SUPERFRAC High Performance Trays

The SUPERFRAC tray is a high-performance cross-flow tray that has the highest combined
capacity and efficiency of all single-pass cross-flow trays tested at Fractionation Research Inc. (FRI).
The patented technologies used in SUPERFRAC
trays are the culmination of over twenty years of
comprehensive tray development work. The unique
combination of SUPERFRAC patented technologies and
design strategies produces the high capacity and the
maximum vapor/liquid contact efficiency achievable on a
cross-flow distillation tray. As a result, the SUPERFRAC
tray gives the highest economic benefit to operators
of distillation columns seeking solutions for both new
construction and revamp projects.
A well-designed conventional tray generally provides the
most economically attractive solution for grass-roots
column construction projects. However, as the operators
throughput and product requirements increase, the
original trays become the primary constraint.
Conventional tray design limitations include:

Liquid and/or vapor maldistribution that can reduce

tray efficiency and lead to premature flooding
because of entrainment.

Less-than-optimal downcomer design that can

ultimately result in premature downcomer flooding.

Two-pass SUPERFRAC tray

understand these issues and to strategically address

each one of them. SUPERFRAC trays and the knowhow to design and apply them are the products of that
investment.
Koch-Glitsch has targeted three major areas for enhancing
the performance of conventional trays:

Such performance issues of conventional trays have been

recognized for many years. Koch-Glitsch has invested
significant research and development resources to

Advanced downcomer technology

Active area enhancements

Inlet area enhancements

Enhancements
Advanced Downcomer Technology
A thorough understanding of downcomer flooding mechanisms in a wide variety of services is critical to successful
application of high performance tray technology. Advanced downcomer technology developed by Koch-Glitsch
provides the capability to accurately size and shape the downcomer, which provides the following benefits:

Conventional downcomers for standard tray construction and simple installation

Truncated downcomers to maximize active area for vapor-liquid contact

Multi-chordal side downcomer skirts for longer flowpath length and greater efficiency

Multi-pass downcomers for reduced weir loading and improved column capacity

PURGE downcomers as the ultimate solution for sediments in severe fouling services

Active Area Enhancements

Koch-Glitsch has developed a variety of valve styles and technologies to
enhance the vapor-liquid contacting that takes place on a tray deck:

MINIVALVE decks
VG-0 fixed valves
MV-1 floating valves

Large diameter fixed valves

Bubble promoters

Proprietary design techniques

VG-0 Fixed Valves

The variety of valve styles and technologies are used to enhance the effective
bubbling activity on the tray and improve the flow of fluid across the tray.
This results in improvement to both hydraulic performance and mass transfer
efficiency on the deck.

MV-1 Floating Valves

Inlet Area Enhancements

Inlet area enhancements, such as bubble promoters, can provide improved
capacity, better froth initiation, and improved bubbling activity on the
tray, thus also increasing vapor-liquid contact efficiency.
SUPERFRAC trays use inlet area enhancements to eliminate the vapor and
liquid maldistribution and stagnant zones that can occur on conventional
trays. These enhancements promote uniform flow distribution, which
improves the hydraulic performance and contact efficiency of the tray.
Bubble Promoter

Fouling Services
Moderate Fouling Services
For moderate fouling systems, large diameter fixed valves, such
as the VG-10 or the patented PROVALVE unit, can be used to
reduce the tendency to foul.
The VG-10 and PROVALVE valves are directional valves. The
liquid push provides a cleansing action to the tray deck that is
strong enough to help flush solid material downstream and
toward the downcomer where it can exit the tray deck.
The large openings of the VG-10 and PROVALVE valves provide
improved fouling resistance because it is much more difficult
for fouling material to deposit and choke off the openings. With
extended time between shutdowns and ease of cleaning, there is
less downtime. As with any fixed valve, they cannot stick shut nor
can they spin.

VG-10 Valves

The VG-10 full-size fixed valve can be supplied with a net rise of
up to 0.551 in [14 mm] in many materials.
The PROVALVE valve is a fixed device that is inserted into the
deck rather than being formed. As such, it can be manufactured
in a wider range of materials, including brittle materials such as
titanium and zirconium and even plastics.

