AU2018293208B2

AU2018293208B2 - Distributor for a fluid

Info

Publication number: AU2018293208B2
Application number: AU2018293208A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sayyed Ahmad FANI YAZDI; Axel Schulze
Original assignee: Hugo Petersen GmbH
Current assignee: Hugo Petersen GmbH
Priority date: 2017-06-27
Filing date: 2018-06-26
Publication date: 2022-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-26
Also published as: CL2019003824A1; ES2873840T3; WO2019002253A1; BR112019027658A2; DE202017103845U1; EP3645149B1; EP3645149A1; AU2018293208A1; PE20200191A1; RU2731115C1; BR112019027658B1

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to devise a structurally simple means for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid. According to the invention, a distributor (1) has a first boundary surface (101) and a second boundary surface (102) spaced from the first boundary surface, said second boundary surface extending substantially parallel to the first boundary surface (101). A center axis (Z) runs through the center of the boundary surfaces (101, 102) and the distributor (1) has at least one inlet (2) and at least two outlet openings (5) for the first fluid (F1) and at least one channel (3) that is connected to the inlet (2) and the outlet openings (5) and located between the boundary surfaces. The outlet openings (5) are located such that, when the system is in operation, the distributor (1) releases the first fluid (F1) into the second fluid (F2) concentrically about the center axis (Z) in an evenly distributed fashion, the distributor (1) comprising at least one through-opening (6) for the second fluid (F2) which is dimensioned and arranged such that, when the system is in operation, the second fluid (F2) concentrically flows around the center axis (Z) in an evenly distributed fashion.

Description

DISTRIBUTOR FOR A FLUID

The invention relates to a distributor for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid, in particular for introducing a first liquid into a second liquid, and also relates to a method for mixing two fluids, in particular two liquids, and to the use of such method.

More particularly, the invention relates to the mixing of an acid or an alkaline solution with water for adjusting the concentration of the acid or alkaline solution. More particularly, the invention relates to the adjustment of the concentration of sulfuric acid. It is known from German patent application DE 10 2010 007 303 Al to mix the acid or the alkaline solution with a medium within a mixing chamber for adjusting the concentration.

In sulfuric acid production, sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) is converted into sulfur trioxide (SO 3 ) in a converter using a catalyst. The obtained sulfur trioxide is then absorbed in concentrated sulfuric acid (H 2 SO4 ) in an absorber. The resulting highly concentrated sulfuric acid, after dilution with water, may partially be resupplied to the absorber, for re-absorption.

For adjusting the acid concentration for the absorber circuit, devices such as those shown in FIG. 1A have been used hitherto. In this case, concentrated sulfuric acid is fed into a mixing chamber through a supply line and via an inlet vertically from below, and the mixing chamber is arranged substantially perpendicular to the supply line. Water is admixed to the flow of sulfuric acid through the end of the mixing chamber adjacent to the inlet, via a lance having orifice openings, for the purpose of adjusting the concentration, that is to say for diluting the sulfuric acid. Concentrated sulfuric acid and water are mixed within the mixing chamber, and the sulfuric acid adjusted in concentration is extracted via a discharge pipe and through an outlet at the end opposite to the supply line.

For thoroughly mixing concentrated sulfuric acid and water, static mixing devices may additionally be installed in the mixing chamber. Such a mixing chamber is shown in FIG. 1B. The reduction in cross-sectional area associated with the installation of the static mixer increases the pressure loss in the mixing chamber. Moreover, the static mixer increases investment costs.

Furthermore, it is known from German patent application DE 10 2010 007 303 Al to add the medium for adjusting the concentration, in particular water, to the acid or to the alkali solution before feeding into the mixing chamber, and then to deflect the acid flow or alkali solution flow and the flow of the medium, preferably about 900. The adding of the medium upstream of the mixing chamber and subsequent deflecting of the flows at the entrance of the mixing chamber aims to achieve intensive mixing, which is intended to result in a much more homogeneous concentration distribution in the acid or alkali solution than with the methods described above.

Connected to an inlet of a mixing chamber is a feed line for concentrated sulfuric acid. The mixing chamber extends substantially perpendicular to the feed line. According to FIG. IC, a nozzle device in the form of a plurality of orifice tubes is mounted between the end of the feed line and the inlet of the mixing chamber, via which water is injected into the flow of sulfuric acid.

Instead of one or more orifice tubes as shown in FIG. IC, the nozzle device may as well be designed according to FIG. ID, as an annular flange (orifice ring) which is matched in its dimensions to the interface between feed line and inlet of the mixing chamber. The orifice ring comprises four hollow webs in a fan-like arrangement. At the base of the fan-like arrangement, the hollow webs are connected, via the orifice ring, to a water supply port.

All of these mixing operations involve a separate mixing chamber arranged perpendicular to the flow path of the supplied and extracted sulfuric acid. Furthermore, the mixing results are sometimes unsatisfactory. For example, an inhomogeneous mixture of highly concentrated sulfuric acid and water is associated with an increased risk of corrosion. Moreover, in the case of an inhomogeneous mixture, the materials are exposed to contact with so-called dilute acid. However, water streaks or dilute acid which might cause localized corrosion should not reach the acid conduit.

