Fractionation Trays

Locations

Worldwide Headquarters Main Office Europe Main Office Japan

Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation Saint-Gobain NorPro Saint-Gobain Norton KK
P.O. Box 350 European Operations Saint-Gobain NorPro
Akron, OH 44309-0350 King Street Saint-Gobain Building 6F
Telephone: (330) 673-5860 Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent 3 Chome 7, Kojimachi
U.S. Toll Free: 1-866-NORPRO-1 ST4 2LT England Chiyoda-ku
Fax: (330) 677-7245 Telephone: (44) 1782 744561 Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Fax: (44) 1782 744330 Telephone: (81) 3 3263 0096
Fax: (81) 3 3263 0097

w w w. i n t a l ox . c o m

The information herein does not constitute a

Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation, worldwide
headquarters, sales offices and manufacturing
facilities are certified for ISO 9001:1994.
guarantee or warranty. The Saint-Gobain NorPro
Corporation warranty is set forth in its standard terms
and conditions, which govern sales of Saint-Gobain
NorPro products. The standard terms are set forth
on Saint-Gobain NorPro quotations and acknowl-
edgements and are also available on request.

Saint-Gobain NorPro’s European operation

is approved and certified through BSI to
ISO 9001:1994.

Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation

formerly Norton Chemical Process Products Corporation

©2001 Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation 02/01 FT-3

Saint-Gobain NorPro:
A Prominent Name in Mass Transfer History
Saint-Gobain NorPro (formerly
Norton Chemical Process Products
Corporation) has a long history in
the development and manufacture
of mass transfer products for the
chemical, petrochemical and refining
industries. A pioneer in chemical
ceramics, we soon expanded our
mass transfer offerings to include
plastic and metal products. By 1980,
we established ourselves as the
clear leader in packed tower technol-
ogy. Products bearing the Intalox®
and Denstone® names have since
become widely recognized for their
reliability and optimal performance.
In 1995, we turned our focus to
high-performance fractionation trays,
determined to apply the same techni-
cal superiority that made us the
leader in packed towers. Once more,
we have raised the performance bar
with a number of advanced technolo-
gy trays that are redefining the
industry standard.
Among Saint-Gobain NorPro’s tray
advances: the Provalve® tray, which
protects against fouling and delivers
improved performance over conven-
tional valve trays; and the award-win-
ning Triton™ high-capacity tray,
which offers vastly superior perform-
ance with the same wear-resistant,
low-maintenance design. We recently
introduced plastic versions of the
Triton and Provalve trays for use in
highly corrosive applications.
We continue to offer a complete line
of conventional trays and related
equipment in addition to our
advanced technology products.
1 14
Other Products for Refining,
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing
Software Available
Products Our Packed Tower Design program
Triton™ high-capacity trays helps you size your tower and select
the proper packing for optimal
Provalve® trays
tower performance. The program
Valve, sieve and bubble cap trays
calculates pressure drop, efficiency
Specialty trays, including dual-flow and baffle trays and capacity of NorPro packings
Associated internals, including chimney trays and feed pipes and estimates liquid hold-up.
www.intalox.com.
Available Materials of Construction
Carbon steels Polypropylene
Stainless steels PVDF
Specialty steels CPVC
Nickel and nickel alloys PTFE
Titanium and zirconium ETFE One Call for a True Edge
Aluminum CPVC in Problem Solving
From finding out what’s wrong
with your tower to providing the
necessary equipment and installing
it, a single phone call covers it all.
Saint-Gobain NorPro has forged a
cooperative alliance with three lead-
Contents ing independent service companies,
forming a network of specialists
Introduction ................................................................................................1 dedicated to meeting all your mass
transfer needs seamlessly.
Provalve® Valve ..........................................................................................3
Expert Installation and Inspection
Provalve® Tray ............................................................................................5 Services by Cana-Tex and
Saint-Gobain NorPro
Triton™ Tray ..............................................................................................7 Field Services
Conventional Fractionation Trays ..............................................................9 The experts at Cana-Tex and
Saint-Gobain NorPro Field Services
Valve Types ..............................................................................................10 work to put your tower back in serv-
ice without delay. Installation techni-
Tray Hardware..........................................................................................11 cians and engineers coordinate
Tray Internals ..........................................................................................12 schedules for maximum efficiency
and minimal downtime. The firms’
Technology and Service ..........................................................................13 critical path focus assures you that
your installation activities will be
Additional Products ..................................................................................14
completed safely and on time. With
Locations..................................................................................................15 locations positioned throughout the
world, we can guarantee a team of
experienced technicians on site
when you need them.
Installation, modification and
repair services
• Inspection services
• ASME “U” and NBIC “R” code
stamps
• CWI and API 510 qualified
personnel
• Site supervision and project
management services
State-of-the-Art Troubleshooting
by Synetix Services
Identifying problem areas quickly
and accurately is the key to getting
your tower running at peak perform-
ance without costly delays. Whether
you are troubleshooting
a problem tower, establishing a
baseline for future reference or
simply looking for ways to improve
production, Synetix leads the
industry in tower diagnostics
with proven technology and the
knowledge to apply it. Synetix has
established itself over their 30 year
history as a world leader with its
Tracerco brand of gamma scanning
and tower diagnostic services.
• Tracerco™ Gamma Ray Scanning
• Tracerco™ Radiotracer
Diagnostics
• Tracerco™ Neutron Backscatter
Extensive Modular Process Plant
Capabilities Worldwide
The acquisition of Eta Process Plant
Ltd expanded Saint-Gobain
NorPro’s capability to provide
completely integrated modular
process plants. Our continuum of
specialized services begins with
conceptual design and continues
