Study on Hydrodynamics of the Push Valve Centrifugal Tray, a Novel Gas-Liquid Contactor, Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations

The hydrodynamics of a new centrifugal tray named “Push valve centrifugal tray” has been studied. This tray uses a radial arrangement of the directional vapor valves (push valves) to create a centrifugal force and a pipe downcomer with a unique structure to distribute the liquid flow over the tray. A 3D computational fluid dynamics model was developed using an unsteady state Eulerian-Eulerian framework. The study examined dry and total pressure drop, velocity streamlines, water volume fraction, and radial velocity. Results showed that the “Push valve centrifugal tray” can control the high momentum of the gas flow at high capacities and use it for better two-phase contact and, ultimately, two-phase separation. The proposed new pipe downcomer also has unique characteristics, such as uniform liquid distribution and eliminating liquid stagnant points on the tray. The tray can be an effective and inexpensive way to debottleneck and retrofit the tray columns.