Liquid Flow Distribution in a New Type of Multi-tube Column

A new type of multi-tube column, in which a novel internal-structure is installed in the bed of random packing, has been invented. The internal-structure reduces the hydraulic radius of the column and adjusts the gas/liquid flow so that the liquid maldistribution is greatly abated. A mathematical model with boundary conditions based on close-open mechanism at the internal -structure was established to study the hydraulic behavior of such a column and experiments were carried out to verify the applicability of the model. Predictions from the model agreed well with experimental results. The optimal ratio of the hydraulic diameter of the new multi-tube column to the packing element diameter is found to be 17.5 to 23.3 by employing the optimization method of nonlinear programming. And this new type of multi-tube column opens a new way for random packing columns to be scaled up for industry.