PROVALVE Valves

Extreme Fouling Services

For extreme fouling services, Koch-Glitsch offers SUPERFLUX
trays, which can employ many of the capacity and efficiency
features of SUPERFRAC trays. SUPERFLUX trays are designed
to increase run time in fouling applications. Koch-Glitsch can
address specific fouling characteristics with proprietary
technology offered on SUPERFLUX trays.
The VG-10 large diameter fixed valve is widely used on
SUPERFLUX trays. The large net rises available plus the
directional liquid push make the VG-10 an outstanding
anti-fouling valve.
The PURGE downcomer is available for severe fouling
applications, such as polymer slurry, acrylonitrile, and
butadiene services.
SUPERFLUX trays with PURGE downcomer
option resist fouling in very severe applications.

SUPERFLUX Trays
To ensure the appropriate technologies are applied for each SUPERFLUX
tray design, specific characteristics of fouling must be addressed. Features
suitable for the specific application are then combined into a final design to
produce a tray capable of longer run times between cleaning shutdowns.

Overview

Fouling resistant with large fixed

valves

Conventional downcomer design

allows simple revamps

PURGE downcomer design is the

ultimate solution for sediments

Directional valves promote

self- cleaning of active area

Conventional Downcomers

SUPERFLUX trays with conventional downcomers use active area

enhancements and may have inlet area enhancements. Large diameter fixed
valves that are fouling resistant are a standard feature. The straightforward
design of the downcomers allows the use of standard tray construction and
simplifies installation.
SUPERFLUX trays provide increased fouling resistance, which can lead to
increased run times. Several valve options are available that promote selfcleaning of the active areas. These valves have directional components that
use vapor energy to provide forward-lateral push on the froth. This action
is critically important to maintain proper tray activity and reduce residence
time of solids on the tray deck.
Particular attention is paid to the peripheral areas of the deck where
stagnation may lead to solids deposition. Directional valves are placed in
this area to both increase activity as well as promote a uniform flow profile.
These components combine to reduce the residence time distribution and
enhance the fouling resistance of the trays. Such a tray design
is suitable for processes that are particularly prone to active
area fouling, such as sour water strippers and beer strippers.
The PURGE downcomer configuration is recommended
in processes where downcomer fouling is known to cause
frequent shutdowns.

Diameters from 3 ft [900 mm]

Construction Details

Conventional style downcomers

that are either straight or sloped

PURGE downcomers for very

severe services

Custom-engineered designs
for specific applications

FLEXILOCK construction

Design Options
Valve options: VG-0, VG-10,
PROVALVE

Proprietary design techniques

Bolted design

Electropolishing

PURGE Downcomers
If conventional downcomers do not provide the
optimum design for resisting fouling in your
application, Koch-Glitsch offers the PURGE
downcomer. For very severe applications, the
PURGE downcomer has proven suitable to resist
fouling for such services as polymer slurry,
acrylonitrile, and butadiene services.

SUPERFLUX Tray for Bioethanol Beer Stripper

The PURGE downcomer SUPERFLUX trays use

active area enhancements and may have inlet
area enhancements. Very specific advanced
downcomer technologies have been applied to
the PURGE downcomer trays.

Downcomer Selection
Conventional Downcomer SUPERFRAC Trays
Conventional downcomer SUPERFRAC trays use active area enhancements
and may include inlet area enhancements. Refer to page 3 for additional
descriptions of enhancements.
The straightforward design of the downcomers allows use of standard tray
construction and simplifies installation, which may allow a lower cost
solution.
Some improvements in capacity and efficiency are possible over conventional
trays by changing the active areas. In some cases, the higher capacity valves
and optimized liquid push can achieve revamp goals without downcomer
modifications.

