A two-stage blade-packing rotating packed bed for intensification of continuous distillation

A two-stage blade-packing rotating packed bed (TSBP-RPB) was designed and developed for the intensification of continuous distillation. The mass transfer parameters of the TSBP-RPB were investigated using a chemisorption system. Continuous distillation experiments were conducted in the TSBP-RPB by the methanol–water binary system. Experimental results showed that values of the effective interfacial area and liquid-side mass transfer coefficient of the TSBP-RPB were 93–337 m2·m− 3 and 0.05–0.19 cm·s− 1, respectively. The height of equivalent theoretical plate (HETP) of the TSBP-RPB ranged from 1.9 to 10 cm. Moreover, the TSBP-RPB is easy to be manufactured, which shows great potential for the application of continuous distillation.

Graphical abstractEnd effect is a unique phenomenon in a RPB, with mass transfer accomplished in the end zone (radial thickness of 10–15 mm at the inner zone of the rotor) being a magnitude higher than what is achieved in the bulk zone (the rest of the rotor). In order to impinge the liquid in the bulk zone and generate more liquid interfacial area, a two-stage blade-packing rotating packed bed (TSBP-RPB) was designed and developed combining the advantages of the TSCC-RPB and OSBP-RPB to develop a two-stage blade-packing rotating packed bed (TSBP-RPB). Experimental results showed that values of the effective interfacial area and liquid-side mass transfer coefficient of the TSBP-RPB were 93–337 m2·m− 3 and 0.05–0.19 cm·s− 1, respectively. The height of equivalent theoretical plate (HETP) of the TSBP-RPB ranged from 1.9 to 10 cm. The TSBP-RPB is easy to be manufactured, which shows great potential in the applications of continuous distillation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide