Efficiency of Mixture Separation in Distillation Columns with Structured Packings under Different Ways of Dynamically Controlled Irrigation

Abstract

The paper presents results of an experimental study of separation efficiency and distribution of flow parameters over the cross section of the distillation columns. The experiments were carried out on the large-scale research setup “Large Freon Column” with diameter of packing of 0.6 m and 0.9 m. The mixture of refrigerants R114 and R21 was used as the working liquid at a pressure of 3 bar in the column. Experimental data were obtained at uniform and nonuniform irrigation of the Mellapak 350.Y and Sulzer 500X structured packings by a controlled liquid distributor. The liquid distributor with independently controlled valves for each drip point was used for controlled packing irrigation. The newmethod for dynamically controlled irrigation of the packing by an operated liquid distributor is suggested. This method is aimed at the destruction of large-scale maldistribution areas (flows) inside the column and the achievement of higher separation efficiency through periodic irrigation of the entire packing or its individual areas under the liquid distributor. The use of dynamically controlled irrigation of the packing allows an increase in efficiency of mixture separation of up to 20%.