Characteristics

Diameters from 3 ft [900 mm]

Fouling resistant with large

diameter fixed valves

Downcomer design provides

simple revamps

No extra active area over

conventional designs

Construction Details

Conventional-style downcomers
that are either straight or sloped

Custom designs for specific

application requirements

FLEXILOCK construction

Design Options

Valve options: VG-0, VG-10,

PROVALVE, MV-1, and CRV

Optimized liquid push

Bubble promoters

Bolted design

Multi-pass Downcomer SUPERFRAC Trays

In larger diameter columns, typical multi-pass designs are limited to four
passes. However, for applications that require more than four passes, the
proprietary multi-pass downcomer design can be used to reduce weir
loading and improve the capacity of the column.

Characteristics

Koch-Glitsch has successfully designed large diameter columns that use

these multi-pass design techniques in 6-pass or 8-pass configurations.
Modest capacity increases with these trays are possible in comparison to the
best designed 4-pass SUPERFRAC trays.

Construction Details

The downcomer configuration for a multi-pass design typically is the

multichordal design; however, virtually any other configuration can be used.

Diameters from 13 ft [3962 mm]

High liquid rates

Multiple downcomer designs

Truncated or multi-chordal
downcomer design

Custom designs for specific

application requirements

FLEXILOCK construction

Bubble promoters

Design Options

Valve options: VG-0, VG-10,

PROVALVE, MV-1, and CRV

Optimized liquid push

Customized downcomer design

Proprietary design techniques

Bolted design

Truncated Downcomer SUPERFRAC Trays

Truncated downcomer SUPERFRAC trays use active area enhancements
and advanced downcomer technologies and may include inlet area
enhancements.
Several patented truncated downcomer designs are available and are
customized to the specific application. The tray design takes the vapor and
liquid rates into consideration as well as special requirements, such as
fouling service.
MINIVALVE decks use either the VG-0 or MV-1 valves with corresponding
push valves. The PROVALVE and VG-10 valves are available options that
achieve high rates and have larger openings that offer improved reliability
for fouling applications.
Capacity gains for these trays can be substantial, particularly in cases where
the existing conventional trays had large inlet areas below the downcomers.
In these cases, the recovered area under the downcomer can create a drastic
increase in capacity. At higher capacities, testing has shown that these trays
still maintain high efficiencies. Under most conditions, the efficiency of these
trays is higher than conventional trays.
Lower cost options are considered during the design process while
recognizing the required capacity and efficiency. More complicated
designs are not used if simpler ones will suffice.

Truncated downcomer SUPERFRAC tray

with VG-0 MINIVALVE decks.

Truncated downcomer SUPERFRAC tray

with PROVALVE decks.

Characteristics

Diameters from 3 ft [900 mm]

Fouling resistant with large

diameter fixed valves

Downcomer maximizes
active area in comparison
to conventional designs

Equal or better efficiency in

tray-for-tray revamps

Construction Details

Truncated-style downcomers
that are either straight or sloped

Custom designs for specific

application requirements

FLEXILOCK construction

Design Options

Valve options: VG-0, VG-10,

PROVALVE, MV-1, and CRV

Bubble promoters for applicable

liquid rates

Proprietary design techniques

Bolted design

Multi-chordal Downcomer SUPERFRAC Trays

The patented multi-chordal downcomer SUPERFRAC tray uses active
area enhancements and advanced downcomer technologies and may
include inlet area enhancements.

Characteristics

Diameters from 3 ft [900 mm]

Design maximizes active area

over conventional designs

Downcomer design uses entire

tray space

Equal or better efficiency in

tray-for-tray revamps

Construction Details
Multi-chordal style side
downcomers

The multi-chordal downcomer design uses the full vertical tray space,
which minimizes downcomer limitations.

Custom designs for specific

application requirements

FLEXILOCK construction

In this design, the bottom downcomer area is located over the tray
support ring, thereby using an area that cannot be used as an active area.

Design Options

Capacity gains for these trays can be substantial, particularly in cases

where the existing conventional trays had large inlet areas below the
downcomers. At higher capacities, testing has shown that these trays
maintain high efficiencies. Generally, the efficiency of these trays is
higher than conventional trays.

