Mass transfer characteristics of a structured packing for ammonia rectification in ammonia-water absorption refrigeration systems

In ammonia-water absorption refrigeration systems a purification process of the vapours produced in the generator is required. One type of equipment to carry out the purification process is a packed column. However, detailed experimental studies at the normal operating conditions found in ammonia-water absorption refrigeration systems have not been found. An experimental facility has been designed and built to study the ammonia-water rectification in packed columns. Experimental tests have been performed at the normal operating conditions found in the high-pressure stage of a small power ammonia-water absorption refrigeration system. In this paper, the experimental set-up is described and experimental results of the height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient of a rectifying section with the Sulzer BX packing are presented. The HETP values and the experimental mass transfer coefficients are compared with different data and correlations proposed in the literature; it has been found that the differences are appreciable. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.