Cooling Tower Sizing
Cooling Tower Sizing
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
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SECTION
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.3
2.0
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.8
2.1.9
2.1.10
2.1.11
2.1.12
2.1.13
2.1.14
2.1.15
2.1.16
2.1.17
2.1.18
2.1.19
2.1.20
2.1.21
2.1.22
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
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TITLE
PAGE
INTRODUCTION
1
1
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3
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4
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5
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5
5
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7
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7
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2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.0
6.1
6.2
7.0
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TITLE
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VESSELS
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APPENDIX
NO.
TITLE
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29
II
30
III
31
IV
35
FIGURES
NO.
TITLE
PAGE
40
II
40
III
41
IV
42
43
VI
44
TABLES
NO.
TITLE
PAGE
1.1
45
1.2
46
References
47
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INTRODUCTION
A widely used method of separating and purifying materials in the processing
industries is fractional distillation. This operation is generally performed in
fractionation towers, which contain internal devices to promote intimate contact
between countercurrent vapor and liquid streams. The most common of such
devices is the fractionating tray.
Many forms of the fractionating trays have been devised over the years, but only
three have achieved widespread commercial acceptance. These are the sieve or
perforated tray, the valve tray, and the bubble cap tray.
1.1
1.2
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Valve Trays
In this type of tray, the individual holes or orifices in the tray deck
are covered with a cap that opens and closes with variation in
vapor flow rate. As the vapor load increases, the cap will open to
permit more vapor to pass through the orifice. As the vapor load
decreases, the cap will tend to close. Since the peripheral area
between the cap and the tray deck changes for different process
loadings, the amount of liquid leaking downward through the
orifices at turndown, or weeping, is minimized.
For this reason, valve trays are widely used throughout the
industry, since they will tend to handle a wider range of capacity
variation (turndown) than do sieve trays. Valve trays can
generally be designed for a pressure drop equivalent to sieve
trays.
Valve trays are manufactured by three main fabricators: Glitsch,
Koch, and Nutter. Glitschs trademark for their valve trays is
Ballast Trays. The various types of Ballast trays, with a
description of each, are shown in the Glitsch Ballast Tray Design
Manual Bulletin 4900. Kochs name for their proprietary valve tray
is the Flexitray. The Flexitray and Ballast Trays are quite similar
in design; both have circular orifices of approximately 1 1/2 inches
in diameter. A third type of valve tray is the Float Valve Tray,
manufactured by Nutter. These trays are similar to the Ballast
Trays and Flexitrays, except that the openings in the tray deck and
the caps are rectangular instead of circular.
A typical valve unit is shown in Figure II.
1.2.3
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Two types of bubble caps, the FRI Bubble Cap and the
conventional bubble cap, are shown in Figure VI.
Until the late 1950's, this was the most widely used type of
fractionating tray. Since that time, it has been replaced, almost
completely, by other types of trays such as the valve tray, which
offer higher capacities and higher efficiencies at a lower cost, with
some sacrifice in tray flexibility.
1.2.4
Specialty Trays
Through the years, other types of fractionating trays have been
developed by various manufacturers for specific processing
applications. The Linde MD (Multiple Downcomer) Tray designed
by Union Carbide Corp., for example, can be used in revamps to
debottleneck an existing tower when the liquid loading is
controlling the upper operating limit. These trays resemble sieve
trays except that there are multiple box type downcomer units, and
the successive trays are rotated 90 degrees. While being effective
in hydraulic performance, some sacrifice in tray efficiency is to be
expected when Linde MD trays are used to replace other
conventional types of trays. The Linde MD trays, however, can
usually be installed with relatively small tray spacing.
1.3
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2.1.2
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Calming Area
The calming area is included within the bubbling area on a tray.
The purpose of the calming area is to allow the vapor to
disengage from the tray liquid before it enters the downcomer.
The calming area is usually a two or three inch wide strip of
unperforated active area parallel to the outlet weir, extending the
entire length of the outlet weir.
2.1.4
Capacity Factor
The capacity factor is used in the method outlined in the Glitsch
Ballast Tray Design Manual Bulletin 4900 to establish the
minimum active area on a tray. The vapor capacity factor is an
indication of the vapor rate through a tray at the point of incipient
flooding by massive entrainment.
