internals for packed columns
TRANSCRIPT
Sulzer Chemtech
Internals for packed columns
0699 2501
Introduction
This brochure provides an overview of Sulzer Chemtech Column In-ternals, which have be developed in Sulzer Chemtech’s extensive test facility and used in commercial applications for many years. The fol-lowing pages will provide you with detailed information on our inter-nals for structured and random packings.
At Sulzer Chemtech, decades of design, construction and manufac-turing experience are combined with on-going development and sta-te-of-the-art production methods to guarantee you products of the highest possible quality.
In order to comply with your specific requirements, our sales engi-neers and specialists will always be ready to discuss detail inquiries with you personally.
We look forward to working with you to develop a customized packed tower solution that will exceed your expectations.
Page Introduction 2
Column types 3
Liquid distributors 4 Selection of liquid distributors 4 Splash-plate distributor VEP 5 Channel-type distributors VKG and VKR 6 – 7 Collector / distributor VS 8
Distributors for corrosive media 9 – 10
Distributors for further applications 11 – 13
Distributor hole size 14
Liquid collectors 15 – 16
Support and locating systems 17
Gas / Liquid inlet systems 18 – 19
Table of contents
2
Column type
When preparing column internals specifications, you must know whether you will be using a flanged column or a welded vessel. If your column is a welded vessel, then you must know the inside diameter of the manhole.
Prior to beginning engineering of your column and internals, Sulzer Chemtech will verify with you the overall column height, and the man-hole inside diameter.
Flanged columns
Packings and internals are instal- led through the column flange.
Welded vessel columns
Packing and segmental internals are installed through manholes.
Internals for packed columns
3
0600 2508-40600 2508-2
200
100
1.0
0.5
fi0.25 0.8 4.0 8.0
50
:
20
Selection of liquid distributors
For every process application, Sul-zer Chemtech can offer you a so-lution fitted to your own particular needs.
When selecting the optimal dis-tributor, professional advice from Sulzer Chemtech’s specialists is always valuable. Our decades of
experience and well-founded ex-pertise make your distributor selec-tion decisions easy.
Peak performance of your column is achievable only if you precise-ly match your column internals to both your packings and their spe-cific process application.
The following chart shows a choice of Sulzer Chemtech distributors to match your own particular liquid loading and column size. Sulzer Chemtech specialists will help you select just the right liquid distributor for your process application.
These distributors are suitable for most applications. For very difficult applications, Sulzer Chemtech can provide customdesigned distributors that will fit your specific requirements.
Liquid distributors
Column diameter (m)
Sp
ecifi
c liq
uid
load
(m3 /
m2 h
)
1) Can be supplied in a flanged version, also for diameters > 0,8 m
Collector/distributor, VS
Channel-type distributor, VKG
Channel-type distributor
Low-liquid load distributor, VKRPW1)
Splash-plate distributor, VEPW
Splash-plate distributor, VEP
High-liquid load distributor, VKH/VEH
VKG1) VKR1)
4
0600 2512-3
0600 2503-3
0600 2507-2
0600 2507-6
Midget load distributor VEPK
Specifications
Diameter > 0.8 m
Liquid load 0.5 to 30 m3/m2h VEPW: 0.1 to 1.0 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Can be levelled by a device supported on the packing
Special note If required, this distributor can be constructed as a self-supporting unit (e.g. for use with random packings)
Splash-plate distributor VEP
The splash-plate distributor VEP is Sulzer Chemtech’s most widely used distributor.
Its patented discharge system has several advantages:
Fewer lateral holes, due to the sprea-ding effect of the splash-plate.
Larger hole diameters than conven-tional discharge systems.
Anti-plugging, due to large holes and the lateral discharge of liquid.
The feed liquid is pre-distributed at a precisely controlled rate from a main channel (mounted above) into the individual arm channels.
Splash-plate distributor VEPW
For low liquid flow rates, the special splash-plate distributor VEPW is used to accommodate liquid loads as low as 0.1 m3/m2h.
Low pressure drop and no entrain-ment up to F 4.5 Pa0.5
Liquid distributors
Discharge system VEP
5
0600 2514
0600 2503-3
Channel-type distributor with bottom holes VKG
The channel-type distributor VKG has been successfullly used for many years in columns up to 2 m diameter.
