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TUM–WelChem cell model for the prediction of liquid distribution in random packed columns
Author(s) -
Hanusch Florian,
Kender Robert,
Engel Volker,
Rehfeldt Sebastian,
Klein Harald
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.16598
Subject(s) - packed bed , materials science , porosity , mechanics , structured packing , distribution (mathematics) , liquid flow , chromatography , mathematics , chemistry , physics , composite material , mass transfer , mathematical analysis
Liquid maldistribution is one of the main deficiencies in random packed column design. Therefore, the knowledge of liquid distribution and its model‐based prediction is of great interest. This work aims to further develop and validate the TUM–WelChem Cell Model for random packed columns. First, cell dimension calculations and the determination of random packing element orientations are standardized. The original WelChem Cell Model applies a liquid distribution mechanism based on liquid spread factors derived by virtual 3D irrigation experiments. An extension of the model involves the implementation of liquid and gas load related distribution mechanisms, considering dispersion effects caused by liquid loading and the countercurrent gas flow. The wall flow is refined by an increase of packing porosity at the column wall. Liquid distribution profiles provided by the TUM–WelChem Cell Model are validated against experimental data and show good agreement for both uniform and point source initial liquid distribution.