2.1.5
Downcomer Area
The downcomer area is the area necessary to allow the liquid to
flow from one tray to the one below. Normally, the area at the top
of the downcomer is equal to the area at the bottom of the
downcomer, that is, the downcomer is straight (vertical)
Sloped or stepped downcomers are used to increase the tray
active area without increasing the tower diameter when the tower
diameter is vapor controlled. Weir rate considerations may require
that the top downcomer area be larger than the downcomer area
required by downcomer residence time requirements. Therefore,
the bottom downcomer area can be less than the top downcomer
area, provided the minimum downcomer residence time
requirements are satisfied. Since the downcomer seal area is
equal to the bottom downcomer area, the active area is increased
by the difference between the top and bottom downcomer areas.
2.1.6
Downcomer Back Up
The pressure drop through the tray or constrictions in the
downcomer may cause the aerated liquid to partially fill or back up
the downcomer. If the level of aerated liquid in the downcomer
rises to the level of the outlet weir on the above tray, the liquid flow
discharging into the downcomer will back up and cause flooding.
2.1.7
Downcomer Clearance
The downcomer clearance is the vertical distance from the tray
deck of the tray below to the bottom of the downcomer of the tray
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above. For most designs, it is set at 1.5 to 2", but should never
exceed the height of the outlet weir. The downcomer clearance is
generally to less than the outlet weir height in order to
provide a liquid seal on the tray outlet. In designs where the
downcomer back up exceeds the allowable percentage of the tray
spacing, a curved downcomer outlet can be used to reduce the
head loss under the downcomer, thereby reducing the downcomer
back up.
2.1.8
2.1.9
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Minimum U.R.N.
40
60
80-90
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2.1.20 V-Load
This term appears in the Glitsch Tray Program Printout, and in the
Glitsch Tray Design Manual, Bulletin 4900. It is used by Glitsch to
establish a minimum active area and is a function of vapor
volumetric flow and vapor and liquid densities.
2.1.21 Weir Height
A weir height of 2" is used in most services. Exceptions are those
services having a low pressure drop specification. A weir height
as low as has been used in vacuum columns but a
minimum weir height is normally recommended. A weir height up
to 6" can be used where a high liquid residence time is necessary,
for example, where a chemical reaction is involved. If the weir
height is greater than 15% of the tray spacing, the effective tray
spacing for purposes of calculating percent of flood should be
reduced by the excess of the weir height over 15% of the tray
spacing. Pressure drop will increase with increasing weir height.
Weeping and entrainment will increase slightly with increasing
weir height.
V-notch or rectangular notched weirs (see Figure V) are normally
recommended under the following conditions: (4)
0.6 GPM (Hot)
Inch of Outlet Weir
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where
DCV =
Ax
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where
VD
O wi > 1.7 hi t
Where
2.2.3
Owo
Owi
hi
2.2.4
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B.
C.
D.
The term FF, or Flood Factor, is used in the Glitsch Ballast Tray
Design Manual Bulletin 4900 for purposes of estimating the
minimum active area and minimum downcomer area. This term is
the design percent of flood expressed as a fraction. A value of
not more than 0.77 is normally used for vacuum towers and a
value of not more than 0.82 is used for other services. These
values are intended to limit entrainment to approximately 10%
entrainment. Higher flood factors may result in excessive
entrainment and/or a column sized too small for effective
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operation.
The actual percent of flood should be determined once the final
tray design has been completed. The actual percent of flood
should be in the range of 75 to 85 percent, at maximum design
rates. These values may vary, however, depending on the
particular application. In a revamp, for example, a higher percent
of flood than would typically be used for normal designs may be
allowed in order to permit the use of existing trays or an existing
fractionating tower. In all cases, the actual percent of flood should
be established in conjunction with or approved by the Chief
Process Engineer/Manager or the Process Supervisor.
The percent of flood for sieve and bubble cap trays can be
determined by the appropriate hand or computer calculation
methods outlined in Sections 3.0 and 5.0, respectively. The
percent of flood for valve trays should be determined from the
appropriate tray manufacturers design manuals, several of which
are outlined in Section 4.0. A generalized flooding calculation
procedure, included in Appendix IV, can be used to estimate the
percent flood of valve trays if the appropriate tray manufacturers
tray design manual is unavailable. A sample hand calculation is
also included in Appendix IV.
