing the second main fluid flowing therethrough during the operation of the distributor element 10.
[0116] FIG. 12 shows a perspective side view of a distributor element 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The distributor element 10 comprises five distribution plates 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv. Between each two adjacent plates 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv, a level 18 is defined. Each plate 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv comprises openings 20, wherein each opening 20 has a square cross-section with rounded edges. Each opening 20 is surrounded by a wall 22 defining in each level 18 below each plate 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 16.sup.iv a channel 24 through which the second fluid flows. Above the center of the distribution plate 16, an inlet 26 in the form of a pipe with a substantially cross-shaped cross-section is arranged.
[0117] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 12. The uppermost distribution plate 16 comprises sixteen at least substantially square openings 20 having rounded edges and arranged in a grid-like pattern. Each of the openings 20 has the same size and form, wherein the 16 openings are arranged in the first uppermost distribution plate 16 equidistantly in 4 rows and 4 columns of openings 20. An essentially cross-shaped aperture 38 is arranged in the center of the first distribution plate 16 and is surrounded by an inlet 26 having a corresponding form.
[0118] FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the first level 18 below the first distribution plate 16 and above the second distribution plate 16′ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14B shows a schematic view of FIG. 14A. Sixteen channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the uppermost distribution plate 16, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the uppermost first distribution plate 16 onto the upper surface of the second distribution plate 16′. The circle 28 in FIG. 14B schematically shows the location of the aperture 38 formed in the uppermost distribution plate 16, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the first level 18. Even if the aperture 38 formed in the uppermost distribution plate 16 is, as shown in FIG. 13, essentially cross-shaped, the aperture of the plate 16 arranged above the level 18 shown in FIG. 14B is shown in FIG. 14B as circle, in order to show that it is an “incoming aperture”, i.e. an aperture, through which liquid flows into the level 18. In contrast thereto, the apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the plate 16′ arranged below the level 18 shown in FIG. 14B are shown in FIG. 14B as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures”, i.e. apertures, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. Actually, the apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the plate 16′ have a substantially cross-shaped cross-section. Some of the hollow spaces 54 formed between the channel walls 22, which are shown in FIG. 14B shaded or hatched, respectively are filled and thus cannot be flowed through by the first fluid. Thereby, eight fluid paths 33 between and around the four central channels 20 of the first level 18 are defined in the remaining hollow space. Each of the eight fluid paths 33 of the first level 18 have at least substantially the same length. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 in the eight fluid paths 33 defined by in the hollow space is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the hollow space of the first level 18 through the inlet 26 and the central aperture 38 of the first uppermost distribution plate 16 flows along the eight fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow space between the four central channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the walls of the filled 54 hollow spaces 54 and is directed to the four apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38.sup.iv of the second distribution plate 16′, from which it flows downwardly into the second level. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the first level 18 from one central point 38 via the eight fluid paths 33 formed by the channels 24 and the walls of the filled hollow space 54 and collected in the four apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 48.sup.iv.
[0119] FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of the second level below the second distribution plate 16′ and above the third distribution plate 16″ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 15B shows a schematic view of FIG. 15A. The openings 20 and channels 24 of the second distribution plate 16′ are located at the same locations and have the same dimensions as those of the first distribution plate 16. Thus, sixteen channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the second distribution plate 16′, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the second distribution plate 16′ onto the upper surface of the third distribution plate 16″. The four circles 38 schematically show the location of the apertures 38 formed in the second distribution plate 16′, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the second level. Even if the apertures 38 formed in the second distribution plate 16′ are, as shown in FIG. 14A, essentially cross-shaped, the apertures of the plate 16′ arranged above the level shown in FIG. 15B are shown in FIG. 15B as circle, in order to show that they are “incoming apertures”, i.e. apertures, through which liquid flows into the second level. The third distribution plate 16″ arranged below the second level comprises twelve apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, which are shown in FIG. 15B as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures” 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, i.e. apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. Actually, the twelve apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the third distribution plate 16″ have a circular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 15A. Some of the hollow spaces 54 formed between the channel walls 22, which are shown in FIG. 15B shaded or hatched, respectively are filled and thus cannot be flowed through by the first fluid.