It is an object of the invention to address at least one shortcoming of the prior art and/or provide a useful alternative.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a distributor for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid, in particular for introducing a first liquid into a second liquid, having a first delimiting surface and a second delimiting surface spaced apart from said first delimiting surface and extending substantially parallel to the first delimiting surface, the distributor being in the form of a plate provided with passages; wherein a center axis extends centrally through said delimiting surfaces; and wherein the distributor comprises at least one inlet and at least two exit openings for the first fluid; and at least one channel in communication with said inlet and said exit openings and located between the first delimiting surface and the second delimiting surface; wherein the exit openings are arranged such that, in operation, the first fluid exits from the distributor into the second fluid in an uniformly distributed manner concentrically about the center axis; wherein the distributor comprises at least one passage opening for the second fluid, which is dimensioned and arranged such that, in operation, the second fluid concentrically flows around the center axis in an uniformly distributed manner; wherein the distributor has at least two outlet areas with exit openings that are in communication with at least one channel, wherein each outlet area is in communication with an inlet associated with said outlet area via its exit openings and said channel or said channels.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for mixing a first fluid, namely water, with a second fluid, namely sulfuric acid; wherein the second fluid flows along a flow direction defining a center axis; characterized in that the first fluid is introduced into the flowing second fluid in parallel to the center axis, by means of a distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, so as to flow in an evenly distributed manner concentrically about the center axis; thereby producing a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid.

In one or more embodiments the invention to create a structurally simple means for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid. In embodiments, the invention keeps the pressure loss in the zone of the system where the mixing process takes place as low as possible. In embodiments, the invention enables implementing the most homogeneous mixing possible of a fluid with another fluid within a smallest possible volume and at low investment costs. For an application in the context of sulfuric acid synthesis, for example, the mixing of water and acid should be achieved in a manner such that as far as possible fluid regions comprising water or dilute acid will not come into contact with the fluid-carrying components.

3a

The invention provides a distributor for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid, in particular for introducing a first liquid into a second liquid, having a first delimiting surface and a second delimiting surface spaced apart from the first delimiting surface and extending substantially parallel to the first delimiting surface, and a center axis extending centrally through the delimiting surfaces substantially perpendicular to at least one of the delimiting surfaces, and wherein the distributor comprises at least one inlet and at least two exit openings for the first fluid and at least one channel that is in communication with the inlet and the exit openings and is located between the first delimiting surface and the second delimiting surface, wherein the exit openings are arranged in such that, in operation, the first fluid exits from the distributor into the second fluid concentrically about the center axis in an uniformly distributed manner, wherein the distributor comprises one or more passage opening(s) for the second fluid, which is/are dimensioned and arranged such that, in operation, the second fluid concentrically flows around the center axis in an uniformly distributed manner.

In this way, the invention provides a distributor with a structurally simple configuration for introducing a fluid into another fluid. Furthermore, the distributor according to the invention is cost-effective to manufacture and to install in existing systems, in particular in pipelines. For this purpose, the distributor may preferably be designed so as to be installable in a pipeline by means of a flange connection. The invention in particular makes it possible to dispense with a separate mixing chamber and with a deflection of the flow of the mixed fluids about 900 when transferring the mixture from the mixing chamber into the discharge conduit. Due to the significantly smaller dimensions of the distributor in the flow direction of the second fluid compared to a mixing chamber, the total pressure loss caused by the mixing can be kept low.

In a preferred embodiment, the distributor according to the invention comprises at least one strip-shaped, in particular circular annular outlet area with exit openings for the first fluid positioned

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therein, and at least one spacer portion, wherein the spacer portion is positioned downstream of the at least one outlet area, as seen in a direction from the center axis. In an advantageous, structurally simple embodiment, the spacer portion is an integral part of the distributor and is in particular formed integrally therewith. The spacer portion may have a strip-like, in particular circular annular shape within the scope of the invention.

The spacer portion according to the invention allows for further improvement of corrosion protection. This is of great importance, for example in the adjusting of the acid concentration for the absorber circuit in sulfuric acid synthesis.

Thanks to the spacer portion on the distributor according to the invention, the first fluid exiting from the exit openings is released into the second fluid at a distance from the pipe wall, which distance can be predetermined by the dimensioning of the spacer portion. During operation of a system comprising the distributor according to the invention, the invention therefore allows the inner wall of the system in which the distributor is installed, that is, e.g., a pipeline, to permanently be in contact with the second fluid. In the context of sulfuric acid synthesis this means that the admixing of water as the first fluid into highly concentrated sulfuric acid as the second fluid always occurs at a sufficient distance from the pipe's wall so that this wall does not come into contact with dilute acid. Therefore, by virtue of the invention, the wall is always flushed so that the wall is prevented from corroding.

This allows to dispense with a separate mixing chamber arranged perpendicular to the flow path of the supplied and extracted sulfuric acid. The invention therefore also relates to a system or system component for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid, in particular for introducing water into highly concentrated sulfuric acid, comprising a straight pipeline including a distributor as described above and without a separate mixing chamber arranged in particular perpendicular to the flow path of the supplied and extracted sulfuric acid.

According to an embodiment presented in DE 10 2010 007 303 Al, which is in contrast to the invention, the water supply devices extend in a fan-like manner across the flow area upstream of the mixing chamber, which results in an uneven flow with respect to the center axis and thus to stress on the components.

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The distributor may be mounted in a pipeline between two pipes by establishing a flange connection, on the one hand. In a further embodiment, the invention offers the possibility to have the distributor configured as a kind of shut-off plate. In this case, the distributor has no bores for establishing a flange connection. Rather, in this case, the distributor is placed between the pipes like a gasket without being bolted thereto. The distributor will be clamped between the flanges of the pipes like a shut-off plate, so to speak. Thus, the invention provides a structurally significantly easier way of fabricating and installing the distributor, in comparison to a flange connection.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is contemplated that the distributor comprises at least two outlets, with one outlet connecting the channel with at least one exit opening. An outlet is a passage extending between the channel and at least one exit opening. The outlet opens into the delimiting surface of the distributor via the exit opening.