2.2.5
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2.2.6
b.
maximum =
15.0
(Ft)
(Vapor Density) ( Sec )
minimum =
6.5
(Ft)
(Vapor Density) ( Sec )
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vapor flow and the area of the opening around the valve
periphery (fully opened). As a rule, the slot area for Koch
and Glitsch valves is equal to approximately 0.012 sq. ft. per
valve; but this should be checked with the vendor particularly
for Nutter Trays.
Where different weighted valves are specified for a single
deck, the minimum velocity should be tested for the
minimum vapor flow using the slot area for the lighter valves
plus the area of the fixed opening (valves having a dimple to
keep it off the deck) of the heavier valves.
c.
maximum =
12.1
(Ft)
(Vapor Density) ( Sec )
minimum =
5.0
(Ft)
(Vapor Density) ( Sec )
Pressure Drop
The following table is to be used as a guide for specifying the tray
pressure drop. The allowable pressure drop can be increased or
decreased depending upon flexibility requirements or system
pressure drop limitations.
Tray Type
(P/Tray, PSI, in
Pressure Service
Sieve (4)
0.1 to 0.20
1 to 2
0.15 to 0.20
2.5 to 3.5
Valve
0.10 to 0.20
3.5 to 4.5
(2.5 for V-4 trays)
(3.0 to 3.5 for V-1 trays)
(3.5 to 4.5 for A-1 trays)
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3.2
A.
B.
C.
B.
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3.3
Recommendations
The procedure shown in the FRI Fractionation Tray Design Handbook
(Section 3.1A) is the recommended hand calculation method. The FRI
Handbooks contain the latest technology available to design and rate sieve
trays.
The P1096 FRI Sieve Tray Program (Section 3.2A) or the Glitsch Sieve
Tray Rating Program (Section 3.2C) can both be used to design and rate
one or two pass trays. Quick results can be obtained from either program,
via the TSO or the CRT. For critical designs, the FRI program should be
used.
The Glitsch Sieve Tray Rating Program and the P1115 FRI multipass
Sieve Tray Rating Program (Section 3.2B) can both design & rate three or
four pass trays. If quick results are required, the Glitsch program should be
used, as the results appear directly on the CRT. As with the one and two
pass tray designs, critical three and four pass trays should be designed
using the FRI Program. The final selection should be made in conjunction
with or approved by the Chief Process Engineer/Manager or the Process
Supervisor. Avoid three-pass trays.
It should be noted that the Glitsch calculation methods can only be used to
determine the basic hydraulic parameters used in tray design, such as
percent flood, downcomer backup, and pressure drop. If additional
detailed design information is required, such as weep points, dump points,
entrainment values or tray efficiencies, the FRI calculation method must be
used.
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B.
C.
All of these design manuals are in the Technical File, Index No. 442.112.
4.2
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4.3
Recommendations
The hand calculation method that should be used depends upon the type
of valve unit under investigation. Normally, the Glitsch Ballast Tray Design
Manual (Section 4.1A) is used for most new Foster Wheeler designs. The
design manuals for the other proprietary trays mentioned in Sections 4.1B
and 4.1C should be used if those particular types of trays are being
checked for new loadings as in a revamp. See Section 1.2.4 for additional
information on additional proprietary trays.
The Glitsch Valve Tray Rating Program (Section 4.2A) is the
recommended computer calculation method. P1067 (Section 4.2B) can be
used to quickly spot-check a design, but should not be used for the final
design calculations. The valve tray vendor shall provide the final design.
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5.2
A.
B.
B.
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Recommendations
The procedure shown in the Fractionation Tray Design Handbook (Section
5.1A) is the recommended hand calculation method. The FRI Handbooks
contain the latest technology available to design and rate bubble cap trays.
The Glitsch Bubble Cap Tray Rating Program (Section 5.2B) or the P1080
FRI Bubble Cap Tray Rating Program (Section 5.2A) can be used as
computer methods to design bubble cap trays. If quick results are
required, the Glitsch Bubble Cap program should be used, as the results
appear directly on the CRT. If the design is critical, the FRI Bubble Cap
program should be used, as the FRI method appears to be more rigorous
than the Glitsch method. The final selection should be made in
conjunction with or approved by the Chief Process Engineer/Manager or
the Process Supervisor.