through site installation,
commissioning and training.
Our multi-disciplined engineering
team offers expertise in the areas
of process design, mechanical
engineering, project management,
electrical engineering, instrumenta-
tion and information technology.
We now specialize in distillation,
scrubbing and stripping processes
for our European customers. Known
globally for its excellence, Eta’s
water deaeration technology is
available to NorPro customers
throughout the world. Customers
now can receive the best mass
transfer products available along
with innovative design services, reli-
able delivery, strict quality control
and efficient process performance.
In the U.S., Saint-Gobain NorPro
offers pre-assembled distillation
plants through an agreement with
APV Americas Separation
Technologies division. APV uses the
latest process simulation software
as well as their in-house pilot facili-
ties to provide reliable designs for
their modular process plants. APV
constructs each plant in easy-to-
assemble modules, which contain
Saint-Gobain NorPro’s industry-
leading trays and packings. Their
extensive list of successful distilla-
tion systems in operation includes
pharmaceutical, specialty chemicals,
beverage, flavorings, fragrances and
fuel ethanol processes.
Whatever your process or
wherever you are located,
Saint-Gobain NorPro has the
resources to meet all your
process plant needs.
The NorPro™ Advantage
Leadership in Quality,
Technology and Service
Saint-Gobain NorPro is committed to
offering our customers more than
just products: We offer a wide range
of services and technical resources
as well.
Tray design procedures based on
successful installations, plus active
membership in technical organiza-
tions such as Fractionation
Research Incorporated (FRI) and
Separation Research Program
(SRP)
Computerized process and
mechanical design using the
latest software for quick, accurate
order processing, design and
manufacturing
13
NorPro™ Advanced Tray Technology
Setting New Standards in Refining Applications Chemical/Petrochemical
Our Valve Tray Design and Rating Software assists in the creation Services Worldwide • Atmospheric crude fractionators Applications
and evaluation of NorPro™ valve trays. The program also provides • FCCU main fractionators • Olefins plant distillation
comparable ratings for Provalve and Triton trays. Our Triton™ high-capacity trays and
• Coker fractionators • Caprolactam distillation
fouling resistant Provalve® trays are
enhancing performance in a broad • Ethanol distillation
Our Valve Tray Design Manual presents the equations, graphs and • Hydrocracker fractionators
range of services throughout the
design parameters employed by the software package. This manual is • Gas oil stripping • VCM distillation
world. Just take a look at the list of
designed for those who want an in-depth understanding of the software • Slurry stripping • Dichlorobenzene distillation
systems already benefiting from our
program’s mechanics. • HCN distillation
advanced tray technology: • Hydrotreater product stripping
• Acetic acid distillation
Contact your Saint-Gobain NorPro representative or visit • Deisobutanizers and debutanizers
www.intalox.com to request our latest valve tray design products. • Alkylation isostrippers • Cumene distillation
• Amine regenerators • Butadiene distillation
• Naptha, gasoline and • Acrylonitrile and acrylic
Advanced liquid and vapor Extensive research facilities acid distillation
reformate stripping
distribution technology, which we for pilot testing and new product
• Gas plant and • Formaldehyde absorption
apply to optimize tower separation development
light ends distillation • Nitric acid absorption
Simulation and modeling State-of-the-art manufacturing • H2S and CO2 absorbing • Phosgene stripping
experience to verify process equipment to maintain tight toler- • Sulfolane stripping • Alcohol stripping
designs ances, produce custom designs and and recovery
• Process gas stripping
improve material handling
• Waste water and sour • Waste water stripping
water stripping • Organics stream stripping
• Solvent recovery
Saint-Gobain NorPro manufactures trays in a range of sizes, from very small
cartridge trays to trays greater than 40 feet in diameter (12 m).
2
Advancing Fractionation Technology
Provalve® Valve
We started with the basics:
the valve.
Recognizing the vital role the valve
plays in overall tray performance,
Saint-Gobain NorPro set out to
develop a design that would com-
bine the best features of moving and
fixed valves. Our goal: a durable,
low-maintenance valve that provides
better capacity and efficiency than
any valve on the market. We
achieved these goals with the
patented Provalve fixed valve.
Provalve® tray – Simply Better
3 12
Unlike fixed valves punched from the
deck, the NorPro™ Provalve valve
features a cover that extends
beyond the opening for improved
vapor deflection. This feature signifi-
cantly reduces spray height, which
translates into greater capacity than
other fixed valves for a given flow
rate. The Provalve valve also allows
operators to achieve turndown ratios
equal to or better than those possi-
ble with single-weight moving valves,
which we have demonstrated in both
pilot studies and actual installations.
Provalve valve
Punched valve
The orifice size of a traditional punched
valve is limited by its orifice cover.
Because the Provalve valve is separate
from the deck, we were able to optimize
orifice size for maximum performance.
Associated Internals
Feed Pipes
Saint-Gobain NorPro provides feed
distributors for liquid-only, vapor-only
and flashing feeds for both conven-
tional and high-capacity trays. Feed
pipes used with conventional trays
generally distribute feed onto the
blank inlet deck. In contrast, feed
pipes for high-capacity trays provide
a metered distribution pattern for
maximum performance across the
entire tray deck.
Materials of construction include any
weldable metal, FRP or thermoplas-
tic material in pipe or tubular form.
With standard designs, the feed
pipe attaches to the internal column
flange and is supported by tower
wall clips. Options include
bayonet-style construction.
Chimney Trays
(Liquid Collectors) Liquid Feed Pipes
Chimney trays are used for partial
Two-Phase Feed Pipes
and total liquid draws. We can opti-
mize riser heights to permit a large Liquid Collector Plates
volume of liquid on the deck.
Depending upon the application, Vapor Feed Spargers
riser open areas between 15 – 40%
Tray Support Rings
generally handle the vapor flow.
Sumps can be added on one side,
both sides or across the center.
Chimney trays can be designed to
handle any number of liquid passes
as well as transitions between
different numbers of passes.
Standard chimney tray designs use
tray support rings and downcomer
bolting bars. Options include bolt
and gasket joint construction and
seal-welded construction. Internal
tray manways can be provided if
necessary.
Standard Tray Hardware