It is one piece distributor with in-tegral channels attached, suitable for installation through a remo- vable head of a vessel. A segmental version can be installed through a manhole in larger vessels.
The liquid is fed into a large center channel, then distributed through holes in the individual channel bot-tom onto the packing. The VKG dis-tributor is not recommended at low liquid loads when suspended solids are present.
Discharge system VKG
Liquid distributors
Specifications
Diameter 0.25 to 2.0 m; flanged design above 0.8 m
Liquid load 1 to 100 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination At low liquid loads
Construction details Can be levelled by means of locating or suspension device
Special note In addition, a pre-distribution system is used at high liquid loads and larger column diameters
6
0600 2507-7
0600 2507-6
VKR Discharge system VKRPW
Liquid distributors
Specifications
Diameter > 0.25 m
Liquid load 1 to 20 m3/m2h for VKR; 0.05 to 1 m3/m2h for VKRPW
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.; multiple-stage distributor, 10:1
Gas load F-factor up to 5 Pa1/2 for VKR; up to 3.5 for Pa1/2 for VKRPW
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Can be levelled by means of locating or suspension device
Special note The low-liquid load distributor is constructed in diameters up to 4 m
7
Channel-type distributor with lateral tubes VKR
The channel-type distributor VKR resembles the distributor VKG ex-cept that it uses tubes at the side of the channels rather than holes in the channel bottom to distribute the liquid onto the packing. This fea-ture makes the distributor VKR less susceptible to plugging.
The multiple-stage version is able to handle broad liquid loading ranges, up to 10:1. The range of liquid loa-ding must be carefully considered when designing a distributor VKR.
Low-liquid load distributor VKRPW
For extremely low-liquid loads, the special channel distributor VKR-PW is used to accommodate liquid loads as low as 0.05 m3/m2h. Its has a supplemental liquid distribution system beneath each tube to dis-tribute extremely low liquid volume evenly to the packing.
0601 2503
0601 2501 0600 2507-10
Collector / distributor VS
The collector/distributor VS is used whenever collection and redistribu-tion of liquid is required at very high liquid loads. It resembles a chimney tray; however the chimney arrange-ment is custom designed for your application’s liquid distribution and pressure drop requirements.
For moderate liquid loads applica- tions, where liquid mixing is impor-tant, a separate accumulator tray must collect the liquid and feed it to a liquid distributor located below it.
Liquid distributors
8
Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 8.0 m
Liquid load >30 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 160 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 3 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Tray construction, bolted and supported on ring with chimney types corresponding to hydraulic requirements
Special note Truss supports are used in large column diameters
0600 2512-3
Plastic distributor
The bottom-hole distributor VEG and the channel-type distributor VKR are available in PP, PVDF, PVC, and other plastic materials.
The maximum operating tempera-ture is 60 to 100 oC depending on plastic material.
Graphite distributor VSTGThe one-piece distributor VSTG is constructed of graphite for use in highly corrosive environments. It uses tubes with lateral outlets to distribute the liquid onto the pa-cking. It is installed in flanged co-lumn only.
Graphite distributors VSTG can be used to collect and redistribute li-quids between packed sections.
Liquid distributors for corrosive media
SpecificationsDiameter 0.25 - 6 m
Liquid load 1 - 20 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 80 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.; multiple-stage, 10:1
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight for VKR
Construction details Supported on the packing
9
Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 1.6 m
Liquid load 1 to 20 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 160 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max., multiple-stage, 10:1
Gas load F-factor up to 3 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Supported on the packing
0600 2503-7
0600 2512-1
Glass distributor VRGG
The distributor VRGG is made of glass for use in small columns. The paten-ted closed tube discharge system has special outlets on the under-side of the distribution tubes to dis-tribute the liquid onto the packing.
It is a one-piece distributor that can be installed through a column flange by following the prescribed installa-tion procedures.
Liquid distributors for corrosive media
Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 1.2 m
Liquid load 1 to 20 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination High
Construction details Supported on the packing
10
0600 2511-3
Spray nozzle distributor VRD
The spray nozzle distributor VRD is specially designed for and used in refi nery and scrubber columns. Pro-per spray nozzle selection is crucial to the operation of your columns.
Sulzer Chemtech specialists will help you chose from a variety of full-cone, axial, and tangential nozzles to customize your spray patterns to your specifi c application’s require-ments.