It should be noted that the Glitsch calculation methods can only be used to
determine the basic hydraulic parameters used in tray design, such as
percent flood, downcomer backup, and pressure drop. If additional
detailed design information is required, such as weep points, dump points,
entrainment values or tray efficiencies, the FRI calculation methods must
be used.
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6.2
Guidelines for Providing Tray Data for Tray Data Requisition Form
This section includes guidelines for completing the Tray Data Requisition
Form. A copy of a completed Tray Data Requisition Form has been
included in Appendix III for reference. A line by line description of the
information required to complete the form has been included here.
Tray data is either furnished by the client or generated by the process
engineer using a process simulation computer program, Foster Wheelers
version of which is the P1086 Process Simulator. A sample of the type of
data generated by the FW P1086 program has been included in Appendix
III for reference. Should the tray data be generated by another program,
and the vapor and liquid physical properties are not available, they should
be obtained from other sources such as the FW Design Data Books, the
API Technical Data Books, or the NGPSA Engineering Data Book. If the
required data is unavailable in these sources, consult with the Technical
Data Supervisor.
When sections of a tower are given, specify the maximum and minimum
loading points of the section. Should the P1086 computer program be
employed to simulate the tray loads, these points are readily identified in
the tray loading table under the heading VLoad.
In specifying the top tray, and for trays involving transition from
fractionation to pump around service, data for both the vapor to/liquid from
and vapor from/liquid to those particular section should be given. This also
applies to selected towers such as strippers, in which case the maximum
traffic in the top of the tower lies somewhere between the rates calculated
as entering the top stage, and the rate calculated as leaving the tower.
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The heat duty for pump around trays should be supplied as an additional
item.
The maximum vapor and liquid rates may not occur at the same point.
Rather than specifying both sections, pick the maximum vapor loading and
specify that section with the corresponding liquid load. As a footnote,
inform the vendor to assure that the downcomers are guaranteed to
handle the maximum liquid rate, unless the maximum liquid rate is very
different from the rate corresponding to the Max VLoad point, such as pump
around design rates. If so, complete loadings for both should be supplied.
Title Box - Fill in the client name, contract number, site and date. Also
include the name and item number of the tower you are supplying data for
where Tray Data For is noted. The requisition number and the vessel
drawing number are left blank. They will be provided later by the Vessel
Engineering group. The boxes marked C1 through C6 refer to the dates of
future process revisions of the data sheet.
Lines 1 and 2 - Indicate the operating case that you are providing tray data
for. These may include different tower feeds, or different tower operations.
Where a tower has many different operating cases, only those cases that
will control tray design should be included. These cases should be
selected in conjunction with or approved by the Chief Process
Engineer/Manager.
Line 3 - Indicate the tray numbers of the section that you are providing
data for. This can be the entire tower, in the case of a stripper, or any
particular section of a tower. Typical sections are those between different
feed locations or between pump around sections, or where there is any
other abrupt change in loadings, such as a liquid or vapor drawoff tray.
Trays are usually numbered consecutively from bottom to top, and should
be so indicated as in 1 (bottom) to 7
Line 4 - Indicate which tray number or loading point you are providing data
for. This loading point should agree with the tray numbers shown in Line
3.
Line 5 - Indicate the type and number of trays in the section noted in Line
3.
Line 6 - Indicate the tower diameter of the section noted in Line 3.
Line 7 - Indicate the tray spacing of the section noted in Line 3.
Line 8 - Indicate the number of tray passes of the section noted in Line 3.
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Line 9 - Indicate the maximum allowable pressure drop for the entire
section noted in Line 3.
The value specified in Line 9 should only be for the fractionating trays, the
pressure drop for other internals such as mist eliminators or packed
sections should not be included here.
Lines 10 and 11 - These lines can be used to supply any additional
information that would be helpful to the tray vendor.
NOTE:
Line 12 - The direction of the vapor flow is indicated here. Normally, trays
are designed for the vapor load entering the tray, therefore the word
(from) should be crossed out.
Lines 13 through 19 - The vapor flowrate and properties are indicated in
Lines 13 through 19. These values can be obtained from Table II-E in the
P1086 printout. A sample printout has been included in Appendix III.
Line 20 - The direction of the liquid flow is indicated here. Normally, trays
are designed for the liquid load leaving the tray, therefore the word (to)
should be crossed out.