Lap Joint Hardware The valve’s tapered design gives a

Beam Clamp Detail Direction of No Directional Flow
(NON MANWAY JOINTS) Manway Clamp Detail directional push to liquid, moving it
Liquid Flow
across the tray deck in an even flow.
3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT] In this way, the Provalve valve
3/8"-16 BOLT improves efficiency by eliminating
[M10 BOLT] MANWAY CLAMP
#G-32
3/8"-16 BOLT dead spots and backmixing. More
1" O/D WASHER [M10 BOLT] important, the forward-lateral push
[25 O/D WASHER] MANWAY STUD imparted by the Provalve valve acts
#G-31 K-74452 WASHER
3/8"-16 NUT [BEAM CLAMP PLT] as a self-cleaning feature, keeping
[M10 NUT] MANWAY CLAMP the tray free of debris that might oth-
#G-42 3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT] erwise plug orifices and inhibit per-
Seal Plate Hardware 3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT]
formance. Provalve® Valve Conventional Valve
3/8"-16 BOLT Finally, the non-welded, fixed design
[M10 BOLT] eliminates the likelihood of stuck or
popped valves commonly associat-
1" O/D WASHER
[25 O/D WASHER] ed with moving valves. This keeps
your tower running at peak efficien-
3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT] cy longer, without worry about sur-
prise shutdowns due to valve failure.
Saint-Gobain NorPro has incorporated
the patented Provalve valve into two
proprietary trays, the Triton high-capacity
tray and the simply better Provalve tray.
NOTE: ITEMS INDICATED
Available with a variety of lifts, tab
IN BRACKETS [ ] ARE
widths and orifice options, including
METRIC STANDARD venturi orifices.
HARDWARE SUPPLIED
FROM OUR EUROPEAN
OPERATION. EXACT
APPEARANCE MAY VARY
FROM THAT SHOWN HERE.
How Does the Provalve Valve
Edge Clamp Detail Stand Up Under Pressure?
Just how much upward force can the Provalve valve withstand? That’s a
3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT]
fair question. So we set out to determine just how much direct uplift force
Bolting Bar/Downcomer Hardware it would take to push a Provalve valve out. The result: It took 150 psi
3/8"-16 NUT K-74452 WASHER (105,500 kg/m2) to dislodge a Provalve valve from the deck. Most trays
[M10 NUT] [39 OD WASHER]
are designed to withstand pressures ranging from .25 to 2 psi
15" O/D WASHER
[39 O/D WASHER]
(175 – 1400 kg/m2) uplift.
3/8"-16 BOLT
3/8"-16 BOLT IN CLAMP PLATE
We machine-press the legs of the Provalve valve under the tray deck,
[M10 BOLT] [M10 BOLT]
IN CLAMP PLATE firmly securing the valve in place. Our tests clearly proved that the
Provalve valve stands up well under pressure.

Saint-Gobain NorPro’s valve offerings are featured on page 10.

Hardware/Deck top and bottom access manway A variety of joint constructions are
Construction clamp, we offer a complete range of also available including our standard
Wyatt and Hydronyl replacement through-bolted Lap design and
In addition to the hardware illustrat- hardware for the large number of clamped joggle joint design.
ed here, which includes the standard these tray columns still in operation.
11 4
Simply Better
Provalve® Tray
• Better performance than
conventional valve trays
• Non-fouling, wear-resistant design
• Reliable, low-maintenance
• Easy, economical installation
Provalve trays aren’t fancy or
experimental; they are simply better.
We designed the Provalve tray using
sound mass transfer principles and
basic design criteria. Tested again
and again under a range of process
conditions, the Provalve tray has
been proven to provide better
capacity than traditional valve trays
while matching or improving
efficiency in new installations
as well as retrofits.
5 10
The key to the Provalve tray’s
success is the patented valve from
which the tray draws its name.
Unlike other fixed valves punched
from the deck, the Provalve valve
features a unique cover that shelters
the primary vapor opening. The
cover keeps liquid away from the
opening and effectively suppresses
weeping — a distinction that pro-
vides the wide operating range and
turndown capability characteristic of
floating valve trays. However, the
Provalve tray has no moving valves
to flutter or close, so liquid flows
evenly across the Provalve tray
deck. The result: Increased capacity,
greater efficiency and lower pres-
sure drop than conventional valve
trays. In addition, the stationary,
maintenance-free valve design
prevents fouling, wear and popped
valves commonly associated with
moving valves.
Valves
In addition to our enhanced-
performance Provalve® valves, we
offer a range of conventional valve
designs to optimize your tray’s
performance based on the unique
needs of your column.
PROVALVE® VALVE
Operators need not redesign their
column to realize the benefits of
Provalve trays: Provalve trays can
replace conventional trays on a one-
L-VALVE
for-one basis using the existing tray
supports and the same hardware. In
new construction or retrofits,
Provalve trays can replace any valve M-VALVE
tray economically, with minimal
installation costs and turnaround
time. MR2L-VALVE
CAGED-G
CAGED-MR2
CAGED-MR7
A Complete Line of
Fractionation Trays