By dimensioning the geometric parameters of the outlet and the exit opening, the mixing behavior when introducing the first fluid into the second fluid can be influenced with regard to the flow profile of the first fluid when exiting from the distributor and being introduced into the second fluid. Such parameters include, for example, the diameter and the length of the outlet between the channel and the exit opening, the diameter of the exit opening, and the design of the edge contour of the exit opening. For example, the edge may be rounded or may be provided with an edge for causing a stall of the first fluid.

In this case, the exit opening and the outlet may in particular have a cross section which is dimensioned in view of the flow conditions during the outflow of the first fluid into the second fluid, for example also with regard to the shape and dimensions of the cross section and a change in the dimensions of the cross section along the extension of the outlet from the channel to the exit opening.

In a structurally simple variant it is contemplated according to the invention that at least one passage opening extends parallel to the center axis in its direction along which the second fluid flows therethrough.

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Thus, the distributor may be in the form of a plate and may be provided with passages which are introduced substantially perpendicular through the delimiting surfaces by machining, for example. To this end, the distributor plate may be composed of two halves, symmetrically to a plane extending centrally in parallel to the delimiting surfaces, which halves, when brought together and interconnected, for example in a detachable manner, define the distributor as a plate, so to speak, with its internal structure in the form of the channel with the inlet and the exit openings.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures.

The invention furthermore provides a method for mixing a first fluid, in particular a first liquid, preferably water, with a second fluid, in particular a second liquid, preferably sulfuric acid, in which the second fluid flows along a flow direction that defines a center axis, and in which the first fluid is introduced into the flowing second fluid in parallel to the center axis, thereby producing a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid. It has been found to be particularly advantageous when utilizing the distributor according to the invention, to install it in a vertically upright pipe with flow from bottom to top. In the case of sulfuric acid synthesis, the distributor is preferably installed with exit openings facing upwards. Due to its lower density, the water will move upwards within the sulfuric acid, thereby being mixed into the acid with the help of the distributor as a dynamic mixer.

The addition directly into the flowing second fluid allows the fluids to mix particularly efficiently and rapidly. In particular a separate mixing chamber can be dispensed with. Depending on the requirements of the mixing process and optionally on the temperature control and possible reactions between the fluids F1 and F2 or their constituents, the invention allows to release the first fluid into the second fluid either substantially in the same flow direction or substantially in the opposite flow direction.

A device and/or a method according to the invention has proved to be particularly advantageous for use in sulfuric acid production. When the acid is mixed with water, heat is released. Therefore, water may evaporate, so that when the water is mixed into the sulfuric acid, local explosions followed by implosions may occur. By virtue of the invention, the resulting water vapor is

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prevented from separating from the liquid mixture due to its lower density. Furthermore, with the arrangement of the distributor directly in the flow, the mechanical load on the components is reduced by the fact that resulting pressure variations can be reduced or minimized due to the flow directions of the involved fluid elements.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of exemplary embodiments. Identical and similar components are designated with the same reference numerals, and the features of the various exemplary embodiments can be combined. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows schematic views 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D of mixing chambers according to the prior art; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a distributor according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the distributor installed in a pipeline by means of a flange connection; FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a distributor according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the distributor installed in a pipeline by means of a flange connection; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of a distributor according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing a longitudinal section through the center axis and through the passage openings for the second fluid; FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of a distributor according to the third embodiment of the invention from the rear of the section shown in FIG. 4, showing a longitudinal section through the center axis and through the inlet and the channel for the first fluid; FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a pipeline with a distributor of the invention in the form of a shut-off plate clamped between two flanges, according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a pipeline with a distributor of the invention, rotated by 90° about the central axis in a clockwise direction compared to FIG. 6, according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic open and perspective view of a detail of a portion of the channel and of the surrounding distributor segment according to a further embodiment of the invention;

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FIG. 9 is a schematic open and perspective view of a detail of a portion of the channel and of the surrounding distributor segment according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 shows schematic longitudinal sectional views 10A, 10B, and 10C through a portion of a distributor in a sectional plane parallel to the center axis illustrating different inner profiles of the channel and the outlets; FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a distributor according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a distributor according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 13 is a schematic open and perspective view of a detail of a portion of the channel and of the surrounding distributor segment according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 14 is a schematic open and perspective view of a detail of a portion of the channel and of the surrounding distributor segment according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 15 is a schematic open and perspective view of a detail of a portion of the channel and of the surrounding distributor segment according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 16 shows schematic longitudinal sectional views 16A through 16F through a portion of a distributor in a sectional plane parallel to the center axis illustrating different outer profiles of the distributor segment enclosing the channel.

