Sieve-plate design absorption

Sieve trays are used throughout the absorption column, however two distinct hydraulic designs are required. The first sieve plate design is required for trays below the weak-acid feed point. Above the weak-acid feed point, the downcoming liquid flowrate is diminished. The vapour flowrate essentially remains constant throughout the column. Different vapour to liquid ratios above and below the weak-add feed point require a second hydraulic design to be considered. 

A sieve tray-type absorption column is proposed. The design specifies a column 1.8 m diameter, approximately 32 m high, and containing 59 sieve plates. Weak-acid condensate is added to tray 13 and make-up water is added at tray 59 (the top tray). Crossflow-type trays are employed from plates 1 to 13, however, a decreased liquid loading demands reverse flow-type trays for plates 14 to 59. The operating pressure is approximately 950 kPa and the operating temperature range is from 8°C to 65°C. 

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