Valve options: VG-0, VG-10,

PROVALVE, MV-1, and CRV

Optimized liquid push

Bubble promoters for applicable

liquid rates

Proprietary design techniques

Bolted design

The multi-chordal shape of the side downcomer at the bottom

provides additional benefits.

Equalized liquid flow patterns across the tray

Increased flow path length

Increased vapor-liquid contact time

Improved efficiency

Increased bubbling area and tray capacity

SUPERFRAC - MCD Tray

Conventional Valve Tray

The shape of the multi-chordal downcomer allows a conversion

from straight to sloped downcomers without the use of downcomer
adapter bars. This saves the extra cost of the adapters and the field
time needed to install them. It also eliminates the need to weld to
the vessel shell.

Liquid Flux

Capacity gains for SUPERFRAC trays can be

substantial while still maintaining high efficiencies.

MINIVALVE decks use either the VG-0 or MV-1 valves with

corresponding push valves.
The forward-lateral push provided by the optimized liquid push
design promotes uniform liquid and vapor distribution across the
entire tray deck. This suppresses jet flooding and permits
operation at higher flow rates. The typical liquid recirculation
found on most conventional trays results in lower efficiency and
capacity. This liquid recirculation is eliminated with the
appropriate liquid push design.

Conventional Tray

SUPERFRAC Tray

Liquid flow distribution comparison between

conventional trays with truncated downcomers
and a multi-chordal SUPERFRAC tray.

PLUS Technology for SUPERFRAC Trays

The patented PLUS technology acts as a deentrainment device and can
decrease the efficiency loss that often occurs in low liquid and high vapor
rate applications. In these types of conditions, it is common for high vapor
rates to blow the liquid off the trays.
While the PLUS technology will not prevent a tray from blowing dry, it does
help offset the efficiency losses that occur because of high entrainment in low
liquid rate services. Gains of 5% in useable (efficient) capacity are typical.
The PLUS technology is installed below each tray and helps reduce the
entrainment of liquid droplets from one tray to the next.
The deentrainment device is a customized design that typically uses a
specifically designed FLEXIPAC structured packing. Because structured
packing is used, this technology typically is not applied in fouling services.

Overview

Diameters from 3 ft [900 mm]

Applications with low liquid rates

Available with most downcomer

designs

Construction Details
Fits most SUPERFRAC tray
configurations

Designs for specific application

requirements

Installed below tray deck

FLEXILOCK construction

Design Options

Valve options: VG-0, VG-10,

PROVALVE, MV-1, and CRV

Optimized liquid push

Bubble promoters for applicable

liquid rates

Proprietary design techniques

Bolted design

Application - EDC Heavy Ends Column Revamp

A Vinyl Chloride Monomer producer wanted to revamp its EDC Heavy Ends column to achieve a significant capacity
increase and eliminate frequent shutdowns because of tray fouling. Simulations of the operating data, evaluation of the
tray hydraulics, and a gamma scan of the column revealed that the existing sieve trays were at their operating limit.
Even though three trays were eliminated in the column
because of increased tray space, the required product
purities were achieved at the same reflux rate.

The column upgrade included:

Replacing the sieve trays above the feed with

SUPERFLUX trays on the same 15 in [381 mm] tray
spacing.

Increasing tray spacing below the feed from 15 in

[381 mm] to 18 in [457 mm] without welding in new
tower attachments.

Adding a transition tray below the feed to mix the

internal reflux with the liquid in the feed and then
distribute it to the 2-pass trays below.

The column has operated at 124% of original capacity over

a two-year period and has not lost operation time because
of tray fouling. A comparison of the columns performance
before and after the revamp is shown in the table below.
Before Revamp

Using expansion tray rings and special downcomer

adapters to support the new SUPERFLUX trays and
eliminate field welding to the vessel wall.

