3 replies to this topic

[HDoukani]

Hi, 

 

I am having trouble finding out why some amine system operators prefer to use tray columns as opposed to structured or random packing. Literature , such as gas purification khol and Riesenfeld (1960) advise that both column internals can be used. Why do many operators use tray columns despite the disadvantages associated with foaming and high pressure drops?

 

Thank you

 

Houcine

[RockDock]

Foaming and high pressure drops are not unique to trayed columns. You are just as likely to foam in packing. Trayed columns normally have a longer life than packing. They are also easier to inspect and diagnose problems in operations. Trays also avoid some problems that arise with packed columns, such as channeling. Generally speaking, packed columns are used primarily for smaller columns. There are some packed columns in the USA, but most are trayed. The same goes for Europe and the Middle East. The regions I see the most packed columns are South America and East Asia. I've noticed those projects normally choose the lowest initial capital costs, while most of the time trays would be preferred if a life cycle assessment was studied.

[gegio1960]

After sharing rockdock points, I could add the following 2 cents:

Trays are often preferred because they offer the possibility to reutilize the same column in the future when capacity increase can be foreseen. In other words, you can put (structured) packing where trays were initially provided witrhout the need of increasing height and diameter. Viceversa, you can't do the opposite (at same or higher capacities).

Good luck!

[HDoukani]

Thank you RockDock and Gegio 1960 or your insightful knowledge and prompt reply. I greatly appreciate the time that both of you have taken to answer my question.

 

kind regards

 

Houcine

Edited by HDoukani, 19 May 2015 - 08:08 PM.