(79c) The MRV-Fixed Valve – A basis for high-capacity solutions

Increasing process intensification in the chemical industry leads to an increasing demand for high capacity mass transfer equipment. Applications are typically driven by minimization of invest for grass-root plants or a required capacity increase in revamp scenarios.

For high capacity mass transfer trays, mini fixed valves are often used as mass transfer units. These elements offer excellent performance concerning maximum gas load and show low pressure drop. Therefore these units are an ideal basis for high capacity solutions.

In the presentation, the performance of RVT’s mini fixed valve, the MRV-valve will be shown and discussed. For the systems C6/C7 and iC4/nC4 tests under various pressures were conducted in a 4-foot column. For each system, three different operating scenarios (total reflux, L/V>1 and L/V<1) were tested. All test runs started at min. load and ended at the flooding point. Efficiency, pressure drop and capacity were recorded; the hydrodynamics on the trays were investigated using gamma scanning. The performance including flood mechanisms is discussed and the results are compared against conventional valves.

The MRV-valve is characterized by excellent performance at high loads and provides a very good and stable efficiency over a wide operating range. These features make it an ideal basis for high capacity trays. It will be shown how the MRV-valve – in combination with e.g. push valves and special downcomer geometries – is used in the design of modern high-capacity trays.