Liquid distributor design for random packed columns

Liquid distributors are the second most important internal in packed columns, as they ensure sufficient initial distribution, which is crucial to achieve optimum separation performance. In this work, a liquid distributor design method is presented, which applies the TUM-WelChem Cell Model to consider the interaction between the liquid distributor and the packing. Liquid distribution in the packing is estimated in dependence of the liquid distributor design. An overall maldistribution quality is determined as a characteristic value for evaluation. Two common methods, the coefficient of variation and the liquid distribution quality by Moore and Rukovena, are implemented for reference. A parameter study with an exemplary column design provides optimum drip point densities for different types of packing. Moreover, the spacing between the outermost drip points and the column wall is considered in detail, suggesting an optimum distribution quality for high wall spacing. Further application of the method suggests an increase of the optimum drip point density for smaller column diameters. Application of the TUM-WelChem Cell Model to liquid distributor design provides a potent tool for an optimized distributor layout with sufficient initial distribution at minimized material usage and high free space for the gas flow. (C) 2019 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.