3 replies to this topic

[echnat0n]

Hello,

I'am doing my internship. I've made energy balances and mass balances of my process. The next step is the first seperation in a packed column.
How do you design the packed column?

My strategy is:
1)Use the fenske equation to determine the number of stages.
2) use a correlaction to link the height of the packing and the minimum of stages
3) estimate the heigt of the column using the height of the packing

Is this correct?

[Chemster980]

If you dont mind me asking, what are you trying to separate and what are the operating conditions?

You need to establish what kind of packing are you using too. On the other hand, how much detail do you plan to go into? And whatever you list there is to my oppinion a short cut design. Is that what your supervisor is seeking?

[JEBradley]

Just a quick question - Is the packed tower for Distillation or Absorption?

Ive never done much work on distillation. I have a slight suspicion the Fenske equation is for tray columns though - I might be wrong but I'd check int on wikipedia or something.

If it's absorption then I would use the Sherwood correlation.

Theres some handy programs around for sizing towers for you - but do it long hand first.

[Padmakar Katre]

Dear
You didn't mention sepeartion by packed column but by which unit operation? if it is distillation and as
you have a energy balance of the system.You can calculate the number of trays by Lewis-Sorel
metahod and compare it with the HETP and according you will be able to calculate the height of the packed bed and ultimately the height of the packed tower. And then you can do the calculation for the dia of the column based on hydraulic loadings.
There is a trial version of Packed column calculator available on internet as well you can try with Koch-Glitch KGTower software (Trial version is availabe on their website) for this if you want the design in detail (packing types,size and all).As well you can try on this link where you can have an online calculator to determine number of the trays.
www.s-ohe.com

Regards,
Padmakar Katre