Column packings applicable to the field of rectification are mainly characterised by their number of theoretical stages per meter NTSM [1/m], specific pressure drop ∆p [mbar/m] and capacity limits. A set of dimensionless numbers are derived by means of a simple model of dry gas flow within parallel plates (slit flow). These numbers are dimensionless and allow the comparison of measured values f...

An electronic representation of Sulzer’s Mellapak N250Y structured packing was generated by subjecting a physical packing element to CT scan. The resulting file was imported into a three-dimensional imaging program and then copied, translated, and rotated to create a stack of three packing elements. This stack was then inserted into an open-ended cylindrical surface to approximate a packed colu...

Type of packings and characteristics of their geometry can affect the flow behavior in the reactive distillation columns. KATAPAK SP is one the newest modular catalytic structured packings (MCSP) that has been used in the reactive distillation columns, recently. However, there is not any study on the hydrodynamics of this packing by using computational fluid dynamics. In the present work, a 3D ...

The hydraulic performance of structured packed columns is characterised by parameters such as loading point, flooding point, dry and wet pressure-drop. These parameters can be positively influenced by optimising the transition areas between two adjacent packing layers. Tests have been done in a two-phase test rig with a rectangular column made of perspex. The test medium is a liquid hydrocarbon...

Corrugated structured packings feature strong preferential flow directions due to their structure of crossing triangular channels. This leads to good radial spreading but makes modelling a challenge. Detailed CFD calculations reflecting the exact packing structure are only feasible for small sections of packing. However, effects like large scale maldistribution and instabilities in the flow fie...