Prospectus

Return to Table of Contents Volunteer to help write Position Paper

DST-14 Baffles on Dualflow Trays Expected Benefit toMembers:

Traditional Research Idea

Dualflow trays are used in some critical services where fouling is an issue. It is uncertain whether baffles on the trays eliminate the known instability of the trays at larger diameter. Elimination of the instability will increase tray efficiency dramatically. This test would allow users to move towards columns with fewer trays with increased confidence. Present Situation and Proposed Research: FRI has never tested baffles on Dualflow trays. The problem probably occurs at larger diameters (above 4’) when the hole area is fairly large (probably above 20%). Proposed Internals and Test System: Test six-foot trays in a sleeved section of the eight-foot FRI column. Users of Dualflow trays will be able to supply suggested designs for the baffles. Estimated Unit Time: A total run time of 7 weeks is expected based on the following experimental plan: Initial installation of sleeve and unbaffled trays 2 weeks Base operation to establish instability 2 weeks Modification to incorporate baffles 1 week Operation with baffles 2 weeks This assumes operation on one system (C6/C7) at two pressures. Estimated Additional Costs (Beyond Unit Time): None. Background and Discussion: It is probable that as hole area is increased that a Dualflow tray becomes more unstable. There are also reports that as the diameter of a Dualflow tray increases that the flow pattern becomes more unstable. Baffles have been used on Dualflow trays to promote stability, but FRI has never tested whether baffles work or not.

PROSPECTUS

Page | 29