Efficiency, tray surface tension

Hole size is as important in perforated plates without downcomers as far the sieve tray. Published data limits a full analysis of the relationships however, the smaller holes, Ys-in., Me-in., 4-in. appear to give slightly higher efficiencies for the same tray spacing [47]. Unfortunately the data [69] for the larger %-in. holes was not evaluated for efficiencies. Experience has indicated efficiencies equal to or only slightly, 10-15%, less for M-in. holes w hen compared to Me-in. holes for some systems. Holes as small as Mfrin., %2-in. and Me-in. were considered unsatisfactory for high surface tension materials such as water [47]. 

System limit flooding is similar to jet flooding, due to low surface tension and low density difference between liquid and vapor. Terminal velocity of some entrainment droplets is less than the upward vapor velocity, and hence they are carried up into the tray above, thus reducing tray efficiency and capacity. 

The effects of liquid viscosity on tray efficiency have been studied by Drickamer and Bradford(58) and () Co nt ij. 59- and these are discussed in Section 11.10.5. Surface tension influences operation with sieve trays, in relation both to foaming and to the stability of bubbles. 

Surface Tension There is uncertainty regarding the effect of surface tension on tray efficiency. Often, it is difficult to divorce the surface tension effects from those of other physical properties. 

For low-viscosity absorption systems, one set of data (186) shows that in the froth regime tray efficiency increases as surface tension is reduced, while for high-viscosity absorption systems, surface tension had little effect on mass transfer (166). 

Determine the effects of the physical properties of the system on column efficiency. Tray efficiency is a function of (1) physical properties of the system, such as viscosity, surface tension, relative volatility, and diffusivity (2) tray hydraulics, such as liquid height, hole size, fraction of tray area open, length of liquid flow path, and weir configuration and (3) degree of separation of the liquid and vapor streams leaving the tray. Overall column efficiency is based on the same factors, but will ordinarily be less than individual-tray efficiency. 

Pm valve metal density Ib/ft a surface tension dyne/in. fji liquid viscosity cP Tr downcomer residence time s (second) downcomer froth density dimensionless (p[ froth density dimensionless (pt relative froth density dimensionless valve open percentage % rjM Murphree tray efficiency dimensionless r]o column overall efficiency dimensionless... 

If a trayed column in high pressure service does not have sufficient downcomer residence time to clarify the liquid phase, the vapor/liquid mixture will be carried down to the next lower tray. This recycling of vapor lowers the capacity, as well as the separation efficiency, of the trays. Conditions preventing rapid disengagement of vapor and liquid in a tray downcomer are high liquid viscosity, low surface tension, and a small density difference between liquid and vapor. Also, any tendency for the liquid to foam will increase the downcomer residence time required. 

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