Structured Packing with Lenticular Crests for Mass Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structured packings in mass transfer apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal stability and separation performance due to increased pressure drop and dead zones caused by contact points, which can lead to reduced mass transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a structured packing design with a first layer having a corrugated profile featuring rounded crests and troughs with lenticular indentations, allowing for reduced contact points and improved liquid wetting, while maintaining mechanical stability through consistent wave height and edge arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of layers and/or channel geometries are increased to enlarge the packing surface, then the separation performance is improved, but the pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the structured packing by changing the inclination angle of the channels and optimizing the channel cross-sectional area. These parameter changes allow achieving high separation performance with reduced pressure drop compared to conventional packings with higher layer counts or narrower channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-layer stacked structure to a single-layer or reduced-layer structure with optimally designed channel geometries. This dimensional simplification reduces the number of contact points between layers while maintaining or enhancing the mass transfer surface area through improved channel configuration.
2Stress or pressure
If more open crossing channels are provided with smaller inclination angles, then the pressure drop is reduced, but the separation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the inclination angle parameter of the channels to achieve an optimal balance. By carefully selecting this geometric parameter, the design realizes reduced pressure drop while maintaining adequate separation performance, resolving the trade-off between these two competing requirements.
3Productivity
If the number of contact points between layers is reduced, then dead zones are minimized and mass transfer is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing support structures at specific critical locations within the packing rather than continuous contact between layers. This localized support arrangement minimizes dead zones and contact points in the bulk flow regions while maintaining mechanical stability at the boundaries and support points.
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 enhances mechanical stability and mass transfer efficiency by minimizing contact points, reducing unwetted surface areas, and optimizing the mass transfer surface, particularly in liquid-side controlled systems like CO2 absorption from air in aqueous caustic soda.
Implementation Method 1
These channels have a positive effect on the flow of the gas and liquid phases within the packing and promote mass transport between the phases. This means that the gas and liquid phases are brought into contact in the channels of the packing, thus promoting mass transfer between the phases.
Implementation Method 2
A fluid that is more volatile, in particular a gas phase, can flow between the folded sheets in countercurrent to a fluid that is less volatile, in particular a liquid phase, in which case a mass transfer can take place.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
An absorber or desorber contains a layer (10) for a structured packing having a wave-like profile, wherein a plurality of open channels (12, 14, 16) is formed due to the wave-like profile. According to the invention, said open channels have a first wave trough (22), a first wave peak (32) and a second wave peak (42). The first wave peak (32) and the second wave peak (42) delimit the first wave trough (22), the first and second wave peaks having a first apex (33) and a second apex (43). A depression (34) extending in the direction of the first apex (33) is formed on the first apex (33) of the first wave peak (32). The first wave trough (22) has a trough bottom (23), wherein the normal distance (27) from at least one point of the depression (34) to the trough bottom (23) of the wave trough (22) is smaller than the normal distance (28) from the first apex (33) to the trough bottom (23) of the wave trough (22).