Packed columns hydraulic processes

The actual process flow rates are important in nonequilibrium model simulations, whereas in most equilibrium stage simulations, a simulation with a feed flow rate of 1 unit is as meaningful as a simulation with a feed flow of 10, 100, or 573 units. In real columns the flow rates influence the mass transfer coefficients as well as the tray hydraulics. An inappropriate flow specification may mean the column will flood or, just as likely, dump all the liquid through the holes in the tray. Thus, it is important to ensure that the specified (or calculated) flows and tray or packing characteristics are consistent with the satisfactory operation of the column. 

Runke et al. [303] presented own physically grounded hydraulic model for calculation of cross-chaimelled packings. The experimenml conditions are adjusted to the conditions at whi( the packings operate in air separation processes. Based on die results obtained in a test unit, it is possible to determine die adjustable parameters, in order to allow an extrapolation of the model to a typical argon s iaration column. 

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