Internals for packed columns

Liquid distributors and redistributors promote the even liquid distribution which is essential for optimum packing performance. ACS design and manufactures a wide selection of these items to meet numerous service conditions. Important design criteria include the following:

Uniform liquid distribution

Resistance to fouling

Minimal gas pressure drop

Wide operating range (liquid turndown)

Height, supports, ease of installation

Most ACS distributors wok by gravity - feeding liquid trough drip tubes, troughs, or orifices. Numerous adaptations of these common principles are employed in a variety of applications, including stripping, absorbing, and distillation.

Fouling by agglomeration of suspended solids or deposition of dissolved solids can significantly impair distributor performance. Therefore in selecting a general type of distributor as well as in designing of details, the characteristics of any solids which may be present in the liquid stream must always be considered. For instance, V-shaped weirs are generally far less subject to fouling than are orifices.

In addition to conventional designs, ACS also supplies special high-performance distributors. These models provide up to 15 distribution point per square foot of tower cross-section, achieving extremely even liquid rates per unit area.

For this purpose, ACS utilizes orifice riser-type designs with drip tubes, which stabilize pour volume and minimize intermingling of gas and liquid. As in all distributor deigns, fouling tendencies must be considered prior to recommending a high-performance type.

Chimney trays (liquid collectors) are designed and manufactured by ACS Industries to meet process and customer specifications. These products are applicable not only to packed columns, but also trayed columns.

Common applications include the following:

Total draw-off of liquid product

Total draw-off of reboiler and pump-around feeds

Partial liquid draw-off

Providing uniform vapor distribution

Collecting liquid for mixing and redistribution

ACS considers a variety of criteria when designing chimney trays. relevant factors include:

Application

Liquid rate and hold-up requirements

Vapor velocity and distribution requirements

Tower attachments and supports

Ease of installation and access

Packing supports are important for proper operation of a column because they not only support packing, but also act as gas distributors. ACS Industries designs and manufactures varieties for both random and structured packing.

Factors to consider when selecting and designing bed supports for particular applications include the following:

Type and size of packing

Maximum weight load

Process characteristics

Tower attachments and supports

Ease of installation and access

Packing supports from ACS provide maximum open area. For random packing, multi-beam gas injection (MBGI) supports (photo above) provide separate areas for rising gas and falling liquid. The result is excellent gas distribution with minimal pressure drop. When properly designed for specific packing sizes, MBGI supports do not restrict liquid or gas flow.

ACS packing supports are designed for ease of installation, being segmented to fit through manways. Each segment rest on an annular ring within the tower. Materials of construction include metals and thermoplastics.

Bed limiters are positioned above random packed beds to prevent fluidization. In many applications, clamping is not required. Instead, the limiter rests directly on the packing or is suspended from a distributor.

Standard ACS designs are fabricated from heavy gauge flat stock and rod, with expanded metal grating in some cases. Most units are segmented for insertion through a manway.

Separations technology is our business

Founded in 1939, ACS industries is recognized for leadership in developing separations technology reflected in a variety of products. Besides packed column internals, we offer several kinds of structured packing and a wide selection of random packing. ACS also excels in fractionation trays, mesh and vane mist eliminators, and liquid-liquid coalescers.