After Revamp

Feed Rate, gpm

327

406

OVHD Product Rate, gpm

310

385

99.60

99.61

OVHD EDC Purity, wt%

OVHD Temperature, oF 221

During the test run, the target design rate of 110% was
met at the midpoint of the first day with a target purity of
99.6% EDC in the overhead product stream. The product
specification for the 1,1,2 Trichloroethane impurity in the
overhead was also met.

Bottom Temperature, F
Column Pressure Drop, psi

236

250

252 - 257

9.0

8 - 9.5

Capacity

100% 124%

Reflux Ratio (L/D)

0.48%

0.45 - 0.52%

Applications
SUPERFRAC trays can be used in new construction and revamp opportunities for virtually any
service in which conventional sieve and valve trays are used. They are especially beneficial in
applications requiring a large number of mass transfer stages, or where mass transfer efficiency
is critical to the economics of the operation. Examples include superfractionators (ethylene,
propylene); light hydrocarbon fractionators; and splitters in chemical, petrochemical, and
aromatics applications.

Depropanizer Revamp with Two Types of SUPERFRAC Trays

In 1990, the sieve trays in the rectifying sections were upgraded and the stripping section trays were replaced with
INTALOX structured packing to increase the capacity from 4,000 barrels per day to 6,000 barrels per day.
In 2000, the operator wanted to increase the capacity again. At that point, the sieve trays in the rectifying section were
the limitation. These trays were replaced with conventional and truncated downcomer SUPERFRAC trays.
The column now handles a maximum feed rate of 7,100 barrels per day. Upstream equipment, and not the column
internals, now limits the capacity of the column. The next limitation in the column will most likely be the structured
packing.
A post-revamp performance test indicates that the SUPERFRAC trays in the rectifying section are operating with tray
efficiencies in excess of 100%.

REFLUX

COLD FEED

OVERHEAD
VAPOR
1
2

REFLUX

OVERHEAD
VAPOR
1
2

OVERHEAD
VAPOR

REFLUX

1
2

10

10

11

11

12

12

13

13

14

14

15

15

16

16

17

17

18

18

18

19

19

20

20

21

21

22

22

23

23

19
20

TRAYS 1-40

21
22
23
24
25

1-PASS
SIEVE TRAYS

COLD FEED

TRAYS 1-15
1-PASS
SUPERFRAC
TRAYS

TRAYS 1-24

9
10
11
12
13

1-PASS
NEW SIEVE DECKS

24

HIGH PERFORMANCE
LIQUID DISTRIBUTOR

26
27
28

14
15
16

TRAYS 16-24

17

COLD FEED

1-PASS
SUPERFRAC
TRAYS

24

HIGH PERFORMANCE
LIQUID DISTRIBUTOR

29
30
31
32

20.3 FT INTALOX
STRUCTURED
PACKING 2T

20.3 FT INTALOX
STRUCTURED
PACKING 2T

REBOILER
VAPOR RETURN
DRAW TO
REBOILER
After
1990 Revamp

REBOILER
VAPOR RETURN
DRAW TO
REBOILER

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

REBOILER
VAPOR RETURN
DRAW TO
REBOILER
Before
1990 Revamp

Column Layouts Before and After Revamps

10

After
2000 Revamp

C3 Splitter Revamp with Multi-chordal, Multi-pass SUPERFRAC Trays

A significant revamp of a C3 splitter unit was completed in 2000 to obtain additional capacity over first generation high
capacity trays. Because of the number of stages involved in this propylene / propane separation, the splitter is actually
two columns. The feed is to the middle of the lower column, which has both a stripping and a rectifying section. The
upper column contains additional rectifying trays. A simplified process flow diagram of the unit is shown below.
The tray design changes included SUPERFRAC style
downcomers to maximize active area, push valves, fixed
MINIVALVE units, higher open area, reduced weir
height, number of passes increased to six, and tray space
increased below the feed.
OMNI-FIT revamp techniques were used to change the
number of passes and tray spacing without welding to
the column shells. In addition, the feed inlet nozzle was
relocated to a higher position on the column.
Even with the 6-pass design and reduced flow path
length, the overall tray efficiency was still measured in
the 90% to 95% range. The end result was a 17% increase
in propylene production with no loss of fractionation
efficiency.

