Vapor/liquid distributor for fixed-bed catalytic reaction chambers

Claim 1

A vapor/liquid distributor for effecting uniform distribution of a mixed-phase reactant stream to the upper surface of a fixed-bed of catalyst particles disposed within a catalytic reaction chamber, said distributor having three annular-form catalyst-free volumes defined by the interior surface of said chamber and three cylindrical walls in concentric relationship therewith, and comprising, in cooperative relationship: (a) a first cylindrical wall having (i) a greater nominal diameter and height than second and third cylindrical walls and, (ii) a perforated first horizontal plate attached to the entire lower periphery thereof, said first cylindrical wall defining an outer first annular-form volume with the interior surface of said reaction chamber; (b) a second cylindrical wall having (i) a greater nominal diameter than the third of said cylindrical walls and, (ii) an imperforate second horizontal plate attached to the entire upper periphery thereof, and being disposed intermediate the upper and lower periphery of said first cylindrical wall and defining an intermediate second annular-form volume therewith; (c) a third cylindrical wall disposed a finite distance below said imperforate second horizontal plate and having its entire lower periphery attached to said perforated first horizontal plate, said third cylindrical wall defining an inner third annular-form volume with said second cylindrical wall; and, (d) a third horizontal plate, attached at its outer periphery to the interior surface of said chamber, and having a plurality of vertical tubular conduits attached to its upper surface, said tubular conduits (i) extending upwardly through said perforated first horizontal plate and within said third cylindrical wall, and terminating a finite distance below said imperforated second horizontal plate, and, (ii) having a nominal diameter greater than the remaining apertures in said perforated first horizontal plate.