FIG. 2 shows a distributor 1 for introducing a first fluid F1 into a second fluid F2. Such a distributor 1 according to the invention can in particular be used to introduce alqudFl, for example water, into a second liquid F2, for example sulfuric acid. The distributor 1 has a first delimiting surface 101 and a second delimiting surface 102 spaced apart from the first delimiting surface 101. The second delimiting surface 102 extends substantially parallel to the first delimiting surface 101. A center axis Z extends centrally through the delimiting surfaces 101, 102 and substantially perpendicular to at least one of the delimiting surfaces. The distributor 1 has at least one inlet 2 and at least two exit openings 5 for the first fluid F1 and comprises at least one channel 3 which is in communication with the inlet 2 and the exit openings 5 and is located between the first and second delimiting surfaces 101, 102. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the exit openings 5 are provided in the upper delimiting surface 101. The exit openings 5 are evenly distributed in particular over the delimiting surface such that, in operation, the first fluid F1 exits from the distributor 1 into the second fluid F2 in an uniformly distributed

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manner concentrically about the center axis Z. By the releasing of the first fluid F1 into the second fluid F2, a mixture F3 of first fluid F1 and second fluid F2 is produced. According to the invention, the distributor 1 comprises a passage opening 6, or a plurality of passage openings 6 as in the illustrated embodiment, for the second fluid F2. Passage openings 6 are dimensioned and arranged such that, in operation, the second fluid F2 concentrically flows around the center axis Z in an uniformly distributed manner.

Meanwhile, the second fluid F2 flows through the distributor 1. The first fluid is shown in light gray in FIG. 2. It flows through the inlet 2 into the channel 3 and from the channel 3 into outlets 4. Via exit openings 5, the first fluid F1 exits into the second fluid F2, thereby producing a mixture F3 of first fluid F1 and second fluid F2. Thus, the distributor 1 according to the invention is a dynamic mixer.

The distributor 1 has a spacer portion 9 in its radially outer region remote from the center axis. On the one hand, this spacer portion defines the distance of the outermost wall of the outermost exit openings 5 from the inner surface of the pipeline 21. Thus, the distributor 1 with the spacer portion 9 allows improved corrosion protection for the pipeline 21 by avoiding contact of the pipeline to pure first fluid Fl. Rather, the pipeline 21 comes into contact essentially only with second fluid F2 or with the mixture F3. Therefore, when the distributor is used in the context of sulfuric acid synthesis, the spacer portion 9 provides separation between the pipe wall and the actual distributor ring, so that the wall does not come into contact with water. This is different in known devices such as those shown in FIG. 1, where a separate deflection chamber is required.

On the other hand, the outer portion 13 of the distributor 1 or of the spacer portion 9 can be used for a force-locking connection of the distributor to the pipes 21, 22 by means of a flange connection 30. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Moreover, in the context of invention, the effect of a static mixer can be obtained with the distributor 1 by the passage openings 6 for the second fluid F2 on the basis of the dimensions and arrangement thereof, by introducing disturbances into the flow of the second fluid F2 merely by the passage openings, thereby causing the mixing of the fluid. If a plurality of distributors 1

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according to the invention, which might even differ from one another, are connected in series, the efficient mixing of the fluids may even be further enhanced.

In the view of FIG. 2, a sectional plane is defined by the cross-sectional areas shown hatched. In the portion of the distributor 1 not shown because of the sectional view, the channel 3 is illustrated in phantom in light gray, extending out of the sectional plane and marking the space that is occupied by the first fluid F1 in the interior of the distributor 1 during operation thereof.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the channel 3 comprises three distributor arms 11 extending concentrically around the center axis Z in the form of rings. The ring segment type distributor arms 11 are interconnected via four connecting arms 12. The connecting arms 12 extend along two axes crossing each other at right angles at the center axis Z, and one of the axes is defined by the longitudinal axis through the inlet 2. Thus, between the connecting arms 12 the distributor 1 comprises distributor segments 11 which in the illustrated example are quarter circle shaped segments with a rectangular cross section. The distributor segments 11 arranged concentrically around the center axis Z have a number of exit openings 5, which is increasing from the center outward. The connecting arms 12 also constitute distributor components which have exit openings 5 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. All exit openings 5 of the distributor 1 open into the first delimiting plane 101.

When using the distributor according to the invention, the first fluid, for example water, is concentrically passed through a concentric ring or a plurality of concentric rings, which are installed in the main pipeline through which the second fluid flows, for example sulfuric acid. There is no need for a separate mixing chamber, in particular one which is arranged perpendicular to the main pipeline. Through a feed line and via the inlet, the first fluid enters a system of annular slots, in which the first fluid is distributed evenly into the distributor segments or distributor arms, over the cross section of the main pipeline.

According to the invention, the distributor 1 may be composed of individual distributor segments or distributor components 11, 12 in a modular manner. A plurality of distributor components 11, 12 may in particular be detachably interconnected by flange connections. In this way it is also possible, for example, to provide connections for distributor segments 11 at distributor arms 12 in

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the form of blind ports. If the distributor 1 is needed for changed requirements in operation, for example if higher amounts of fluid F1 are to be introduced, additional distributor segments 11 can be installed into the distributor at these additionally provided connections. The additional exit openings 5 provided by the additional distributor segments 11 will increase the total outlet area of all exit openings.

With the distributor 1 of the invention according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a dynamic mixer is provided within a space allowing a flow therethrough, which can be used to release a fluid F1 to be admixed in the direction of flow of a fluid F2 through this space, which is in the form of a pipeline here. FIG. 3 shows an alternative application of the distributor 1 according to the invention. Here, a dynamic mixer is provided in a space allowing a flow therethrough, which can be used to release a fluid F1 to be admixed in the direction opposite to the flow of a fluid F2 through this space, which is in the form of a pipeline here.