Lines 21 through 27 - The liquid flowrate and properties are indicated in
Lines 21 through 27. This liquid flowrate should correspond to the same
loading point for which the vapor flow is specified in line 13. Do not specify
the maximum vapor rate along with the maximum liquid rate within the
section if they are not for the same loading point
Note that there are two possible units of liquid viscosity that can be used in
Line 24. Be sure to cross out the inappropriate unit.
Line 28 - This line can be used to supply any additional information that
would be helpful to the tray vendor.
Line 29 - The minimum downcomer area is normally left blank.
Line 30 - Select the proper System Factor, for example, the ones given in
Tray Design Manual Bulletin 4900 (see Section 2.2.5). The selection
should be based on past designs for the same type tower, and should be
approved by the Chief Process Engineer/Manager.
Lines 31 and 32 - The maximum and minimum operating range is
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Check that the input used by the vendor to design the trays is correct. This
input can include any or all of the following:
a) Vapor and liquid flowrates and physical properties
b) Tower diameter and tray type
c)
Tray spacing
Turndown requirements
g) Tray metallurgy
These data are normally specified on the Foster Wheeler Tray Data Requisition
Form 135-110A.
2)
3)
All of the hydraulic parameters outlined in Section 2.2 referring to tray design
should be checked.
4)
Ensure that a statement appears in the proposal that the tray vendor will
guarantee hydraulic performance for the operating ranges specified in Lines
31 and 32 on the Tray Data Requisition Form.
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APPENDIX I
BUBBLE CAP TRAY CALCULATION METHODS
This appendix cites an old calculation method developed within Foster Wheeler to design
Bubble Cap Trays. This method has been included for historical interest, as the more
recent design methods and computer models listed in Section 5.0 are available and should
be used instead.
For the old bubble cap tray calculation method, see the old Process Standards, Volume I,
Section 200 (Towers), pages 3 through 30.
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APPENDIX II
SIEVE TRAY CALCULATION METHODS
This appendix cites an old calculation method developed within Foster Wheeler to design
sieve trays. This method has been included for historical interest, as the more recent
design methods and computer models listed in Section 3.0 are available and should be
used instead.
For the old sieve tray calculation method, see the old Process Standards, Volume I, Section
200 (Towers), pages 31 through 40.
FOSTER
WHEELER
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
31
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10
DATE
JULY 2002
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
APPENDIX III
TRAY DATA INFORMATION
This appendix contains a sample of a completed Tray Data Requisition Form 135-110A.
Also contained in this appendix are P1086 sample computer printouts of the Tray Loading
Table, Table II-E and Stage Liquid Properties, Table II-B.
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
32
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10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
33
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
WHEELER
M LB/HR
MOL WT
T,DEG F
P, PSIA
COMP Z
81.783
43.01
105.14
211.00
0.7942
82.795
43.25
107.16
211.22
82.813
43.51
109.53
211.43
82.796
43.83
112.39
82.775
44.22
82.773
44.66
82.810
8
9
FT3/S
DEN**.5
VL,FT3./S
M LB/HR
HOT SG
T,DEG F
HOT GPM
MOL WT
12.044
1.886
0.2597
3.13
52.014
0.4782
99.39
217.22
43.01
0.7938
12.153
1.892
0.2614
3.18
53.027
0.4739
105.14
223.44
43.38
0.7936
12.116
1.899
0.2618
3.17
53.044
0.4740
107.16.
