Figure 1: The impact of initial liquid distribution mass on the packing performance
Liquid distributor is a component used to control and distribute the flow of liquids in a packed column. It is placed at the top of the packing. Its main purpose is to ensure the uniform distribution of liquid onto the surface of the packing to establish the initial distribution for improved mass transfer efficiency and reaction effectiveness. In the operation of packed columns, the initial liquid distribution has the greatest impact on the packed column performance. Therefore, a high-performance liquid distributor is essential to maximize the efficiency of the packed column.
The impact of the initial liquid distribution on the performance of a packed column is primarily attributed to its direct effect on the distribution of liquid within the packing layer. If the initial liquid distribution is uneven, the separation efficiency of the packing will be significantly affected (see Figure 1), leading to poor distribution of the packing layer and affecting the separation efficiency of the packed column (see Figure 2).
Figure 1: The impact of initial liquid distribution mass on the packing performance
Figure 2: The relation between packed column efficiency and its initial distribution
Lateral Pipe Liquid Distributor – Orifice Type
All liquid distributor pipes are uniformly provided with orifices. It is generally applicable to places with many spray points and low liquid load.
Annular Pipe Liquid Distributor – Orifice Type
It can ensure the uniform distribution of liquid and has good maneuverability and practicality. It is commonly used in packed extraction columns.
Spray Nozzle Liquid Distributor
It is also known as jet liquid distributor, the nozzle is used to replace the orifices for uniform liquid distribution. It is commonly used in cooling towers and refineries.
Single Layer Trough Liquid Distributor – Orifice/Drip Type
It is also called as straight trough liquid distributor. It has a compact structure, troughs are connected to each other and on the same level, so it is easy to realize uniform liquid distribution.
Multiple Layer Trough Liquid Distributor – Orifice/Drip Type
It consists of a main trough and branch troughs. The liquid flows into the main trough and then distributes into the branch troughs. This distributor has a simple structure, uniform gas rising channels and a large free cross-sectional area.
Deck Liquid Distributor – Orifice Type
It consists of a liquid distribution pan and gas rising pipes. The liquid is sprayed down through the orifices and the gas rises through the gas risers. The gas risers are often round or rectangular in cross-section.
Pan Liquid Distributor – Drip Type
It changes orifice liquid distributor to drip tube liquid distributor. Drip tubes are divided into V type and U type drip tubes. It has high liquid distribution mass.
It can be used in packed columns of chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, environmental protection and other industrial sectors in runoff, absorption, resolution, washing and other processes under atmospheric pressure, reduced pressure and pressurization conditions.