Within the scope of the invention, the distributor 1 has at least one passage opening 6 through which the second fluid F2 passes through the distributor 1 during operation. Due to the disturbance of its flow when passing through the one or more passage opening(s) 6 through the distributor 1, the fluid elements of the fluid F2 are mixed. In an advantageous embodiment of the distributor 1 it is contemplated that at least one passage opening 6 is arranged inside a circle about the center axis Z, and that in particular the outer boundary of at least one passage opening 6 is at least partially defined by this circle. In this way, the flow of the fluid F2, when passing through a distributor 1 that is installed in a cylindrical pipeline 21, 22 in particular concentrically, is guided symmetrically with respect to the center axis so that the mechanical load on the walls of the pipeline is kept low. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by way of example, the four innermost passage openings define a circular passage opening in this way, which is crossed by the connecting arms 12. Each passage opening of the passage openings commonly located inside a circle about the center axis has an outer boundary which is defined by this circle. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the respective inner boundary of the passage openings is also a circle segment.

There are several options within the scope of the invention for predetermining the number, the dimensions and the arrangement of the passage openings in coordination with the flow behavior

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of the fluids F2 and F3 that is to be achieved. For example, at least two passage openings 6 may be provided in concentric circles of different radii about the center axis Z. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, four passage openings 6 are provided in each circle around the center axis Z, and four circles of different radii are provided. So, overall, the distributor 1 then has 16 passage openings in this example.

The shape of the passage openings may advantageously also be selected so as to be adapted to the directing of the flow of the fluid F2. It is in particular contemplated for this purpose that at least one passage opening 6 cuts out a circular ring section from the first delimiting surface 101 and/or from the second delimiting surface 102.

On the surface facing upward in FIG. 4, the distributor 1 has a planar surface which lies in the first delimiting plane 101 thereof in the illustrated example. Furthermore, on the surface facing downwards and therefore hidden in FIG. 4, the distributor 1 has a planar surface which lies in the second delimiting plane.

The fluid F1 is released into the fluid F2 flowing through the distributor 1, in dosed manner. After passing through the distributor 1, it is introduced into the fluid F2 via exit openings 5. The flow rate and the flow direction of the fluid F1 when leaving the exit opening 5 are parameters which determine the mixing behavior of the fluids F1 and F2 when the distributor 1 is used. The fluid F1 is supplied to the exit openings 5 via the channel 3 of the distributor 1.

The channel 3 can also be considered as a channel system, which, outgoing from the supply line in the inlet 2, branches into the lines which are arranged within the connecting arms 12 and distributor segments 11. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show the arrangement of the sections of channel 3 extending within the distributor segments 11 and of the exit openings 5 relative to one another. The passage openings 6 are provided between the distributor segments 11.

The channel 3 may widen and/or become narrow (again) within the distributor. In particular, the channel may have a relatively large cross section inside the connecting arms 12, while the arms of the channel 3 branching off into the distributor segments 11 have a comparatively small cross section. Such a configuration of the geometry of channel 3 is shown in FIG. 5.

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It can also be seen in FIG. 5 that the inlet 2 projects this far into the distributor 1 toward the center axis Z, and that, due to the spacer portion 9, the exit openings 5 in the outlet area remote from the center axis Z as seen in a direction from the center axis are located at a distance from the outer periphery of the distributor. Depending on the application case, a person skilled in the art will dimension the radial extent of the spacer portion as seen from the center Z such that during operation of the distributor the wall of the system portion in which the distributor 1 is installed is prevented as far as possible and in particular completely from coming into contact with the first fluid. In the view of FIG. 5, the projection 13 on the distributor 1 may be used to establish a flange connection with a pipeline. FIGS. 2 and 3 show such a connection. In this case, bores (not shown in the figures) will be provided in known manner, by means of which the two pipes 21 and 22 are connected with the distributor 1 sandwiched therebetween, to establish a flange connection 30.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides an alternative to such a connection of the distributor 1 to the pipeline 21, 22 by means of a flange 30. For this purpose, the distributor 1 is designed as a kind of shut-off plate. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Pipes 21 and 22 are connected to each other by a flange connection 30. For the sake of clarity, reference numeral 30 indicates the position of a screw of this flange connection. The distributor 1 is placed between the pipes like a gasket, without being bolted thereto. Thus, the distributor is held in a purely frictional or force-locking manner between the pipes 21, 22 that are urged together. The distributor is, so to speak, clamped between the flanges of pipes 21, 22 like a kind of shut-off plate.

The shape of the cross-sectional area of channel 3 within a distributor segment 11 can also be variably adapted to different requirements within the scope of the invention. Possible variants are shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10.

FIG. 8 shows an open perspective schematic view of a detail of a distributor segment 11. In this embodiment, the channel 3 has a rounded contour, at least in sections thereof, on its side facing the first delimiting surface 101, as seen in a plane parallel to and in particular along the center axis. Within the scope of the invention, the channel may likewise have a rounded contour on its side facing the second delimiting surface 102, as seen in a plane parallel to and in particular

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along the center axis. The channel may as well have a rounded profile on its side facing the first delimiting surface 101 and on its side facing the second delimiting surface 102, as seen in a plane parallel to and in particular along the center axis.

In this example, the channel opens into exit openings 5 via through-holes, and the exit openings and through-holes have a diameter corresponding to the width of the channel.