223.50
43.80
211.65
0.7934
12.070
1.905
0.2622
3.16
53.028
0.4745
109.53
223.20
44.31
115.78
211.86
0.7932
12.017
1.913
0.2625
3.16
53.006
0.4753
112.39
222.73
44.93
119.57
212.08
0.7929
11.962
1.922
0.2629
3.14
53.004
0.4763
115.78
222.23
45.63
45.12
123.55
212.29
0.7926
11.909
1.932
0.2632
3.13
53.041
0.4775
119.57
221.84
46.40
82.889
45.58
127.45
212.51
0.7923
11.862
1.941
0.2636
3.13
53.121
0.4786
123.55
221.64
47.16
82.995
46.00
131.04
212.72
0.7919
11.823
1.950
0.2639
3.12
53.227
0.4797
127.45
221.61
47.86
10
83.102
46.36
134.19
212.94
0.7916
11.792
1.958
0.2642
3.12
53.333
0.4806
131.04
221.64
48.46
11
83.184
46.65
136.88
213.15
0.7914
11.767
1.964
0.2644
3.11
53.416
0.4814
134.19
221.62
48.96
12
83.227
46.88
139.16
213.37
0.7912
11.746
1.968
0.2645
3.11
53.458
0.4821
136.88
221.47
49.36
13
83.223
47.06
141.12
213.58
0.7911
11.726
1.971
0.2646
3.10
53.454
0.4827
139.16
221.16
49.66
14
83.172
47.20
142.86
213.80
0.7910
11.706
1.974
0.2645
3.10
53.403
0.4833
141.12
220.66
49.91
15
83.077
47.31
144.51
214.00
0.7910
11.685
1.975
0.2644
3.09
53.308
0.4840
142.86
219.96
50.11
16
88.501
47.50
145.79
214.30
0.7904
12.397
1.983
0.2648
3.28
132.530
0.4847
144.51
546.03
50.31
17
89.009
47.73
147.36
214.60
0.7896
12.412
1.992
0.2656
3.30
133.037
0.4842
145.79
548.74
50.46
18
89.589
48.02
149.35
214.90
0.7888
12.428
2.002
0.2665
3.31
133.617
0.4837
147.36
551.72
50.67
19
90.301
48.40
151.53
215.20
0.7879
12.448
2.015
0.2676
3.33
134.330
0.4832
149.35
555.23
50.94
20
91.213
48.90
155.22
215.50
0.7867
12.476
2.031
0.2688
3.35
135.242
0.4827
151.93
559.55
51.29
21
92.398
49.55
159.32
216.1
0.7853
12.517
2.051
0.2704
3.38
136.426
0.4822
155.22
565.02
51.75
22
93.924
50.34
164.17
216.10
0.7836
12.577
2.074
0.2722
3.42
137.952
0.4817
159.32
571.98
52.31
23
95.821
51.26
169.58
216.40
0.7816
12.661
2.102
0.2744
3.47
139.850
0.4810
164.17
580.62
52.96
24
98.036
52.25
175.21
216.70
0.7795
12.768
2.133
0.2768
3.53
142.065
0.4802
169.58
590.81
53.66
25
100.424
53.25
180.65
217.00
0.7773
12.890
2.164
0.2792
3.60
144.453
0.4793
175.21
601.93
54.36
26
102.760
54.17
185.59
217.30
0.7753
13.013
2.194
0.2816
3.66
146.789
0.4782
180.65
613.00
55.01
27
104.833
54.97
189.82
217.60
0.7735
13.121
2.219
0.2837
3.72
148.862
0.4773
185.59
622.88
55.57
28
106.510
55.61
193.34
217.90
0.7720
13.203
2.241
0.2854
3.77
150.539
0.4766
189.82
630.80
56.03
29
107.753
56.12
196.25
218.20
0.7709
13.259
2.257
0.2867
3.80
151.782
0.4761
193.34
636.68
56.39
30
108.588
56.50
198.78
218.50
0.7701
13.290
2.270
0.2876
3.82
152.618
0.4758
196.25
640.60
56.66
31
109.060
56.80
201.30
219.00
0.7693
13.284
2.280
0.2884
3.83
153.089
0.4757
198.78
642.66
56.88
32
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
44.029
0.4759
201.30
184.78
57.08
FOSTER
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
34
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
WHEELER
PSEUDO
PSEUDO
VISC CP
SR. TENS
DYNE/CM
SP HEAT
IDEAL
SP HEAT
RATIO
0.2753
0.088
0.0
0.3913
1.1338
650.25
0.2755
0.089
4.975
0.3962
1.1306
650.29
0.2757
0.090
4.961
0.3986
1.1284
635.58
650.79
0.2759
0.092
4.955
0.4009
1.1259
215.43
631.29
651.24
0.2761
0.095
4.954
0.4034
1.1231
220.36
626.61
651.16
0.2763
0.097
4.955
0.4060
1.1201
220.88
225.62
621.78
650.26
0.2766
0.100
4.955
0.4087
1.1170
225.55
230.84
617.14
648.55
0.2768
0.103
4.953
0.4114
1.1141
DRY
API
UOP K
HOT
LB/BBL
43.013
142.48
14.388
167.620
201.46
202.21
646.62
651.36
43.384
141.86
14.377
166.122
203.54
204.69
642.99
43.801
141.03
14.358
166.135
205.84
207.57
639.43
44.310
139.88
14.327
166.302
208.69
211.13
44.925
138.39
14.283
166.590
212.19
45.634
136.62
14.229
166.961
216.32
46.396
134.68
14.169
167.368
47.155
132.71
14.106
167.767
STAGE
MOL WT
TRUE
TRUE
Z CRIT
47.858
130.86
14.046
168.128
230.03
235.71
613.04
646.33
0.2769
0.105.