Midget load distributor VEPK
This distributor is applied for very low liquid loads < 100 l/m2h
The orifi ces are placed in sidewalls to allow catching of sinking dirt.
High-liquid load distributor VKH/VEH
The distributor VKH is used for high liquid loads, e.g. greater than 20 m3/m2h. This is an excellent non-plugging distributor. The liquid is discharged laterally from rectangu-lar channels onto the packing.
Liquid distributors for further applications
11
0600 2511-6
0609 2500-5
0609 2500-3
Bottom-hole distributor VEG
The distributor VEG resembles the widely used splash-plate distribu-tor VEP. The difference is that the li quid is discharged through holes in the channel bottoms rather than laterally against a vertical baffl e. It is not recommended for liquids con-taining solids.
Lateral distributor VER
The liquid is discharged laterally and guided by conducting elements to the packing surface.
The distributor allows high vapor loads F > 5 Pa1/2.
Tube distributor VRG
The distributor is non sensitive on moving conditions like columns operated off shore or on vessels. Li-quid is discharged from the under-side of the tubes. This distributor is not suited for liquids containing so-lids or contamination.
Liquid distributors for further applications
12
0600 2511-5
0609 2500-3
0600 2503-6
Extraction distributor VRX
The distributor VRX is a two-stage distributor for use in packed liquid-liquid extraction columns. Its spe-cial design, specific for continuous and dispersed phase, prevents emul-sions from occurring, even when surface tensions are low.
Radial distributor VFS
The distributor VFS was developed and especially designed for emul-sions and liquids with high solids contents. It uses open, radial chan-nels with deflector plates to direct the liquid onto the packing.
The distributor is a cost efficient so-lution for applications where some-what increased liquid maldis-tributi-on can be tolerated.
Slotted distributor VES
The distributor VES is used to distri-bute liquids containing catalyst re-sidues. It uses open channels with lateral slots and deflector plates to distribute the liquid.
Liquid distributors for further applications
13
0600 2503-8
0600 2502-1
0600 2511-1
02468
1012
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
0
4
8
12
16
200 20 40 60 80 100 120
L (m3/m2h)
L (m3/m2h)
VD 80 VD 160 VD 200 VD 330
Outlet hole sizes in distributor channels
The following table enables the de-termination of approximate distri-butor channel hole sizes at normal liquid loadings.
The hole size can be roughly deter-mined in relation to the liquid load and the required drip-point densi-ty. The choice of drip-point density must be made in accordance with the specific surface area of the pa-cking used. Exact hole sizes will be
determined by Sulzer Chemtech‘s specialists after all necessary para-meters have been defined. In this way your distributor will be con-fi-gured to match your application and achieve optimal hydraulic con-ditions.
Distributor test rig
All Sulzer Chemtech liquid distribu-tor configurations are routinely perfor-mance tested in Sulzer Chemtech’s liquid distributor test rig prior to de-livery. Minimum and maximum flow rates measurements are always performed. Surface area measure-ments are possible, with the detec-tion of standard deviations.
Liquid distributors
14
Distributor test rig
0600 2511-3
VEP splash-plate
Drip point density (VD) figures con-sider the distribution effect of the splash-plate.
Hole sizes in other distributors
hole
siz
e (m
m)
hole
siz
e (m
m)
0600 2566-1
Vane collector SL
The collector SL is used as a sepa-rate unit to accumulate liquids from packed sections within a column. This collector requires a ring chan-nel welded to the column wall.
The pressure drop of this collector is negligible.
Collector support grid SLT
The collector SLT combines a pa-cking support grid with a vane coll-ector. As a packing support, it can support the direct load of packings with surface areas up to 350 m2/m3. For finer packings, additional drip plates are used.
This non-welded collector SLT is often used in applications where space between packed beds is cri-tical. This collector requires a sup-port ring inside the column.
Collector SLF
The collector SLF is designed to be installed between the column flanges in smaller flanged columns.
Liquid collectors
15
0600 2509-2
0600 2509-1
0600 2509-4
Chimney tray collector SK
The collector SK is an established and versatile accumulator tray de-sign, available either as bolted or sealwelded construction. It is gene-rally used in large diameter columns with high liquid loads.
Pressure drop is a function of the type and configuration of the chim-neys. Sulzer Chemtech specialists can design your collector SK to your process specifications. Whe-ther you need a total draw-off, a flash tray, a gas distribution device, or a unique chimney configuration, the collector SK can be custom de-signed to meet your specific appli-cation needs.
