Low pressure drop gas distributors for packed distillation columns

Abstract

Abstract Packed distillation columns require gas distributors which provide uniform vapor distribution with a low pressure drop. Gas velocity profiles were measured for various gas distributors in a scale model of the gas distribution chamber of a packed distillation column. The most uniform gas distribution was obtained with two tangential inlets halfway up the distribution chamber and a deflector which induced a downward swirl to help collect any unvaporized liquid droplets. The insertion of a ring above the deflector further improved the vapor distribution.