Prospectus

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DSP-27 Measuring Distribution Quality in the Top Section of Packed Beds Expected Benefit toMembers: Measuring quality of distribution exiting a short bed of packing can lead to a knowledge and understanding that may improve initial distribution in the top of a bed by adjusting distributor and packing designs. Better initial distribution may lead to the ability to design for taller beds and improve efficiency in any bed. Developmental Research Idea

Present Situation and Proposed Research: We have quantitative tests already for measuring initial quality of distribution from point type distributors and some methods for predicting distribution quality from line type distributors, but we speculate what the quality of distribution is in the first 1 foot or so of random packing or exiting the first two layers of structured or wire gauze packings. Proposal is to test/improve the idea of wetting index using different types of distributors (point, line, different pour point density, etc.) and set over various packings of varying short heights and configurations. Random packing and structured packing and measure the distribution quality exiting the packing. Could set up a 4ft diameter cylinder and use equipment/packing that FRI already has available. But would need to set up a test stand. We would learn from water tests, but it would be better if we could come up with a safe solution that had physical properties closer to more common applications. This could be done by a couple of undergrad students. Also, with and without bed limiter and even adding that cross-sampler to verify if it creates macro

maldistribution. Also do this with plastic and ceramic packing (random and structured). We also have questions about fouling accumulation (coke, fines, resins, salts, etc.) and the ability of packings to pass fouling and dependency of liquid rate on clearing the fouling. FRI has not done a comprehensive and systematic study on this field. It is a very good but a big project. It may be considered dividing in phases, such as SP, RP, Plastic and fouling. The important and critical part of this project is to design and build a test stand and develop a measurement system to assess the liquid distribution quality under the packings quickly and consistently. Once a test stand and methodology are developed to collect the data, testing different internals may be relatively quick. It is a good project for undergraduate students. But it may need a MS student to develop the measurement system. FRI and collaborators had experiences to vary the liquid viscosity and surface tensions, which can be used for this study.

PROSPECTUS

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