Internationally recognized as a Cartridge Tray

leader in distillation and absorption Construction
equipment, Saint-Gobain NorPro
For columns with diameters
applies the same technical
less than 42 in. (1066 mm), we can
superiority and manufacturing
manufacture any of our tray products
excellence to our wide range of tray
in cartridge-style construction.
products. We have supplied
Bundles are typically six to 10 ft
multi-pass trays with diameters up
(1800 - 3000 mm) in length, with six
to 40 ft (12 m), as well as cartridge
to 10 trays spaced 12 - 24 in.
units only inches in diameter. We
(300 to 600 mm) apart, with PTFE
custom-design tray products to meet
gasketing. Other sealing materials
each customer’s specific hydraulic
are available upon request.
and mechanical requirements. We
are skilled at working with heavy-
gauge materials, plastics and exotic
metals such as titanium and
zirconium. Tray with Tray with Provalve Valves
Conventional Valves The Provalve valve promotes uniform
Non-uniform vapor distribution vapor distribution, maintaining a
Valve trays lower, more even spray height at the
creates excessive spray height in
the center of the tray deck. same vapor rate.
Sieve trays
Bubble cap trays
Dual-flow trays
Baffle trays
Provalve Tray Jet Flood Capacity Efficiency as a Percentage of Jet Flood
Grid trays C6/C7 Distillation
Total Reflux, 60 PSIA (4.1 Bar)
Weir Load, m3/m/hr

A History of Excellence 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130

Flooding Vapor Velocity Factor (fF) m/sec

Flooding Vapor Velocity Factor (fF) ft/sec
0.7
0.2 90 Provalve Tray
We entered the fractionation tray
0.6
market more than 30 years ago, Tray Spacing (in.) 80

Point Efficiency, %
30 Conventional Valve Tray
designing and manufacturing 0.5
0.15 70
Hydronyl fractionation trays in We have the ability to design and manufacture trays and hardware to replace
24
21
0.4
Europe. Since the 1980s, we equipment originally provided by other mass transfer manufacturers. 18 60
have expanded our global tray Contact your Saint-Gobain NorPro representative for details. 0.3
15 0.1
12 50
capabilities. Now, we have
thousands of trays being proven in 0.2
0.05 40
mass transfer services throughout 0.1 30
the world. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Weir Load, gpm/in. % Jet Flood

Provalve trays can increase capacity by 10–15% over conventional valve trays while
maintaining or improving efficiency.

9 6
 nce
r f o rma y
Pe fied
b
Veri
One Step Further for a
Giant Leap in Performance FRI
Greater Capacity
Triton™ High-Capacity The patented Provalve valve design Triton™ Tray vs. Conventional Valve Tray
Tray complements the downcomer
arrangement of the Triton tray. In tan- 70
• Substantially greater capacity than dem with the enhanced deck design,
conventional valve trays

Capacity Gain Over Conventional Valve Tray (%)

the valve’s unique tapered shape
60
keeps liquid flowing forward, promot-
• Patented downcomer design ing uniform vapor distribution across
maximizes vapor handling capacity the entire tray deck. This feature 50
allows operation at greater vapor
• Valve design promotes uniform rates without flooding, further
bubbling throughout the tray deck enhancing the tray’s hydraulic per- 40
for improved capacity and formance. Contrast this with the
efficiency uneven vapor flow inherent to con- 30
ventional valve trays, which tends to
• Installation uses existing concentrate in the center of the deck
tower attachments while valves on the perimeter flutter 20
and close. Jet flooding occurs when
the entrainment from the center
10
reaches the tray above, restricting 5 10 15 20
the tray’s capacity and reducing Area Under Downcomer,
efficiency. as Percent of Tower Area
Triton Tray Conventional Tray

The innovative downcomer design of the Triton tray significantly

increases the tray’s active bubbling area.

Saint-Gobain NorPro combined the With conventional valve trays, the

enhanced performance of the
Provalve® valve with a patented
downcomer design to create the
award-winning Triton high-capacity
tray. The tray’s innovative downcom-
er significantly increases the tray’s
active area, while the Provalve valve
optimizes bubbling and liquid flow
area under the downcomer is inac- Better Efficiency Lower Pressure Drop
tive to accommodate the liquid flow C6/C7 Distillation C6/C7 Distillation
from above. However, the Triton tray Total Reflux, 60 PSIA (4.1 Bar) Total Reflux, 60 PSIA (4.1 Bar)
turns this traditionally dormant area Triton Tray vs Conventional Valve Tray Triton Tray vs Conventional Valve Tray
into active bubbling area for greater
Cs, Capacity Factor Based on Tower Area, m/sec
capacity. The downcomer design
also increases the length of the flow 0 0.0.2 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14
100 10 250
path across the deck, boosting the 9

2 H2O per Tray

225

Pressure Drop, mm. H2O per Tray

across the deck. The result: A low- tray’s efficiency.
90 8 200
maintenance tray that substantially

Point Efficiency (%)

Triton Tray 7 175
increases capacity over conventional
6 150
valve trays while improving mass 80

Pressure Drop, in.

transfer efficiency and pressure drop 5 125
Conventional
performance. 70 Valve Tray 4 100
3 Conventional
75
Valve Tray
2 50
60 Triton Tray
1 25
0 0
50 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
50 60 70 80 90 100
Cs, Capacity Factor Based on Tower Area, ft/sec
Percentage, Jet Flood

