초록 ▼

An apparatus and method of contacting a liquid with different gases sequentially in separate mass transfer zones within a single vessel, the mass transfer zones operatively connected in liquid communication with each other, including intimately contacting the liquid with a first process gas in cocur

An apparatus and method of contacting a liquid with different gases sequentially in separate mass transfer zones within a single vessel, the mass transfer zones operatively connected in liquid communication with each other, including intimately contacting the liquid with a first process gas in cocurrent flow in a first mass transfer zone to effect mass transfer between the first liquid and the process gas, and introducing the liquid into a second mass transfer zone with a second gas, different from the first gas, in cocurrent flow with the second liquid, thereby effecting mass transfer between the second liquid and the second gas. The rate of flow of the liquid from said first mass transfer zone to second mass transfer zone and recirculation to the first mass transfer zone is motivated by the difference in density of the contents of the liquid phase portion of each mass transfer zone and a following liquid downcomer or flow channel connecting it to the next sequential mass transfer zone, such that after passing through the last mass transfer zone, the liquid recirculates to the first mass transfer zone. The apparatus and method are ideally suited to carrying out the process of hydrogen sulfide removal from gases by means of an air-regenerated liquid redox catalyst, such as chelated iron.

대표청구항 ▼

In a continuous process for intimate contact of a liquid reagent sequentially with a process gas and a second gas in a vessel including a first mass transfer zone including one or more mass transfer stages, and a second mass transfer zone laterally spaced and in liquid communication, such that liqui

In a continuous process for intimate contact of a liquid reagent sequentially with a process gas and a second gas in a vessel including a first mass transfer zone including one or more mass transfer stages, and a second mass transfer zone laterally spaced and in liquid communication, such that liquid reagent is introduced into the first mass transfer zone and flows through the first mass transfer zone in intimate contact with the process gas, and the liquid reagent flows from the first mass transfer zone, through the second mass transfer zone for intimate contact with the second gas in said second mass transfer zone, said liquid reagent flowing through the second mass transfer zone in intimate contact with the second gas and flowing out of the second mass transfer zone through a liquid reagent outlet and including means for separating gases present in one mass transfer zone from gases present in the other mass transfer zone, the improvement comprising: said second mass transfer zone including one or more mass transfer stages in liquid flow communication, with an upper end of a last mass transfer stage of said second mass transfer zone in fluid communication with a first stage of said first mass transfer zone, through an intermediate flow channel wherein no additional gas is dispersed in the liquid within the intermediate flow channel, and containing a level of liquid reagent in boh mass transfer zones, establishing the flow of said liquids and gases in said two mass transfer zones to flow cocurrently in each of said mass transfer zones; and continuously flowing liquid reagent from said second mass transfer zone into said first mass transfer zone for continuous recirculation of liquid and sequential intimate contact of said liquid reagent with said two gases.