The so defined outlets 4 between channel 3 and exit openings 5 are neither constricted nor enlarged compared to the width of the channel. However, within the context of the invention it is possible for a person skilled in the art to design the geometry of such through-holes or outlets 4 in view of the flow behavior of the first fluid F1 during operation of the distributor 1 in a manner so as to achieve a mixing effect with the second fluid F2, which is optimal for the respective process requirements to be met. For this purpose, an outlet 4 may in particular be narrower than the channel 3 or wider than the channel 3 or may else have a cross section which differs from a circular shape in the direction through which the fluid F1 flows.

FIG. 9 shows an open perspective schematic view of a detail of a distributor segment 11, in which the diameter of the outlets 4 in the form of through-holes is smaller than the width of the channel. In this way, the flow rate of the fluid F1 when leaving the distributor segment 11 via the exit openings 5 is increased in comparison to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 corresponds in principle to the variant shown in FIG. 10C of examples of possible cross-sectional configurations of the channel. Channel 3 has a rounded profile on its side facing the first delimiting surface 101, as seen in a plane parallel to and in particular along the center axis. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the channel 3 has such a rounded profile also on its side facing the second delimiting surface 102. The channel may also have a rectangular profile within the scope of the invention, as shown in FIG. 10B.

A person skilled in the art will predetermine the dimensions and the shape of the channel, of the through-holes or outlets 4, and of the exit openings 5 depending on the flow behavior of the first fluid and on process requirements. This will involve a trade-off between constructive and financial

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expenditures for fabricating the distributor segment and the achievable flow profile of the first fluid.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, the distributor 1 may be composed of at least two distributor segments 11. These distributor segments may differ in their outer and/or inner shape. The invention thus offers the possibility to flexibly respond to changing mixing tasks.

From channel 3, the first fluid F1 is introduced into the second fluid F2 through exit openings 5, wherein in an advantageous embodiment of the invention - in addition to the distributor segments 11 - a connecting arm 12 may also have at least one exit opening 5. One or more exit openings 5 may in particular be provided in the region in which connecting arms 12 intersect. This variant is shown in FIG. 11, in a plan view.

A further embodiment of the invention provides the option to adapt the supplied amount of first fluid to changing process requirements while still being able to maintain the flow rate of the first fluid F1 when it is introduced into the second fluid F2. For this purpose, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the distributor has two inlets 2, each of which is connected to only one distributor ring, formed by distributor segments 11 communicating with the respective channel 3. Such a distributor 1 is shown in FIG. 12, in a plan view. In sulfuric acid synthesis, for example, the two separate inlets allow to respond to a decreasing demand of water by shutting off one inlet and introducing water in a dosed manner only through one of the two distributor rings. Depending on how high the remaining water requirement is, water supply will be shut off to the distribution ring having the larger or the smaller diameter.

The bores 8 provided in the central area of the distributor in FIGS. 11 and 12 are provided in embodiments of the distributor in which the latter is composed of an upper part and a lower part. In this case, the distributor 1 consists of two components. A first component is the upper part which includes all channels and bores, and a second component is the lower part which is mounted to the upper part from below as a cover, thereby sealing all channels of the distributor. In other words, the first delimiting surface is located in the upper part and the second delimiting surface is located in the lower part. The two parts are fastened together by a screw connection,

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for example. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, three bores 8 are provided for a screw connection by means of three screws extending through these bores.

However, the bores 8 in the central area of the distributor in FIGS. 11 and 12 also allow for applications comprising a combination of a plurality of distributors in series and are provided Thus, the mixer according to the invention may be assembled as a 2-part or multi-part system.

As mentioned above, the distributor 1 according to the invention comprises at least one strip shaped, in particular annular outlet area arranged symmetrically, in particular concentrically with respect to the center axis Z, in which the exit openings 5 for the first fluid F1 are provided. An outlet area is the area in which the exit openings 5 are provided. An outlet area 7 is provided in a distributor arm 11, together with the associated channel 3. The distributor 1 may as well comprise at least two outlet areas having exit openings 5 which are each in communication with at least one channel 3, and each outlet area is in communication with at least one inlet associated with the outlet area 7 through the exit openings 5 thereof and via the outlets 2-4_and the one or more channel(s)3.

In the embodiments of the invention described so far, the outlet areas extend in a plane parallel to at least one delimiting surface 101, 102.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is contemplated that the outlet area or a plurality of outlet areas have at least one exit surface 7, at least in sections thereof, into which at least one exit opening 5 opens, which exit surface extends obliquely to the first delimiting surface 101 and/or to the second delimiting surface 102. FIG. 13 schematically shows a detail of a distributor segment 11 in an open perspective view. The distributor segment 11 extends between the upper delimiting surface 101 and the lower delimiting surface 102. The outer edge of the delimiting surface 101 in the upper left in FIG. 13, i.e. the outer edge distal of the center axis Z, is chamfered to define an exit surface 7. Exit openings 5 open into this exit surface 7 that extends obliquely to the first delimiting surface 101. Thus, during operation, the first fluid F1 can be introduced obliquely into the fluid F2 flowing through the distributor 1 that comprises such distributor segments 11.

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It is also possible within the scope of the invention to provide a chamfer at the outer edge of the delimiting surface 101 in the upper right in FIG. 13, i.e. the outer edge facing the center axis Z, to define an exit surface 7. FIG. 14 schematically shows a further embodiment of the outlet area in an open perspective view. Both outer edges of the upper delimiting surface 101 of the distributor segment 11 are chamfered in the region of the openings 5. In the specific embodiment shown, the oblique surfaces extend symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis which extends in parallel to the center axis Z through the distributor segment 11.