7 8
 nce
r f o rma y
Pe fied
b
Veri
One Step Further for a
Giant Leap in Performance FRI
Greater Capacity
Triton™ High-Capacity The patented Provalve valve design Triton™ Tray vs. Conventional Valve Tray
Tray complements the downcomer
arrangement of the Triton tray. In tan- 70
• Substantially greater capacity than dem with the enhanced deck design,
conventional valve trays

Capacity Gain Over Conventional Valve Tray (%)

the valve’s unique tapered shape
60
keeps liquid flowing forward, promot-
• Patented downcomer design ing uniform vapor distribution across
maximizes vapor handling capacity the entire tray deck. This feature 50
allows operation at greater vapor
• Valve design promotes uniform rates without flooding, further
bubbling throughout the tray deck enhancing the tray’s hydraulic per- 40
for improved capacity and formance. Contrast this with the
efficiency uneven vapor flow inherent to con- 30
ventional valve trays, which tends to
• Installation uses existing concentrate in the center of the deck
tower attachments while valves on the perimeter flutter 20
and close. Jet flooding occurs when
the entrainment from the center
10
reaches the tray above, restricting 5 10 15 20
the tray’s capacity and reducing Area Under Downcomer,
efficiency. as Percent of Tower Area
Triton Tray Conventional Tray

The innovative downcomer design of the Triton tray significantly

increases the tray’s active bubbling area.

Saint-Gobain NorPro combined the With conventional valve trays, the

enhanced performance of the
Provalve® valve with a patented
downcomer design to create the
award-winning Triton high-capacity
tray. The tray’s innovative downcom-
er significantly increases the tray’s
active area, while the Provalve valve
optimizes bubbling and liquid flow
area under the downcomer is inac- Better Efficiency Lower Pressure Drop
tive to accommodate the liquid flow C6/C7 Distillation C6/C7 Distillation
from above. However, the Triton tray Total Reflux, 60 PSIA (4.1 Bar) Total Reflux, 60 PSIA (4.1 Bar)
turns this traditionally dormant area Triton Tray vs Conventional Valve Tray Triton Tray vs Conventional Valve Tray
into active bubbling area for greater
Cs, Capacity Factor Based on Tower Area, m/sec
capacity. The downcomer design
also increases the length of the flow 0 0.0.2 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14
100 10 250
path across the deck, boosting the 9

2 H2O per Tray

225

Pressure Drop, mm. H2O per Tray

across the deck. The result: A low- tray’s efficiency.
90 8 200
maintenance tray that substantially

Point Efficiency (%)

Triton Tray 7 175
increases capacity over conventional
6 150
valve trays while improving mass 80

Pressure Drop, in.

transfer efficiency and pressure drop 5 125
Conventional
performance. 70 Valve Tray 4 100
3 Conventional
75
Valve Tray
2 50
60 Triton Tray
1 25
0 0
50 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
50 60 70 80 90 100
Cs, Capacity Factor Based on Tower Area, ft/sec
Percentage, Jet Flood

7 8
A Complete Line of
Fractionation Trays

Internationally recognized as a Cartridge Tray

leader in distillation and absorption Construction
equipment, Saint-Gobain NorPro
For columns with diameters
applies the same technical
less than 42 in. (1066 mm), we can
superiority and manufacturing
manufacture any of our tray products
excellence to our wide range of tray
in cartridge-style construction.
products. We have supplied
Bundles are typically six to 10 ft
multi-pass trays with diameters up
(1800 - 3000 mm) in length, with six
to 40 ft (12 m), as well as cartridge
to 10 trays spaced 12 - 24 in.
units only inches in diameter. We
(300 to 600 mm) apart, with PTFE
custom-design tray products to meet
gasketing. Other sealing materials
each customer’s specific hydraulic
are available upon request.
and mechanical requirements. We
are skilled at working with heavy-
gauge materials, plastics and exotic
metals such as titanium and
zirconium. Tray with Tray with Provalve Valves
Conventional Valves The Provalve valve promotes uniform
Non-uniform vapor distribution vapor distribution, maintaining a
Valve trays lower, more even spray height at the
creates excessive spray height in
the center of the tray deck. same vapor rate.
Sieve trays
Bubble cap trays
Dual-flow trays
Baffle trays
Provalve Tray Jet Flood Capacity Efficiency as a Percentage of Jet Flood
Grid trays C6/C7 Distillation
Total Reflux, 60 PSIA (4.1 Bar)
Weir Load, m3/m/hr

A History of Excellence 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130

Flooding Vapor Velocity Factor (fF) m/sec

Flooding Vapor Velocity Factor (fF) ft/sec
0.7
0.2 90 Provalve Tray
We entered the fractionation tray
0.6
market more than 30 years ago, Tray Spacing (in.) 80

Point Efficiency, %
30 Conventional Valve Tray
designing and manufacturing 0.5
0.15 70
Hydronyl fractionation trays in We have the ability to design and manufacture trays and hardware to replace
24
21
0.4
Europe. Since the 1980s, we equipment originally provided by other mass transfer manufacturers. 18 60
have expanded our global tray Contact your Saint-Gobain NorPro representative for details. 0.3
15 0.1
12 50
capabilities. Now, we have
thousands of trays being proven in 0.2
0.05 40
mass transfer services throughout 0.1 30
the world. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Weir Load, gpm/in. % Jet Flood

Provalve trays can increase capacity by 10–15% over conventional valve trays while
maintaining or improving efficiency.

