Stretching the Capacity of Structured Packings

Abstract

Comprehensive experimental and modeling studies conducted recently with various types and sizes of Montz structured packing have revealed most performance-related secrets of this gas−liquid contacting device. Compared with other established gas−liquid contacting devices, structured packings are generally known as having the lowest pressure drop per theoretical tray. Less known is the fact that only a small fraction of this low-pressure drop is used in mass-transfer processes. Knowing this and using a model capable of describing realistically the relationship between geometric features and fluid mechanics, we have manipulated the geometry of the packed bed to develop configurations that allow a substantial increase in capacity without affecting efficiency adversely. The resulting configurations were tested experimentally and a joint experimental and modeling effort by the Delft University of Technology and J. Montz GmbH has led to increased capacity of well-established 45° corrugated sheet packings.