Within the scope of the invention, two or more outlets may extend from the channel to the exit surfaces 7 in a plane through the longitudinal axis of the distributor segment 11. In particular, two exit openings 5 may be provided opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the channel. So, in one embodiment of the invention, at least two exit surfaces 7 are located in the outlet area or in a plurality of outlet areas, one of which is arranged on the side of the distributor segment facing the center axis Z and the other one on the side of the distributor segment facing away from the center axis. Thus, one exit surface faces the center axis and the other exit surface faces away from the center axis.

It is furthermore envisaged within the scope of the invention to provide a plurality of exit surfaces 7 alternately on the side facing the center axis and on the side facing away from the center axis. This variant is schematically shown in FIG. 15. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a plurality of exit surfaces on the side facing the center axis as well as on the side facing away from the center axis.

With the choice of the position of the exit surfaces relative to the flow direction of the second fluid F2 or relative to the center axis, the invention offers the possibility of changing in a wide range the mixing characteristics of the distributor 1 as a dynamic mixer. Depending on the choice of the number of exit openings 5 and their respective diameters and their position and provision in an optionally inclined exit surface, the introduced first fluid F1 will impart a flow pattern to the second fluid F2 and hence to the resulting mixture F3 consisting of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid during operation of the distributor 1.

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This flow pattern is an important parameter that determines the time required for the fluids to mix sufficiently and the flow distance required for this. In an existing pipeline of predetermined length as part of a system, for example for sulfuric acid synthesis, different distributors may be used depending on the mixing task. The configuration of the system does not need to be altered for this purpose, rather, a different mixing task can be solved by merely replacing the distributor. Thus, the invention provides a simple and particularly cost-effective way that allows to operate a system in a flexible manner.

In the embodiments described above, the channel 3 has an elongated cross-sectional shape. In a further embodiment within the scope of the invention, the channel 3 may as well have a round and in particular circular cross-sectional shape, at least in sections thereof, as seen in a plane parallel to and in particular along the center axis Z. This variant is shown in FIG. 16 illustrating the example of a circular cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 16 at the same time illustrates different design options for the outer contour of the distributor segment. The outer shape of the distributor segment is expressly independent of the geometric design of the channel.

In a simple embodiment as shown in FIG. 16A, the channel 3, at least in sections thereof, extends within a distributor segment 11 that has an outer contour of substantially quadrangular shape, in particular rectangular shape, in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel. The outer contour of the distributor segments may be modified, in view of the flow of the second fluid F2 around and through the distributor. In the following examples, this is illustrated at the side of the distributor segment facing the second delimiting plane 102. However, at the same time or as an alternative, the side of the distributor segment facing the first delimiting plane 101 may be correspondingly shaped as well.

For example, the side of the distributor segment facing the second delimiting surface 102 may be beveled at least in sections thereof, as shown in FIGS. 16B through 16F. Thus, the channel, at least in sections thereof, may extend within a distributor segment that has an outer contour of substantially pentagonal shape in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel, as shown in FIG. 16B. In this case, the side of the rectangle opposite

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to the exit opening 5 is, so to speak, cut from a corner and therefore intersects with a surface that extends obliquely and not perpendicular to the other sides of the rectangle.

Depending on how the oblique surface of the side facing the second delimiting surface 102 is provided with respect to the width of the distributor segment, the channel 3, at least in sections thereof, may extend within a distributor segment that has an outer contour of substantially triangular shape in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel, as shown in FIGS. 16D, 16E, and 16F.

At the same time or alternatively, within the scope of the invention, the channel 3, at least in sections thereof, may extend within a distributor segment that has a round, in particular circular outer contour adjacent to the exit opening 5, in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel. FIG. 16F shows such a variant in which, additionally, the distributor segment 11 has a tip opposite the exit opening 5.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the distributor is shown as a type of substantially planar plate. The expression "substantially planar" encompasses deviations attributable to the outer design of the distributor arms and/or connecting arms, however, the first and second delimiting planes 101, 102 enclose a space extending flat and perpendicular to the center axis, which space is filled by the distributor.

However, likewise within the scope of the invention, the distributor may have a shape filling a space that is delimited by surfaces which are curved at least in sections thereof, seen radially from the center axis, and/or which extend at an angle other than 90° from the center axis radially outward at least in sections thereof. For example, a distributor may be created, which widens in the or opposite to the flow direction of the second fluid, as seen from the center axis. The invention thus provides a further parameter by which the flow profile of the flow to or through the distributor can be influenced.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples described above but rather may be varied in various ways. It is in particular possible for the features of the individually illustrated examples to be combined or swapped.

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List of Reference Characters:

F1 First fluid F2 Second fluid F3 Mixture of first and second fluids 1 Distributor 101 First delimiting surface or plane 102 Second delimiting surface or plane Z Center axis 2 Inlet 4 Outlets 5 Exit openings 7 Exit surface 3 Channel 6 Passage opening 8 Bores for connecting a plurality of distributors 9 Spacer portion, annular spacing 11 Distributor segment, distributor arm, distributor component 12 Connecting arm, distributor component 21 First pipe 22 Second pipe 13 Projection on distributor for flange connection 30 Flange connection

Claims

Claims:

1. A distributor for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid, in particular for introducing a first liquid into a second liquid, having a first delimiting surface and a second delimiting surface spaced apart from said first delimiting surface and extending substantially parallel to the first delimiting surface, the distributor being in the form of a plate provided with passages; wherein a center axis extends centrally through said delimiting surfaces; and wherein the distributor comprises at least one inlet and at least two exit openings for the first fluid; and at least one channel in communication with said inlet and said exit openings and located between the first delimiting surface and the second delimiting surface; wherein the exit openings are arranged such that, in operation, the first fluid exits from the distributor into the second fluid in an uniformly distributed manner concentrically about the center axis; wherein the distributor comprises at least one passage opening for the second fluid, which is dimensioned and arranged such that, in operation, the second fluid concentrically flows around the center axis in an uniformly distributed manner; wherein the distributor has at least two outlet areas with exit openings that are in communication with at least one channel, wherein each outlet area is in communication with an inlet associated with said outlet area via its exit openings and said channel or said channels.