9 6
Simply Better
Provalve® Tray
• Better performance than
conventional valve trays
• Non-fouling, wear-resistant design
• Reliable, low-maintenance
• Easy, economical installation
Provalve trays aren’t fancy or
experimental; they are simply better.
We designed the Provalve tray using
sound mass transfer principles and
basic design criteria. Tested again
and again under a range of process
conditions, the Provalve tray has
been proven to provide better
capacity than traditional valve trays
while matching or improving
efficiency in new installations
as well as retrofits.
5 10
The key to the Provalve tray’s
success is the patented valve from
which the tray draws its name.
Unlike other fixed valves punched
from the deck, the Provalve valve
features a unique cover that shelters
the primary vapor opening. The
cover keeps liquid away from the
opening and effectively suppresses
weeping — a distinction that pro-
vides the wide operating range and
turndown capability characteristic of
floating valve trays. However, the
Provalve tray has no moving valves
to flutter or close, so liquid flows
evenly across the Provalve tray
deck. The result: Increased capacity,
greater efficiency and lower pres-
sure drop than conventional valve
trays. In addition, the stationary,
maintenance-free valve design
prevents fouling, wear and popped
valves commonly associated with
moving valves.
Valves
In addition to our enhanced-
performance Provalve® valves, we
offer a range of conventional valve
designs to optimize your tray’s
performance based on the unique
needs of your column.
PROVALVE® VALVE
Operators need not redesign their
column to realize the benefits of
Provalve trays: Provalve trays can
replace conventional trays on a one-
L-VALVE
for-one basis using the existing tray
supports and the same hardware. In
new construction or retrofits,
Provalve trays can replace any valve M-VALVE
tray economically, with minimal
installation costs and turnaround
time. MR2L-VALVE
CAGED-G
CAGED-MR2
CAGED-MR7
Standard Tray Hardware

Lap Joint Hardware The valve’s tapered design gives a

Beam Clamp Detail Direction of No Directional Flow
(NON MANWAY JOINTS) Manway Clamp Detail directional push to liquid, moving it
Liquid Flow
across the tray deck in an even flow.
3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT] In this way, the Provalve valve
3/8"-16 BOLT improves efficiency by eliminating
[M10 BOLT] MANWAY CLAMP
#G-32
3/8"-16 BOLT dead spots and backmixing. More
1" O/D WASHER [M10 BOLT] important, the forward-lateral push
[25 O/D WASHER] MANWAY STUD imparted by the Provalve valve acts
#G-31 K-74452 WASHER
3/8"-16 NUT [BEAM CLAMP PLT] as a self-cleaning feature, keeping
[M10 NUT] MANWAY CLAMP the tray free of debris that might oth-
#G-42 3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT] erwise plug orifices and inhibit per-
Seal Plate Hardware 3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT]
formance. Provalve® Valve Conventional Valve
3/8"-16 BOLT Finally, the non-welded, fixed design
[M10 BOLT] eliminates the likelihood of stuck or
popped valves commonly associat-
1" O/D WASHER
[25 O/D WASHER] ed with moving valves. This keeps
your tower running at peak efficien-
3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT] cy longer, without worry about sur-
prise shutdowns due to valve failure.
Saint-Gobain NorPro has incorporated
the patented Provalve valve into two
proprietary trays, the Triton high-capacity
tray and the simply better Provalve tray.
NOTE: ITEMS INDICATED
Available with a variety of lifts, tab
IN BRACKETS [ ] ARE
widths and orifice options, including
METRIC STANDARD venturi orifices.
HARDWARE SUPPLIED
FROM OUR EUROPEAN
OPERATION. EXACT
APPEARANCE MAY VARY
FROM THAT SHOWN HERE.
How Does the Provalve Valve
Edge Clamp Detail Stand Up Under Pressure?
Just how much upward force can the Provalve valve withstand? That’s a
3/8"-16 NUT
[M10 NUT]
fair question. So we set out to determine just how much direct uplift force
Bolting Bar/Downcomer Hardware it would take to push a Provalve valve out. The result: It took 150 psi
3/8"-16 NUT K-74452 WASHER (105,500 kg/m2) to dislodge a Provalve valve from the deck. Most trays
[M10 NUT] [39 OD WASHER]
are designed to withstand pressures ranging from .25 to 2 psi
15" O/D WASHER
[39 O/D WASHER]
(175 – 1400 kg/m2) uplift.
3/8"-16 BOLT
3/8"-16 BOLT IN CLAMP PLATE
We machine-press the legs of the Provalve valve under the tray deck,
[M10 BOLT] [M10 BOLT]
IN CLAMP PLATE firmly securing the valve in place. Our tests clearly proved that the
Provalve valve stands up well under pressure.

Saint-Gobain NorPro’s valve offerings are featured on page 10.