Liquid collectors
16
0600 2506-1
0600 2506-3 0600 2506-2
Support grids TEB / TSBTEB and TSB are used with struc-tured packings. Both require sup-port rings to be welded to the co-lumn wall. TEB‘s are grids for flan-ged columns. The segmental grids of the TSB pass through manholes and are clamped together for con-venient installation. The grid is a non welded construction.TEB and TSB support grids are ide-al for applications requiring expen-sive alloys.Certain high performance packings require additional drip plates.
Support grids TE / TSTE and TS are intended for struc-tured packings with surface area over 350 m2/m3 packing volume. They are designed with drip plates to prevent premature flooding of the packing.These support grids rest on support rings or gussets welded to the co-lumn shell. For columns over 3 m ID, additional supports and major beams may be required.
Random packing support grid GIS / EMSGIS and EMS are used with random packings and serve as gas injection trays to distribute the gas to bottom layers of the packing. Both grids have an open cross sectional area of 0%, GIS and EMS differ only in their overall height.EMS is used in small column up to 1.2 m diameter. GIS is used in larger diameter columns.
Retaining grid for random packings RPBRetaining grids, consisting of wire mesh welded to the underside of grid frames, are required above random packing beds. Such grids may be either suspended from a li-quid distributor above it or bolted to a support ring welded to the column wall.
Support and locating systems
17
0600 2513-5
0600 2513-2
0600 2513-4
0600 2513-6
GDP
Splash plate inlet
When preparing column specifica-tions, the method of feeding the column, drawing off liquids, and re-moving gases must not be over-loo-ked. They are as important as se-
lecting of the optimum packing and matching it to the proper internals to get peak performance from your packed column.
Owing to years of experience and continuous development at Sulzer Chemtech, we are always in a posi-tion to offer you both standard gas inlet systems and specialty tailored solutions based on CFD studies.
GIV
Vane inlet
GIG
Tube inlet
GITV
Cyclon inlet
GD
Open inlet
CFD-simulations to analyse and improve vapour distribution
Gas inlet systems
Gas inlet systems
18
0600 2505-20600 2505-4
0600 2505-30600 2505-1
0600 2505-5
Liquid inlet systems
LV inlet
100% liquid feeds to small diameter columns
LV (2) inlet
100% liquid feeds to larger diameter columns
LRR inlet
Super-heated liquid feeds
Liquid inlet systems
19
LRP inlet
Liquid feeds containing gases
0600 2504-2
0600 2504-4
0600 2504-30600 2504-1
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HeadquartersP.O. Box 658404 Winterthur, SwitzerlandPhone +41 52 262 50 28Fax +41 52 262 01 [email protected]
22.51.06.40 - IX.12 - 10 - Printed in SwitzerlandLegal Notice: The information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not to be construed as implying any warranty or guarantee of performance. Sulzer Chemtech waives any liability and indemnity for effects resulting from its application.
The activity program comprises:
• Processcomponentssuchas fractionation trays,structuredand ran-dom packings, liquid and gas distributors, gas-liquid separators, and internals for separation columns
• Engineeringservices forseparationand reaction technologysuchasconceptual process design, feasibilities studies, plant optimizations in-cluding process validation in the test center
• Recovery of virtually any solvents used by the pharmaceutical andchemical industry, or difficult separations requiring the combination of special technologies, such as thin film/short-path evaporation, distilla-tion under high vacuum, liquid-liquid extraction, membrane technology or crystallization.
• Complete separation process plants, in particular modular plants(skids)
• Advanced polymerization technology for the production of PLA andEPS
• Tower field services performing tray and packing installation, towermaintenance, welding, and plant turnaround projects
• Mixingandreactiontechnologywithstaticmixers
• Cartridge-based metering, mixing and dispensing systems, and dis-posable mixers for reactive multi-component material
Sulzer Chemtech Ltd, a member of the Sulzer Corporation, with headquar-ters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is active in the field of process engineering and employs some 3500 persons worldwide.
Sulzer Chemtech is represented in all important industrial countries and sets standards in the field of mass transfer and static mixing with its ad-vanced and economical solutions.
Asia, PacificSulzer Chemtech Pte. Ltd. 10 Benoi Sector629845 SingaporePhone +65 6515 5500Fax +65 6862 7563
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