Experimental investigation of liquid maldistribution in random packed columns using temperature measurements. (15th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winkler, Thomas; Klein, Harald; Rehfeldt, Sebastian
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 249(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15
• Subjects: Liquid distribution -- Maldistribution -- Packed column -- Random packing -- Cooling tower -- Mass transfer; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Measurement of liquid maldistribution with 732 temperature measurement sites. Temperature profiles of the packing insights for analyzing local mass transfer. Quantification of maldistribution with local and global maldistribution factors. Calculation and evaluation of the mass transfer based on HTU/NTU concept. Experiments using a uniform and point source initial distribution. Abstract: Liquid maldistribution is a major issue in the design of packed columns. This paper analyzes liquid distribution in a ∅ 0.634 m random packed column operated with warm water and air. The packing types used are Hiflow® ring 25–7 polypropylene and Hiflow® ring 50–6 polypropylene, made by RVT Process Equipment GmbH. The evaporation of water within the packing causes a temperature decrease, which depends on the local mass transfer. The temperature profile obtained provides insights into the mass transfer and liquid distribution within the packing. Results obtained at a constant liquid to gas molar flow ratio are compared in terms of the temperature profile and the course of local and global maldistribution factors. To enable comparison of the mass transfer, the height of a transfer unit HTU is calculated. The experimental data then forms the basis of a discussion and evaluation of the applicability and use restrictions of this measurement technique.