Hydrodynamic characteristic of Conical Cap tray: Experimental studies on dry and total pressure drop, weeping and entrainment

This paper addresses an experimental investigation in the hydrodynamic behavior of a new type of cap trays called Conical Cap tray (ConCap tray). The hydrodynamics of the tray was investigated in a commercial scale air–water column with an internal diameter of 1.2 m. The experimental liquid loads were 29.9, 44.4, 60 and 74.4 (m3/h)/m of weir length and gas flow in terms of Fs in the range of 0.2–1.5 m/s (kg/m3)0.5. The dry pressure drop, total pressure drop, weeping and entrainment for the ConCap tray and a valve tray were measured and compared. Correlations for pressure drop, weeping and entrainment of the ConCap tray were provided using regression analysis method. Standard deviations of correlations, R2, are quoted. The ConCap tray was compared with a bubble cap tray using correlations. The pressure drop of the ConCap tray was less than the bubble cap and close to the valve tray. The weeping rate of the ConCap tray was less than the valve tray. Its entrainment is more than the valve tray and less than the bubble cap tray. Good turndown ratio is important characteristic of the ConCap tray which is achieved without having too much pressure drop.

► This paper addresses an experimental investigation of the hydrodynamic behavior of a new type of cap trays called Conical Cap tray (ConCap tray).
► The ConCap tray employs pressure gradient driving force in addition to the chemical potential gradient.
► The lower weeping rate and higher entrainment rate are the main characteristics of the ConCap tray compared with the valve tray.
► The ConCap tray has good turn down ratio.
► The pressure drop of the ConCap tray is in the range of the valve tray.