4.949
0.4138
1.1115
10
48.465
129.21
13.992
168.443
234.10
240.01
609.68
644.02
02770
0.108
4.944
0.4159
1.1093
11
48.962
127.79
13.944
168.717
237.64
243.69
607.13
641.97
0.2771
0.110
4.941
0.4175
1.1076
12
49.356
126.57
13.903
168.962
240.67
246.80
605.31
640.40
0.2771
0.111
4.941
0.4188
1.1063
13
49.663
125.54
13.867
169.191
243.27
249.45
604.10
639.36
0.2770
0.113
4.945
0.4198
1.1053
14
49.906
124.63
13.835
169.415
245.55
251.80
603.35
638.82
0.2769
0.114
4.953
0.4204
1.1045
15
50.110
123.81
13.806
169.645
247.65
253.99
602.87
638.74
0.2768
0.116
4.965
0.4209
1.1039
16
50.305
123.00
13.778
169.900
249.72
256.20
602.50
639.10
0.2767
0.117
4.983
0.4213
1.1034
17
50.463
122.80
13.774
169.708
250.68
257.03
601.06
636.80
0.2768
0.118
4.952
0.4226
1.1027
18
50.668
122.50
13.768
169.527
251.93
258.14
599.35
634.16
0.2769
0.119
4.921
0.4241
1.1018
19
50.939
122.04
13.756
169.356
253.59
259.64
597.28
630.98
0.2769
0.120
4.885
0.4258
1.1008
20
51.295
121.39
13.738
169.189
255.80
261.63
594.75
627.06
0.2771
0.122
4.844
0.4278
1.0995
21
51.751
120.51
13.712
169.019
258.65
264.19
591.71
622.20
0.2772
0.124
4.795
0.4302
1.0979
22
52.310
119.39
13.677
168.830
262.16
267.32
588.16
616.27
0.2773
0.126
4.736
0.4329
1.0961
23
52.958
118.07
13.636
168.603
266.26
270.92
584.22
609.31
0.2775
0.128
4.665
0.4360
1.0941
24
53.658
116.63
13.589
168.322
270.73
274.76
580.12
601.61
0.2777
0.130
4.583
0.4393
1.0920
25
54.359
115.17
13.542
167.988
275.24
278.57
576.14
593.68
0.2778
0.133
4.494
0.4425
1.0900
26
55.010
113.81
13.497
167.623
279.50
282.11
572.57
586.16
0.2779
0.135
4.404
0.4455
1.0882
27
55.574
112.61
13.456
167.292
283.27
285.20
569.61
579.57
0.2780
0.136
4.324
0.4482
1.0866
28
56.034
111.58
13.421
167.054
286.47
287.81
567.36
574.22
0.2780
0.138
4.261
0.4503
1.0854
29
56.392
110.72
13.391
166.876
289.15
290.01
565.79
570.19
0.2780
0.139
4.212
0.4519
1.0845
30
56.664
109.96
13.364
166.770
291.44
291.95
564.85
567.41
0.2780
0.140
4.178
0.4531
1.0838
31
56.878
109.25
13.338
166.748
293.58
293.84
564.43
565.75
0.2779
0.141
4.157
0.4539
1.0833
32
57.076
108.48
13.311
166.798
295.88
296.03
564.37
565.11
0.2777
0.142
4.146
0.4545
1.0829
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
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PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
35
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DATE
JULY 2002
APPENDIX IV
METHOD FOR ESTIMATING PERCENT FLOOD OF VALVE TRAYS
This appendix contains a sample hand calculation using the method presented by Glitsch
for estimating the flood point of valve trays. A sample computer output sheet of the Glitsch
Valve Tray Rating Program (Section 4.2A) for the same tray design used for the sample
hand calculation has also been included for comparative purposes.
