Random packing maximum operating capacity

For atmospheric pressure or vacuum distillations, the vapor flow rate is limited by the loss of normal separation efficiency due to entrainment of liquid upward in the vapor phase. The amount of entrainment increases rapidly above a threshold value for the particular system. As the vapor flow rate is increased further, the mass of entrained liquid becomes sufficient to reduce the concentration profile established in the column. The maximum operational Cs has been defined as the greatest vapor flow rate attained before loss of normal separation efficiency. Figures 7-6 and 7-7 give a prediction of the maximum capacity for IMTP random packings and Intalox structured packings, respectively, as limited by liquid entrainment. 

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