[0120] Thereby, sixteen fluid paths 33 between and around the channels 20 of the second level are defined in the remaining hollow space. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the second level through the apertures 38 flows along the 16 fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow spaces between the respective channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the walls 32 of the filled hollow space 54 and is directed to the twelve apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the third distribution plate 16″, from which it flows downwardly into the third level. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the second level from four apertures 38 to the twelve apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.
[0121] FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of the third level below the third distribution plate 16″ and above the fourth distribution plate 16′″ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 16B shows a schematic view of FIG. 16A. The openings 20 and channels 24 of the fourth distribution plate 16′″ are located at the same locations and have the same dimensions as those of the first, second and third distribution plates 16, 16′, 16″. Thus, sixteen channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the third distribution plate 16″, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the third distribution plate 16″ onto the upper surface of the fourth distribution plate 16′″. The twelve circles 28 schematically show the location of the apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v formed in the third distribution plate 16″, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the third level. The fourth distribution plate 16′″ arranged below the third level comprises forty apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′″, which are shown in FIG. 16B as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures” 38′, 38″, 38′, 38′.sup.v, i.e. apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. Actually, the forty apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the fourth distribution plate 16′″ have the form of a long rectangular, as shown in FIG. 16A. Some of the hollow spaces 54 formed between the channel walls 22, which are shown in FIG. 16B shaded or hatched, respectively are filled and thus the first fluid cannot flow therethrough. Thereby, forty fluid paths 33 between and around the channels 20 of the third level are defined in the remaining hollow space. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the third level through the apertures 38 flows along the 40 fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow spaces between the respective channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the walls 32 of the filled hollow space 54 and is directed to the forty apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the fourth distribution plate 16′″, from which it flows downwardly into the fourth level. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the third level from twelve apertures 38 to the forty apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v.
[0122] FIG. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth level below the fourth distribution plate 16′″ and above the fifth distribution plate 16′″ of the distributor element 10 shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 17B shows a schematic view of FIG. 17A. The openings 20 and channels 24 of the fifth distribution plate 16′″ are located at the same locations and have the same dimensions as those of the first, second, third and fourth distribution plates 16, 16′, 16″, 16′″. Thus, sixteen channels 24 are located below the openings 20 of the fourth distribution plate 16′″, wherein each channel 24 is surrounded by a channel wall 22, which extends from the lower surface of the fourth distribution plate 16′″ onto the upper surface of the fifth distribution plate 16″. The forty circles 28 schematically show the location of the apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v formed in the fourth distribution plate 16′″, through which the first fluid enters during the operation of the distributor element 10 into the fourth level. Even if the apertures 38 formed in the fourth distribution plate 16′″ have, as shown in FIG. 16A, the form of a long rectangular, the apertures of the plate 16′″ arranged above the level shown in FIG. 17B are shown in FIG. 17B as circle, in order to show that they are “incoming apertures”, i.e. apertures, through which liquid flows into the second level. The fifth distribution plate 16′.sup.v arranged below the fourth level comprises 82 apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, which are shown in FIG. 17B as rectangular, in order to show that they are “outcoming apertures” 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, i.e. apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v, through which liquid flows into the next lower level. Actually, the 82 apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the fifth distribution plate 16′.sup.v have the form of a long rectangular, as shown in FIG. 17A. Some of the hollow spaces 54 formed between the channel walls 22, which are shown in FIG. 17B shaded or hatched, respectively are filled and thus cannot be flowed through by the first fluid. Thereby, 82 fluid paths 33 between and around the channels 20 of the fourth level are defined in the remaining hollow space. The flow direction of the first fluid during the operation of the distributor element 10 is schematically shown by the arrows 34. Accordingly, during the operation of the distributor element 10 the first fluid entering into the fourth level through the apertures 38 flows along the 82 fluid paths 33 defined in the hollow spaces between the respective channels 24, during which the first fluid is deflected at the walls 32 of the filled hollow space 54 and is directed to the 82 apertures 38′, 38″, 38′″, 38′.sup.v of the fifth distribution plate 16′.sup.v, from which it flows downwardly. Thus, the first fluid is distributed in the fourth level from forty apertures 38 to the 82 apertures 38′, 38″, 38′, 38′.sup.v.