Before After
Diameter, ft
Tray Configuration
Tray Type


Deck Type
Above Feed

Number of Trays

Tray Spacing, inches
Below Feed

Number of Trays

Tray Spacing, inches
Propylene Rate, MM lb/yr
Max wt% Propane Overhead
Max lv% Propylene Bottoms

16
4-Pass
1st Generation
High Capacity
Trays
Movable Valves

16
6-Pass
Multi-Chordal
SUPERFRAC
Trays
VG-0

196
22

178
22

44
22
820
0.4%
5.0%

49
27.5
958
0.4%
5.0%

PROPYLENE

C3 SPLITTER

DE-ETHANIZER
BOTTOMS

C3 SPLITTER

OVERHEAD
ACCUMULATOR

COMPRESSOR
TRIM CONDENSER

CONDENSER-REBOILER

C3 Splitter Simplified Process Flow Diagram

11

Construction Details
Metal

Scope of Supply

Trays are available in any formable, weldable sheet

metal material. The most common materials for trays
are:

For the trays in this brochure, Koch-Glitsch supplies all

removable parts.

Carbon steel

Stainless steel, ferritic, austenitic, duplex, martensitic

Nickel alloys

Copper alloys

Titanium, zirconium

The trays do not include vessel attachments for connection

or support, unless specifically stated in the item description.
Vessel attachments may be quoted/supplied separately.
Examples of attachments that may be required are:

Support rings

Sump frames

Internal flanges at feed inlet nozzles

Wall clips for support

Downcomer clamping bars

Beam seats

Trays are not normally stress relieved or annealed and

typically do not conform to pressure vessel standards.

Trays fabricated from sheet metal materials are typically

supplied in as-sheared condition.

Bolting

Minimum Support Ring Widths

Standard bolting conforms to AISI specifications. Bolting

conforming to ASME specifications is available upon
request.

All dimensions are expressed as inches [millimeters]

Tower ID

Certification

Below 27.5
[Below 700]

Material certification is available for all fabricated

internals. Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing
is available upon request.

Gasketing
For multi-piece trays requiring gasketed joints, many
choices of gasket material are available. Where gasketing
is required, braided fiberglass tape is supplied as the
standard for linear joints. Depending on the service,
KLINGERSIL C-4401, expanded PTFE, or spiral wound
stainless steel with flexible graphite filler gaskets are
supplied as the standard for flanged connections. Other
gasket materials are available upon request.

Manway Access
All trays are designed in sections to pass through vessel
manways. Tower internals are designed to pass through
a vessel manway of 18 in [450 mm] minimum inside
diameter, unless otherwise specified. Larger manways
often provide the ability to optimize the design of
components for faster, easier installation. Please provide
manway locations and inside diameters at the time of
inquiry.

Trays Clamped to a Support Ring

Typically supplied as cartridge tray construction;
trays require a vessel body flange for installation.

27.5 - 59.0
[700 - 1500]

1.5
[40]

59.1 - 98.4
[1501 - 2500]

2.0
[50]

98.5 - 137.8
[2501 - 3500]

2.5
[60]

137.9 - 177.2
[3501 - 4500]

3.0
[70]

177.3 - 236.2
[4501 - 6000]

3.5
[90]

236.3 - 295.3
[6001 - 7500]

4.0
[100]

295.4 - 354.3
[7501 - 9000]

5.0
[120]

If support ring size is other than those listed above, special consideration
must be given to the plate diameter and vessel tolerances.

12

Feed Devices
Obtaining desired tower performance
requires the proper handling of liquid
and vapor entering the column. The
types of feeds or inlets into a column
can generally be classified into three
major categories:

Liquid only (contains less than 1%

of vapor by volume)

Vapor-Only Feeds

CFD Modeling

Two factors must be considered when

choosing the proper device for a
vapor-only feed.

Good vapor distribution is essential to

achieve superior separation efficiency.
Poor vapor distribution is often a major
source of problems.

