Nord stone

Tray Column – Column-Type Pressure Vessels

Tray Column

Introduction

A Tray Column is a vertical column-type pressure vessel designed to achieve multi-stage vapor–liquid contact for separation, absorption, stripping, and distillation processes. Widely used in chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, and environmental engineering, tray columns offer high mass-transfer efficiency and precise component separation.

At NORDSTONE., we design and manufacture tray columns with optimized tray configurations, robust mechanical design, and compliance with ASME Section VIII Div.1, API, and TEMA standards.

What is a Tray Column?

Tray columns operate by allowing vapor to rise through perforated trays while liquid flows downward across each tray. This ensures discrete vapor–liquid contact stages. Key components include:

  • Vertical cylindrical shell
  • Internal trays (sieve, valve, bubble-cap)
  • Downcomers for liquid transfer
  • Vapor inlet & outlet systems
  • Feed points, side draws & bottom outlets
  • Condenser & reboiler connections

Technical Features

1) Design & Construction:
  • Design Codes: ASME Sec VIII Div.1 / API / TEMA / PED
  • Tray Types:
    • Sieve trays (perforated)
    • Valve trays (movable valves)
    • Bubble-cap trays (high-performance mass transfer)
    • Multi-stage trays for fractional separation
    • Feed tray & side-draw tray arrangements
  • Design Pressure:
    • Vacuum service
    • Up to 120 bar
  • Design Temperature: –50°C to +450°C
  • Material Grade:
    • Carbon Steel: SA516 Gr.60/70, SA106 Gr.B
    • Stainless Steel: SS304/304L, SS316/316L
    • Duplex & Super Duplex SS
    • Nickel Alloys: Inconel, Hastelloy, Alloy 20
    • Clad or lined shells for corrosive applications
  • Internal Components:
    • Trays, downcomers & weirs
    • Vapor–liquid contacting devices
    • Feed distribution systems
    • Mist eliminators / demisters
2) Capacity Range:

Our tray columns range from small pilot-scale units to large refinery columns. Diameters, tray spacing, and tray count are fully customizable based on process requirements.

Typical Design Envelope

Parameter Range Remarks
Diameter 0.5 m – 6 m Customizable
Height 3 m – 60 m Depends on tray count
Pressure Vacuum to 120 bar High-pressure options available
3) Nozzle & Accessories:

Each tray column is equipped with:

  • • Feed inlet & vapor inlet nozzles
  • • Side-draw nozzles for intermediate recovery
  • • Reboiler connection (bottom)
  • • Condenser connection (top)
  • • Instrumentation ports (LIT, PIT, TIT)
  • • Manways for tray access & inspection
4) Surface Finish:
  • • SA 2.5 sand/grit blasting
  • • Anti-corrosive primer coating
  • • PU/Epoxy top coat (custom colors)
  • • Internal coating/lining for corrosive services
  • • External insulation support rings (optional)
Functional Advantages:
  • •

    High Separation Efficiency

    Tray design optimizes vapor distribution and liquid flow for multi-stage mass transfer.

  • •

    Ideal for Multi-Component Separation

    Ensures accurate fractionation even at high vapor and liquid loads.

  • •

    High Mechanical Stability

    Designed for long operational life with strong internal tray supports & reinforcements.

Optional Packages:
  • •

    Skid-Mounted System Options

    • ✔ Reboilers
    • ✔ Condensers
    • ✔ Reflux drums
    • ✔ Control panels
  • • ASME U-Stamp certification
  • • Hydro & Pneumatic test documentation
  • • RT/UT weld inspection packages
  • • TPI: TUV, DNV, BV, SGS approvals
Quality Assurance:

Every tray column undergoes rigorous inspection:

  • • Hydrostatic & pneumatic testing
  • • Radiographic testing (RT)
  • • Ultrasonic testing (UT)
  • • Dye penetrant (DP) & magnetic particle testing (MPI)
  • • Tray validation & dimensional checks
  • • Material traceability (MTC – EN 10204 3.1)

Industries Served

  • • Oil & Gas & Refinery
  • • Petrochemical & Chemical
  • • Environmental & Waste Gas Treatment
  • • Pharmaceutical & Specialty Chemicals

Why Choose NORDSTONE.?

  • • 20+ years of tray column expertise
  • • Advanced simulation & VLE analysis capabilities
  • • ASME-certified fabrication for global projects
  • • Fully customized tray solutions for any application
  • • End-to-end QA/QC & third-party inspection support
  • • Proven performance across multiple industries
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Ready to Discuss Your Tray Column Requirements?

Contact our engineering team for custom solutions and quotations.

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