Hardware/Deck top and bottom access manway A variety of joint constructions are
Construction clamp, we offer a complete range of also available including our standard
Wyatt and Hydronyl replacement through-bolted Lap design and
In addition to the hardware illustrat- hardware for the large number of clamped joggle joint design.
ed here, which includes the standard these tray columns still in operation.
11 4
Advancing Fractionation Technology
Provalve® Valve
We started with the basics:
the valve.
Recognizing the vital role the valve
plays in overall tray performance,
Saint-Gobain NorPro set out to
develop a design that would com-
bine the best features of moving and
fixed valves. Our goal: a durable,
low-maintenance valve that provides
better capacity and efficiency than
any valve on the market. We
achieved these goals with the
patented Provalve fixed valve.
Provalve® tray – Simply Better
3 12
Unlike fixed valves punched from the
deck, the NorPro™ Provalve valve
features a cover that extends
beyond the opening for improved
vapor deflection. This feature signifi-
cantly reduces spray height, which
translates into greater capacity than
other fixed valves for a given flow
rate. The Provalve valve also allows
operators to achieve turndown ratios
equal to or better than those possi-
ble with single-weight moving valves,
which we have demonstrated in both
pilot studies and actual installations.
Provalve valve
Punched valve
The orifice size of a traditional punched
valve is limited by its orifice cover.
Because the Provalve valve is separate
from the deck, we were able to optimize
orifice size for maximum performance.
Associated Internals
Feed Pipes
Saint-Gobain NorPro provides feed
distributors for liquid-only, vapor-only
and flashing feeds for both conven-
tional and high-capacity trays. Feed
pipes used with conventional trays
generally distribute feed onto the
blank inlet deck. In contrast, feed
pipes for high-capacity trays provide
a metered distribution pattern for
maximum performance across the
entire tray deck.
Materials of construction include any
weldable metal, FRP or thermoplas-
tic material in pipe or tubular form.
With standard designs, the feed
pipe attaches to the internal column
flange and is supported by tower
wall clips. Options include
bayonet-style construction.
Chimney Trays
(Liquid Collectors) Liquid Feed Pipes
Chimney trays are used for partial
Two-Phase Feed Pipes
and total liquid draws. We can opti-
mize riser heights to permit a large Liquid Collector Plates
volume of liquid on the deck.
Depending upon the application, Vapor Feed Spargers
riser open areas between 15 – 40%
Tray Support Rings
generally handle the vapor flow.
Sumps can be added on one side,
both sides or across the center.
Chimney trays can be designed to
handle any number of liquid passes
as well as transitions between
different numbers of passes.
Standard chimney tray designs use
tray support rings and downcomer
bolting bars. Options include bolt
and gasket joint construction and
seal-welded construction. Internal
tray manways can be provided if
necessary.
The NorPro™ Advantage
Leadership in Quality,
Technology and Service
Saint-Gobain NorPro is committed to
offering our customers more than
just products: We offer a wide range
of services and technical resources
as well.
Tray design procedures based on
successful installations, plus active
membership in technical organiza-
tions such as Fractionation
Research Incorporated (FRI) and
Separation Research Program
(SRP)
Computerized process and
mechanical design using the
latest software for quick, accurate
order processing, design and
manufacturing
13
NorPro™ Advanced Tray Technology
Setting New Standards in Refining Applications Chemical/Petrochemical
Our Valve Tray Design and Rating Software assists in the creation Services Worldwide • Atmospheric crude fractionators Applications
and evaluation of NorPro™ valve trays. The program also provides • FCCU main fractionators • Olefins plant distillation
comparable ratings for Provalve and Triton trays. Our Triton™ high-capacity trays and
• Coker fractionators • Caprolactam distillation
fouling resistant Provalve® trays are
enhancing performance in a broad • Ethanol distillation
Our Valve Tray Design Manual presents the equations, graphs and • Hydrocracker fractionators
range of services throughout the
design parameters employed by the software package. This manual is • Gas oil stripping • VCM distillation
world. Just take a look at the list of
designed for those who want an in-depth understanding of the software • Slurry stripping • Dichlorobenzene distillation
systems already benefiting from our
program’s mechanics. • HCN distillation
advanced tray technology: • Hydrotreater product stripping
• Acetic acid distillation
Contact your Saint-Gobain NorPro representative or visit • Deisobutanizers and debutanizers
www.intalox.com to request our latest valve tray design products. • Alkylation isostrippers • Cumene distillation
• Amine regenerators • Butadiene distillation
• Naptha, gasoline and • Acrylonitrile and acrylic
Advanced liquid and vapor Extensive research facilities acid distillation
reformate stripping
distribution technology, which we for pilot testing and new product
• Gas plant and • Formaldehyde absorption
apply to optimize tower separation development
light ends distillation • Nitric acid absorption
Simulation and modeling State-of-the-art manufacturing • H2S and CO2 absorbing • Phosgene stripping
experience to verify process equipment to maintain tight toler- • Sulfolane stripping • Alcohol stripping
designs ances, produce custom designs and and recovery
• Process gas stripping
improve material handling
• Waste water and sour • Waste water stripping
water stripping • Organics stream stripping
• Solvent recovery
Saint-Gobain NorPro manufactures trays in a range of sizes, from very small
cartridge trays to trays greater than 40 feet in diameter (12 m).
2
Saint-Gobain NorPro:
A Prominent Name in Mass Transfer History
Saint-Gobain NorPro (formerly
Norton Chemical Process Products
Corporation) has a long history in
the development and manufacture
of mass transfer products for the
chemical, petrochemical and refining
industries. A pioneer in chemical
ceramics, we soon expanded our
mass transfer offerings to include
plastic and metal products. By 1980,
we established ourselves as the
clear leader in packed tower technol-
ogy. Products bearing the Intalox®
and Denstone® names have since
become widely recognized for their
reliability and optimal performance.
In 1995, we turned our focus to
high-performance fractionation trays,
determined to apply the same techni-
cal superiority that made us the
leader in packed towers. Once more,
we have raised the performance bar
with a number of advanced technolo-
gy trays that are redefining the
industry standard.
Among Saint-Gobain NorPro’s tray
advances: the Provalve® tray, which
protects against fouling and delivers
improved performance over conven-
tional valve trays; and the award-win-
ning Triton™ high-capacity tray,
which offers vastly superior perform-
ance with the same wear-resistant,
low-maintenance design. We recently
introduced plastic versions of the
Triton and Provalve trays for use in
highly corrosive applications.
We continue to offer a complete line
of conventional trays and related
equipment in addition to our
advanced technology products.
1 14
Other Products for Refining,
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing
Software Available
Products Our Packed Tower Design program
Triton™ high-capacity trays helps you size your tower and select
the proper packing for optimal
Provalve® trays
tower performance. The program
Valve, sieve and bubble cap trays
calculates pressure drop, efficiency
Specialty trays, including dual-flow and baffle trays and capacity of NorPro packings
Associated internals, including chimney trays and feed pipes and estimates liquid hold-up.
www.intalox.com.
Available Materials of Construction
Carbon steels Polypropylene
Stainless steels PVDF
Specialty steels CPVC
Nickel and nickel alloys PTFE
Titanium and zirconium ETFE One Call for a True Edge
Aluminum CPVC in Problem Solving
From finding out what’s wrong
with your tower to providing the
necessary equipment and installing
it, a single phone call covers it all.
Saint-Gobain NorPro has forged a
cooperative alliance with three lead-
Contents ing independent service companies,
forming a network of specialists
Introduction ................................................................................................1 dedicated to meeting all your mass
transfer needs seamlessly.
Provalve® Valve ..........................................................................................3
Expert Installation and Inspection
Provalve® Tray ............................................................................................5 Services by Cana-Tex and
Saint-Gobain NorPro
Triton™ Tray ..............................................................................................7 Field Services
Conventional Fractionation Trays ..............................................................9 The experts at Cana-Tex and
Saint-Gobain NorPro Field Services
Valve Types ..............................................................................................10 work to put your tower back in serv-
ice without delay. Installation techni-
Tray Hardware..........................................................................................11 cians and engineers coordinate
Tray Internals ..........................................................................................12 schedules for maximum efficiency
and minimal downtime. The firms’
Technology and Service ..........................................................................13 critical path focus assures you that
your installation activities will be
Additional Products ..................................................................................14
completed safely and on time. With
Locations..................................................................................................15 locations positioned throughout the
world, we can guarantee a team of
experienced technicians on site
when you need them.
Installation, modification and
repair services
• Inspection services
• ASME “U” and NBIC “R” code
stamps
• CWI and API 510 qualified
personnel
• Site supervision and project
management services
State-of-the-Art Troubleshooting
by Synetix Services
Identifying problem areas quickly
and accurately is the key to getting
your tower running at peak perform-
ance without costly delays. Whether
you are troubleshooting
a problem tower, establishing a
baseline for future reference or
simply looking for ways to improve
production, Synetix leads the
industry in tower diagnostics
with proven technology and the
knowledge to apply it. Synetix has
established itself over their 30 year
history as a world leader with its
Tracerco brand of gamma scanning
and tower diagnostic services.
• Tracerco™ Gamma Ray Scanning
• Tracerco™ Radiotracer
Diagnostics
• Tracerco™ Neutron Backscatter
Extensive Modular Process Plant
Capabilities Worldwide
The acquisition of Eta Process Plant
Ltd expanded Saint-Gobain
NorPro’s capability to provide
completely integrated modular
process plants. Our continuum of
specialized services begins with
conceptual design and continues
through site installation,
commissioning and training.
Our multi-disciplined engineering
team offers expertise in the areas
of process design, mechanical
engineering, project management,
electrical engineering, instrumenta-
tion and information technology.
We now specialize in distillation,
scrubbing and stripping processes
for our European customers. Known
globally for its excellence, Eta’s
water deaeration technology is
available to NorPro customers
throughout the world. Customers
now can receive the best mass
transfer products available along
with innovative design services, reli-
able delivery, strict quality control
and efficient process performance.
In the U.S., Saint-Gobain NorPro
offers pre-assembled distillation
plants through an agreement with
APV Americas Separation
Technologies division. APV uses the
latest process simulation software
as well as their in-house pilot facili-
ties to provide reliable designs for
their modular process plants. APV
constructs each plant in easy-to-
assemble modules, which contain
Saint-Gobain NorPro’s industry-
leading trays and packings. Their
extensive list of successful distilla-
tion systems in operation includes
pharmaceutical, specialty chemicals,
beverage, flavorings, fragrances and
fuel ethanol processes.
Whatever your process or
wherever you are located,
Saint-Gobain NorPro has the
resources to meet all your
process plant needs.
 Fractionation Trays

