Gas flow distribution in packed columns

The distribution of gas flow over the cross section of packed columns depends on the manner of gas flow feeding, on packing type, packing arrangement, and internal devices in the apparatus body. Various types of gas inlet devices are studied in order to estimate their ability for creation of uniform velocity profiles. The gas flow uniformity is characterized by the maldistribution factor, Mf. Various methods for measurement of gas velocity and for calculation of this factor are presented in the paper. Data for Mf from own experiments and from literature references are given along with detailed description of the particular experimental conditions. It is shown that any packing has its own non-uniformity that cannot be improved. For a number of packings, the limits of Mf are found, These values are used for determination of the penetration depth that ensures maximal uniformity of the gas flow provided by the particular packing. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.