Other Causes of Tray Inefficiency

As illustrated, liquid accumulates on the low side of this tray. Vapor, taking the path of least resistance, preferentially bubbles up through the high side of the tray deck. To prevent liquid from leaking through the low side of the tray, the dry tray pressure drop must equal or exceed the sum of the weight of the aerated liquid retained on the tray by the weir plus the crest height of liquid over the weir plus the 2-inch out-of-levelness of the tray deck. 

Once the weight of liquid on one portion— the lowest area—of a tray deck exceeds the dry tray pressure drop, the hydraulic balance of the entire tray is ruined. Vapor flow through the low area of the tray deck ceases. The aeration of the liquid retained by the weir on the low area of the tray deck stops, and hence the hydraulic tray pressure drop increases even more. As shown in Fig. 4.3, the liquid now drains largely 

The common reason for out-of-levelness of trays is sagging of the tray decks. Sags are caused by pressure surges and sloppy installation. Sometimes the tray support rings might not be installed level, or the tower itself might be out of plumb (meaning the tower itself may not be truly vertical). 

Vapor flows up the downcomer between tray decks 1 and 2. 

Liquid flow is backed up onto the tray above, i.e., onto tray deck 2. 

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