2. The distributor of claim 1, wherein the distributor comprises at least one strip-shaped, in particular circular annular outlet area with exit openings for the first fluid positioned therein; and at least one spacer portion; wherein the spacer portion is positioned downstream of the at least one outlet area, as seen in a direction from the center axis.

3. The distributor of claim 2, wherein the spacer portion is an integral part of the distributor.

4. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor comprises at least two outlets, wherein one outlet connects the channel with at least one exit opening.

5. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one passage opening extends parallel to the center axis in its direction along which the second fluid flows therethrough.

6. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one passage opening is arranged inside a circle about the center axis; wherein in particular the outer boundary of at least one passage opening is at least partially defined by said circle.

7. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two passage openings are arranged inside concentric circles of different radii about the center axis.

8. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one passage opening cuts out a circular ring section from the first delimiting surface and/or from the second delimiting surface.

9. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor comprises at least one strip-shaped, in particular circular annular outlet area arranged symmetrically, in particular concentrically with respect to the center axis, with exit openings for the first fluid positioned therein.

10. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet area or a plurality of outlet areas have, at least in sections thereof, at least one exit surface into which at least one exit opening opens, which exit surface extends obliquely to the first delimiting surface and/or to the second delimiting surface.

11. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor has at least two exit surfaces, one of which faces the center axis and the other one facing away from the center axis.

12. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of exit surfaces are arranged alternately on a side of an outlet area facing the center axis and on a side of the outlet area facing away from the center axis.

13. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of exit surfaces are arranged on the side of the outlet area facing the center axis and on the side of the outlet area facing away from the center axis.

14. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel has a rounded profile, at least in sections thereof, on its side facing the first delimiting surface and/or on its side facing the second delimiting surface, seen in a plane parallel to and in particular along the center axis.

15. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel has a round, in particular circular cross section, at least in sections thereof, seen in a plane parallel to and in particular along the center axis.

16. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor is composed of at least two distributor segments.

17. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel, at least sections thereof, extends within a distributor segment that has an outer contour of substantially quadrangular shape, in particular rectangular shape, in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel.

18. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel, at least sections thereof, extends within a distributor segment that has an outer contour of substantially triangular shape, in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel.

19. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel, at least sections thereof, extends within a distributor segment that has an outer contour of substantially pentagonal shape, in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel.

20. The distributor as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel, at least sections thereof, extends within a distributor segment that has a rounded, in particular circular outer contour adjacent to the exit opening, and that has a tip opposite the exit opening, seen in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first fluid flows through the channel.

21. A method for mixing a first fluid, namely water, with a second fluid, namely sulfuric acid; wherein the second fluid flows along a flow direction defining a center axis; characterized in that the first fluid is introduced into the flowing second fluid in parallel to the center axis, by means of a distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, so as to flow in an evenly distributed manner concentrically about the center axis; thereby producing a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the first fluid is released into the second fluid in substantially the same flow direction or in substantially the opposite flow direction.

23. Use of a device according to any one of claims I to 20 and/or of a method according to any one of claims 21 to 22 in sulfuric acid production.

Prior art

Fig. 1A Fig. 1B 1/15

Fig. 1C Fig. 1D

12 11 11 9 6

101 11

F3 21

9

13 30 11 2 2/15

6

22

F1 102 12 4 1 3 F2 Z Fig. 2

12 11 11 9 6

101 11 F2

21

9

13 30 11 2 3/15

6

22

F1 102 12 4 F3 1 3

Z Fig. 3

Z 12

9 4 101 5 2 13 4/15

3 3 102

3 3 11 3 11 11 13 6 11 11

Fig. 4

9 12 6 Z 5 5 5 5 13 11 11 11 11 11 2

3 5/15

13

Fig. 5

Z 21

2

1 6/17

22

Fig. 6

Z 21

1 7/17

2

22

Fig. 7

5 5

11 8/18

3

Fig. 8

5

4 5 5

4

11 9/17

3

Fig. 9

5 5 5 4 101 4 101 4 101

3 3 3

11 11 11 10/17

102 102 102

Fig. 10A Fig. 10B Fig. 10C

5 5 1 5 6 5

12 6 12

6

8

6 6 8 6 6 11/17

6 6

12 11 11

9 2 Fig. 11

6 2

6 3 12 9 6

6 12 6 6 6 12/17

6 6

3 8

12 11 2 11 Fig. 12

11 4

5 13/17

3

Fig. 13

7 7

11 4

5 14/17

3

Fig. 14

11 4 15/17

3

Fig. 15

5 5 4 101 4 101 4 101

3 3 3

11 11 11 16/17

102 102 102

Fig. 16A Fig. 16B Fig. 16C

5 5 4 101 4 101 4 101

3 3 3

11 11 11 17/17

102 102 102

Fig. 16D Fig. 16E Fig. 16F