Mixed liquid and vapor, flashing or

suppressed flash

Vapor

Liquid-Only Feeds

Among the factors that Koch-Glitsch

engineers consider when designing a
liquid feed device are:

Type of tray

Expected tray performance

Flow rate

Operating range

Degree of sub-cooled liquid

Requirements for mixing

Liquid-Vapor and Flashing Feeds

For mixed liquid-vapor or flashing feed
devices above a tray, the selection
depends on:

Tray type

Liquid and vapor flow rates

The kinetic energy of the inlet vapor

in relation to the pressure drop
across the trays, the feed nozzle
arrangement, and the tower
separation requirements.
If there is a large difference in the
composition and/or temperature
between the inlet vapor stream and
bulk vapor flow, mixing the two
vapors optimizes the performance
of the trays.

Specific equipment for vapor

distribution may not be required if
sufficient column height is available for
equalization or if the pressure drop
across the trays is sufficient to provide
proper vapor distribution.

The selection criteria for each category

of feed device is unique. Please
consult with a Koch-Glitsch technical
representative for recommendations.

Development and optimization

of new mass transfer equipment

Troubleshooting or analysis of
existing equipment

Confirmation of equipment designs

prior to fabrication and installation

CFD Study for Single VG-0 Valve

X-Velocity: Unequal Legs
(Perspective View)

Turndown

Column height needed for

disengagement and vapor
distribution

Koch-Glitsch offers CFD services for

the following tasks:

Selection Criteria

Koch-Glitsch combines modern

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
modeling technology with its
engineering expertise to analyze
vapor and liquid distribution when
evaluating the performance of
existing equipment and developing
new, improved designs. This involves
computer modeling of the
3-dimensional configuration of the
column internals to provide detailed
predictions of fluid flow (velocity
profiles and so forth) as shown in
the figure below.

Requirements for mixing

In all cases, separating the vapor and

the liquid phases is a primary concern.
In some cases, the requirements for
additional pre-distribution may alter
certain tray designs.
.
13

Mechanical Features
FLEXILOCK Tray Construction
The patented FLEXILOCK tray joint allows rapid installation
of tray panels in vessel shops or in the field. FLEXILOCK tray
construction eliminates the requirement for hardware between
adjacent tray panels and provides for error-free deck installation.
FLEXILOCK tray construction can be used to:

Reduce hardware requirements

Improve valve coverage

Provide error-free deck installation

Dramatically reduce installation time

Strengthen joint and uplift tolerance

Promote in-shop installations

Cancel vibration-induced panel shifting

OMNI-FIT Technology
OMNI-FIT technology is a set of mechanical engineering
designs used to reduce the cost and downtime of revamps.
These technologies include expansion rings, pedestal supports,
downcomer adapters, and innovative tray designs that can
minimize or eliminate welding on an existing tower. Efficiency
and capacity enhancements can be achieved by using OMNI-FIT
technology for your next turnaround project.
OMNI-FIT technology can be used to:

Increase theoretical stages

Change tray spacings

Change the number of passes

Modify downcomer sizes or configurations

Install multi-pass SUPERFRAC trays

Change tray orientation

Eliminate welding

Shorten turnarounds

Replace packing

And more

14

Before

After

HORIZON Technology
HORIZON technology is a set of mechanical construction techniques developed
specifically for in-shop installation of trays with the vessel in the horizontal position.
The patented FLEXILOCK tray construction from Koch-Glitsch is the primary
building block of the HORIZON technology. If you plan to shop-install trays, then
you need the capabilities provided by HORIZON technology.

Special mechanical design helps prevent inefficient installation sequencing, part

deforming/breaking, panel shifting, joint dislodging, extra field inspecting, and
field readjusting of tray parts.

Installation in the shop versus in the field helps reduce installation costs,
accommodates short turnaround schedules, and reduces space constraints
involved with manhole access and off-shore platform installations.

