Packed towers flow capacity

In a trayed absorber the amine falls from one tray to the one below in the same manner as the liquid in a condensate stabilizer (Chapter 6, Figure 6-4). It flows across the tray and over a weir before flowing into the next downcomer. The gas bubbles up through the liquid and creates a froth that must be separated from the gas before it reaches the underside of the next tray. For preliminary design, a tray spacing of 24 in. and a minimum diameter capable of separating 150 to 200 micron droplets (using the equations developed in Volume 1 for gas capacity of a vertical separator) can be assumed. The size of packed towers must be obtained from manufacturer s published literature. 

Because the packed tower is a continuous contacting device as compared to the step-wise plate tower, performance capacity is expressed as the number of transfer units, N, the height of the transfer unit, H.T.U., and mass transfer coefficients K a and Kj a. Figure 9-68 identifies the key symbols and constant flow material balance. 

The design of a packed tower requires consideration of mechanical factors, such as pressure drop, flow capacities, and foundation load. In addition, consideration must be given to the factors that influence the effectiveness of contact between the fluid phases. A satisfactory packing should have the following properties ... 

Selection of Equipment Packed columns usually are chosen for very corrosive materials, for liquids that foam badly, for either small-or large-diameter towers involving veiy low allowable pressure drops, and for small-scale operations requiring diameters of less than 0.6 m (2 ft). The type of packing is selected on the basis of resistance to corrosion, mechanical strength, capacity for handling the required flows, mass-transfer efficiency, and cost. Economic factors are discussed later in this sec tion. 

In a countercurrent packed column, n-butanol flows down at the rate of 0.25 kg/m2 s and is cooled from 330 to 295 K. Air at 290 K, initially free of n-butanol vapour, is passed up the column at the rate of 0.7 m3/m2 s. Calculate the required height of tower and the condition of the exit air. Data Mass transfer coefficient per unit volume, hDa = 0.1 s 1. Psychrometric ratio, (h/hDpAs) = 2.34. Heat transfer coefficients, hL = 3hG. Latent heat of vaporisation of n-butanol, A = 590 kJ/kg. Specific heat capacity of liquid n-butanol, Cl = 2.5 kJ/kg K. Humid heat of gas , s = 1.05 kJ/kg K. 

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