Vertical plates with inclined capillary grooves for redistribution of the liquid phase over the cross-section of packed columns: I. Equations for calculating the liquid flow-rates in the capillary grooves

The uniform distribution of the liquid phase over the cross-section of a packed column is a major prerequisite for its effective operation. Regarding various distributor designs, the best uniformity has been obtained with devices which distribute the liquid into jets with equal flow-rates, distributed uniformly across the column cross-section. The final liquid redistribution, to obtain uniformity over cross-sections of the range of a packing element, takes place in the packing itself or in a specially designed redistribution layer. For this purpose, a packing with inclined capillary grooves, especially suitable for low liquid superficial velocity, is developed. It consists of parallel vertical plates with inclined crossing small-size grooves stamped in them. On the bases of the data obtained from the experimental study of the liquid flow in these grooves, dimensionless equations are obtained which are necessary for calculating the height of the new redistribution layer.