Packed columns internal fittings

The column had an internal diameter of 0.1 m and was 0.8 m high. The column was fitted with Sulzer BX structured packing. The characteristics of Sulzer BX packing are given in Example 12.3.3. 

The graph in Fig. 1 shows a separating efficiency measurement, in which the number of theoretical stages per metre is entered over the vapour load in the form of the F-factor. When the column packings are used with actual material systems, reference can be made to this calibration. Miniplant columns with calibrated internal fittings then make it possible to increase the scale of the equipment directly from the miniplant scale to the production scale. This offers the advantage of a fast and cost-effective process development. 

Gasoline and kerosene rerunning was accomplished primarily in horizontal batch shell stills heated by direct firing or internal steam coils and surmounted by a vertical rectification column with partial condensers to supply reflux. The rectifying column in some installations was packed with iron rings, pipe fittings, earthware crocks, tin cans, or any suitable material readily available. In other units a fairly common type of column was the Heckmann bubble cap tower. 

Column contents should not be removed with a spatula, wire, etc., otherwise the internal walls may become scratched and the packing material itself damaged. The best way is to remove the end frit and fitting and use the pump to force the contents out. 

Columns used for internal chromatography operations are most conveniently dry-packed outside the glovebox. Both ends should be fitted with a 3-way chromatography valves(11) to facilitate sample injection and effluent distribution operations. After purging the... 

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