Tray Maintenance Services

Comprehensive services for turnarounds and shutdowns.
Downtime is critical for both planned and unplanned turnarounds. Koch-Glitsch
is available 24/7 to offer equipment and comprehensive support and services to
get your tower up and running as quickly as possible. Our response teams are
strategically located around the world and are ready to serve you at any time.
Services include:
Inspection

Hardware trailers and lockers

AHOP Automated Hardware Ordering Program

Equipment Support Services (ESS) technicians

Combined with Koch Specialty Plant Services, Koch-Glitsch goes a step

further with its ability to deliver unique, value-driven turnkey equipment and
installation solutions to provide faster, safer revamps, which often result in
shorter duration turnarounds.

Emergency Delivery

For emergencies, call the Hotline of your nearest

Koch-Glitsch office:

Emergencies happen . . .
Koch-Glitsch has a wide variety of tray products to provide
optimum performance whatever your application. Many
common materials are in stock and trays can be quickly
manufactured to get you back on line.

In the US and Latin America, call 1-888-KOCH-911

(mass transfer), 1-316-207-7935 (mist elimination),
or your local Koch-Glitsch office.

In Canada, call 1-905-852-3381 (Uxbridge, Ontario)

In Europe, call +39-06-928-911 (Italy), +44 1782

744561 (UK), or your local Koch-Glitsch office.

In Asia, call +65 6831-6500 (Singapore) or your

local Koch-Glitsch office.

15

Koch-Glitsch Corporate Offices

Worldwide Headquarters
Koch-Glitsch, LP
4111 East 37th Street North

Wichita, KS 67220 - United States

tel: (316) 828-5110

fax: (316) 828-7985

24124 Bergamo - Italy

tel: +39 035 227 3411

fax: +39 035 227 3400

Europe
Koch-Glitsch Italia S.r.l.
Viale Giulio Cesare 29

Asia
Koch-Glitsch (a division of Koch Asia-Pacific, Inc. - Singapore Sales Office)
260 Orchard Road, #11-01-09
The Heeren

Singapore 238855

tel: +65-6831-6500

fax: +65-6835-2031

Koch-Glitsch (a division of Koch Chemical Technology Group India Pvt. Ltd.)

Corporate Park II, 10th Floor
Sion-Trombay Road

Chembur, Mumbai 400 071 - India

tel: +91 22 6771 7171

fax: +91 22 6771 7161

For a complete list of our offices and facilities, visit us on the Web at www.koch-glitsch.com.

Emergency Numbers
United States & Latin America: 1-888-KOCH-911 (mass transfer), 1-316-207-7935 (mist elimination),
or your local Koch-Glitsch office.
Canada: 1-905-852-3381 (Uxbridge, Ontario)
Europe: +39-06-928-911 (Italy), +44-1782-744561 (UK), or your local Koch-Glitsch office.
Asia: +65 6831-6500 (Singapore) or your local Koch-Glitsch office.

Trademarks

FLEXIPAC, HORIZON, INTALOX, KOCH-GLITSCH, K KOCH-GLITSCH,

MINIVALVE, OMNI-FIT, PROVALVE, SUPERFLUX, and SUPERFRAC are
trademarks of Koch-Glitsch, LP and are registered in the US and
various other countries. AHOP and FLEXILOCK are trademarks of
Koch-Glitsch, LP and are registered in the US. KITTEL is a trademark
of Koch-Glitsch, LP and is registered in the UK and various other
countries. PLUS, PURGE, and YOU CAN RELY ON US are trademarks
of Koch-Glitsch, LP. All other trademarks, service marks, or registered
trademarks that appear in this document are the trademarks or
service marks of their respective owners.

Patents

FLEXILOCK, OMNI-FIT, PROVALVE, SUPERFLUX, and SUPERFRAC

technologies are protected by patents in the US and various other countries;
other patents pending.

Legal Notice

The information contained in this bulletin is believed to be accurate and reliable,

but is not to be construed as implying any warranty or guarantee of performance.

Bulletin KGSF-02. Rev. 5-2013. Printed in U.S.A.

2006-2013. Koch-Glitsch, LP. All rights reserved.