Packing Column Oblique Flow Channels Hydraulic Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacked packings with high specific surface areas are prone to contamination and premature hydraulic failure, especially with liquids of high surface tension, leading to reduced operating ranges and early flooding, due to uneven hydraulic sealing of flow channels.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of oblique flow channels with larger cross sections in the lower sections, aligned more vertically and opening into the underlying high-density layer, combined with narrow geometry packing layers, enhances liquid throughput and operating range without increasing the narrow-to-wide packing layer ratio beyond 3.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the specific packing surface is increased to 1000 m2/m3 and above to achieve broader operating range, then the operating range is improved, but the packing becomes very susceptible to contamination and hydraulic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating flow channels with varying cross-sections along their length. The lower sections have larger cross-sections while upper sections have smaller cross-sections, optimizing liquid distribution at different heights. This localized geometric variation prevents uniform hydraulic sealing while maintaining high specific surface area for mass transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces oblique flow channels that are angled relative to the horizontal plane, adding a dimensional aspect to the flow path design. The channels extend at angles between 30-60 degrees, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern that improves liquid redistribution and prevents channel clogging while maintaining high packing surface area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ratio of narrow packing layer to wide packing layer is increased to 4 or greater to achieve wider operating range, then the operating range is improved, but the hydraulic diameters reach values of 3 mm and less causing susceptibility to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the local geometry of flow channels by creating larger cross-sections in lower sections and smaller cross-sections in upper sections. This local geometric optimization allows the packing to maintain a moderate narrow-to-wide layer ratio (less than 3) while still achieving broad operating range and preventing contamination through improved flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of flow channels by introducing oblique angles (30-60 degrees) and varying cross-sectional dimensions along the channel length. These parameter modifications enable the packing to achieve wide operating range without requiring extreme narrowing of channel dimensions, thus avoiding contamination issues.
3Productivity
If packing layers with specific surface of 1000 m2/m3 and greater are used, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but flow channels are permanently hydraulically sealed by liquid reducing operating region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates flow channels with non-uniform cross-sections where lower sections have larger areas and upper sections have smaller areas. This local variation in channel geometry prevents complete hydraulic sealing by liquid while maintaining high specific surface area (1000 m2/m3 and above) for efficient mass transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces oblique flow channels angled at 30-60 degrees to the horizontal plane, creating a three-dimensional flow path that prevents liquid from completely sealing the channels. This dimensional approach allows high specific surface area to be maintained while preventing hydraulic failure and preserving operating region.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves a broader operating range, optimal bubble layer operation, low pressure losses, and improved heat and mass transfer efficiency while reducing susceptibility to contamination and hydraulic failure.
Implementation Method 1
The lower sections of the flow channels have a larger cross section than the upper sections, with the larger cross section opening into the underlying layer
Implementation Method 2
at least one layer of the column having a greater density and thus having a specific surface for an accumulation, in particular flooding
Implementation Method 3
The packing is operated such that the lower packing layer is made to bubble with high mass transfer
Implementation Method 4
stacked packing for heat and/or mass transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A stacked packing column for heat and/or mass transfer has individual horizontal layers including a lower layer that has a greater density that initiates an accumulation, in particular flooding, and that is 1.5 to 10, preferably 2 to 3 times, greater than the density of an overlying upper layer. The upper layer forms oblique flow channels having lower sections that are more vertically aligned than respective upper sections. The lower sections of the flow channels have a larger cross section than the upper sections, and the sections of larger cross section open into the lower layer.