The Schoepentoeter is a vane type inlet device developed as Shell proprietary technology and commercialised by Sulzer for introducing gas-liquid mixtures into separation vessels and distillation columns. It serves three core functions: reducing the momentum of the incoming feed stream, performing a first stage of liquid-vapor separation, and distributing vapor evenly across the vessel cross-section. These functions are achieved by directing the mixed-phase feed through a series of vanes that split the flow into flat jets dissipating kinetic energy, providing centrifugal acceleration to promote liquid separation, and delivering a smooth, uniform vapor inlet to the vessel internals.

The Schoepentoeter Plus inlet device is the advanced next-generation version, jointly developed by Sulzer Chemtech and Shell Global Solutions to address the most demanding separation duties. It incorporates catching rims at the exit of each vane that convey captured liquid directly to the vessel sump, preventing re-contact with ascending vapor. This single innovation reduces liquid entrainment compared to the conventional Schoepentoeter, without any significant increase in pressure drop.

Step 1: Feed entry & momentum reduction
The gas-liquid feed stream enters the vessel through the inlet nozzle and passes through the Schoepentoeter vane assembly. The vanes divide the mixed-phase flow into a series of lateral flat jets.

Step 2: Uniform vapor distribution
The vane geometry is designed to deliver smooth, uniform vapor distribution across the full vessel cross-section. Even flow distribution prevents localized high-velocity zones in the internals above which could deteriorate the overall performance.

Step 3: Enhanced liquid separation (Plus)
The innovative catching rims of the Schoepentoeter Plus further improve the liquid removal efficiency by guiding and draining the liquid film.

Vessel height & cost reduction
The Schoepentoeter Plus inlet device is an advanced feed inlet vane device with considerably increased de-entrainment efficiency and first choice for all demanding tasks such as in vacuum towers, crude distillation and hydrocracker main fractionators and high pressure separators.

Best-in-class entrainment reduction using Schoepentoeter Plus
The vane geometry is designed to deliver smooth, uniform vapor distribution across the full vessel cross-section. Even flow distribution prevents localized high-velocity zones in the internals above which could deteriorate the overall performance.

Revamp-friendly installation
The Schoepentoeter is installable through manhole or the vessel inlet nozzle without welding to the pressure shell enabling faster turnarounds and cost savings.

Refinery vacuum towers
In refinery vacuum towers operating under high liquid rates and severe entrainment conditions, the Schoepentoeter Plus provides the de-entrainment efficiency required to meet product specifications. Its compact inlet geometry reduces feed entry section height — an important benefit in tall vacuum tower structures where reducing vessel height directly lowers capital cost.

Crude distillation & main fractionators
As a feed inlet device for refinery crude distillation units (CDUs), hydrocracker main fractionators, and atmospheric towers, the Schoepentoeter delivers stable, well-distributed vapor flow to structured packing or trays — supporting reliable tray or packing performance across the full column operating range.