The MVG TM Tray at FRI

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison between the Nutter MVG Tray and two commercial sieve tray designs. It is based on Fractionation Research, Inc. (FRI) test data. The MVG Tray and both the 14% and 8% hole area sieve trays were tested using FRI's cyclohexane/n-heptane system at 0.34 bar (5 psia) and 1.65 bar (24 psia). The results of these tests confirmed all of our extensive prior simulator and pilot plant studies. In the 0.34 bar system at total reflux, the MVG demonstrated a Useful Capacity advantage over the sieve trays of 19 and 27% respectively at the same design efficiency. Efficiencies were 9 to 26 points higher at comparable rates. Lower pressure drop/stage and a greater turndown ratio were also observed with the MVG. Comparative data inconsistencies in the 1.65 bar system are under study and that data will be reported at a later date. At low pressures, the MVG Tray can be used confidently in new tower designs, for debottlenecking capacity-limited towers, and for debottlenecking those towers that may be only efficiency limited. In fact, this tray is especially cost effective for those debottlenecking jobs where only tray deck replacement is required. Other V-GridTM trays have proven effective for increasing run length in many fouling services.