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
36
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DATE
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FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
37
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
WHEELER
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
38
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
APPENDIX IV (Contd)
METHOD FOR ESTIMATING PERCENT FLOOD OF VALVE TRAYS
40 (Top)
21
1 (BTM)
20 (Feed)
Vapor Lbs/Hr
82795
83077
109060
88501
12.2
11.7
13.3
12.4
Vapor Density
1.8920
1.9750
2.2800
1.9830
Vload
3.179
3.092
3.834
3.285
Liquid Lbs/Hr
53027
53308
153089
132530
223.7
220.2
643.3
546.6
Liquid Density
29.56
30.19
29.67
30.23
Tray Spacing
24.00
24.00
24.00
24.00
Vload/AA Operating
0.1686
0.1639
0.2033
0.1742
0.3648
0.3637
0.3597
0.3636
51.46
50.26
71.83
60.77
28.35
27.63
81.95
68.56
6.17
6.11
8.88
8.04
D C Baffle Factor
2.07
2.12
1.39
1.63
DC Baffles Advisable
NO
NO
NO
YES
GPM/MFW
1.73
1.70
4.97
4.23
2.17
2.14
6.25
5.31
76
75
92
80
VH2 DV/DL
1.33
1.26
1.91
1.42
1.66
1.62
1.78
1.65
0.60
0.60
1.22
1.10
3.07
3.02
3.80
3.55
Pressure Drop, MM HG
2.72
2.74
3.38
3.22
Vapor Cu Ft/Sec
Vload/AA Entrainment
Unit Reference
FOSTER
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
39
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DATE
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VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
WHEELER
APPENDIX IV (Contd)
Diameter
72.800
209
Side DC Width
10.650
Pitch
Center DC Width
9.500
Hole Area
2.66
Ballast Units
16 GA V-1 S.S.
5.244
DC Clearance
1.50
Area DC Center
4.803
Tray Floor
10 GA S.S.
System Factor
0.85
18.859
102.91
21.000
Weir Height
2.00
Not Required
Packing
Specified by Customer
Pressure Drop
MM HG/Tray
Downcomer Area
Sq. Ft.
Weir Height
Inches
Downcomer Clearance
Inches
Percent
Percent
Results
The value of the percent flood obtained by the hand calculation method is in reasonable
agreement with the value obtained by using the Glitsch Valve Tray Rating Program.
Percent Flood
Hand Calculation
Method
80
72
The discrepancy between the two methods is attributed to the simplified equation used in
the hand calculation method for establishing flow path length.
FPL =
Tower Diameter * 9
Number of Passes
The rigorous program optimizes the flow path length in order to either provide equal active
area, or equal downcomer widths, depending on customer preference. This frequently
generates a FPL different from that calculated by hand. In any event, the hand calculation
method gives a good estimate of the tower diameter.
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
40
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
41
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
42
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
43
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
44
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
45
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
FOSTER
WHEELER
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
46
REV
10
DATE
JULY 2002
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
TABLE 1.2
MINIMUM DOWNCOMER RESIDENCE TIME
AND MAXIMUM DOWNCOMER BACKUP(4)
Frothiness
Example Service
Residence
Time (Sec.)
Maximum Downcomer
Backup (%)
Very low
Butane, Propane
60
Low
Gasoline, heptane
55
Moderate
50
High
40
Very high
10-12
30-35
FOSTER
WHEELER
VESSELS
TOWERS-TRAYS
PROCESS STD
105A
PAGE
47
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DATE
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REFERENCES
1)
Glitsch Ballast Tray Design Manual, Glitsch, Inc., Dallas, Texas, Bulletin 4900,
Third Edition, 11th printing, December 1981.
2)
3)
4)
5)
Process Design of Bubble Cap Trays for Distillation of HC Mixtures, Middleton and
Kutler of Foster Wheeler Corporation, New York, April 1954, Technical File
442.111.
6)
7)
Contact Form, Adam Lee of Glitsch, 27 October 1982, Technical File 442.111.
8)
Bubble Trays, Design and Layout, Part II, J. Davies, Petroleum Refiner, September
1950.