Packing performance, random metal

Figure 9-6N(b). Fleximax high performance random metal packing available in two sizes and reported by manufacturer to be a fourth generation random packing. Used by permission of Koch Engineering Co., Inc., Bull. KFM-1. 

Structured packings are produced by a number of manufacturers. The basic construction and performance of the various proprietary types available are similar. They are available in metal, plastics and stoneware. The advantage of structured packings over random packing is their low HETP (typically less than 0.5 m) and low pressure drop (around 100 Pa/m). They are being increasingly used in the following applications ... 

Disordered physisorption—that is, random deposition of molecules from the vapor phase to a metal substrate—will usually yield random orientations and poor packing, while a preferential orientation of an asymmetric molecule may be needed for organic device performance. 

The first of the widely used random packings were Raschig rings which are hollow cylinders of ceramics, plastics, or metal. They were an economical replacement for the crushed rock often used then. Because of their simplicity and their early introduction, Raschig rings have been investigated thoroughly and many data of their performance have been obtained which are still useful, for... 

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