Locations

Worldwide Headquarters Main Office Europe Main Office Japan

Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation Saint-Gobain NorPro Saint-Gobain Norton KK
P.O. Box 350 European Operations Saint-Gobain NorPro
Akron, OH 44309-0350 King Street Saint-Gobain Building 6F
Telephone: (330) 673-5860 Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent 3 Chome 7, Kojimachi
U.S. Toll Free: 1-866-NORPRO-1 ST4 2LT England Chiyoda-ku
Fax: (330) 677-7245 Telephone: (44) 1782 744561 Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Fax: (44) 1782 744330 Telephone: (81) 3 3263 0096
Fax: (81) 3 3263 0097

w w w. i n t a l ox . c o m

The information herein does not constitute a

Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation, worldwide
headquarters, sales offices and manufacturing
facilities are certified for ISO 9001:1994.
guarantee or warranty. The Saint-Gobain NorPro
Corporation warranty is set forth in its standard terms
and conditions, which govern sales of Saint-Gobain
NorPro products. The standard terms are set forth
on Saint-Gobain NorPro quotations and acknowl-
edgements and are also available on request.

Saint-Gobain NorPro’s European operation

is approved and certified through BSI to
ISO 9001:1994.

Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation

formerly Norton Chemical Process Products Corporation

©2001 Saint-Gobain NorPro Corporation 02/01 FT-3