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 pairs of chordal-form, catalyst-free volumes defined by the interior surface of said chamber and three pairs of spaced-apart chordal baffles, said chordal baffles of each pair forming said catalyst free volumes being disposed on opposite sides of the plane containing the central axis of said reaction chamber, said plane situated perpendicular to said fixed-bed of catalyst particles and said chordal baffles situated parallel to said plane of said central axis, which distributor comprises, in cooperative relationship: (a) an outer, first pair of chordal baffles having (i) a greater height than the second and third pairs of chordal baffles and, (ii) a perforated first horizontal plate attached to the entire lower periphery thereof and contacting the interior surface of said reaction chamber, said first pair of chordal baffles defining first areas of catalyst-free volume with the interior surface of said reaction chamber; (b) a middle, second pair of chordal baffles (i) having an imperforate second horizontal plate attached to the entire upper periphery thereof and contacting the interior surface of said reaction chamber, and (ii) being disposed intermediate the upper and lower periphery of said first pair of chordal baffles and defining intermediate, second areas of catalyst-free volume therewith; (c) an inner, third pair of chordal baffles disposed a finite distance below said second horizontal plate, and having its entire lower periphery attached to said perforated first horizontal plate, said third pair of chordal baffles defining third areas of catalyst-free volume with said second pair of chordal baffles; 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 pair of chordal baffles, and terminating a finite distance below said imperforate second horizontal plate, and, (ii) having a nominal diameter greater than the remaining apertures in said perforated first horizontal plate.