Evaluation of the Benefit of Cold Flow Experiments for the Characterization of Column Internals

Abstract

Evaluation of the Benefit of Cold Flow Experiments for the Characterization of Column InternalsCold flow experiments with air and water as model fluids can make an important contribution to the characterization of column internals. They can be performed with comparatively low effort, however, on the other hand serve as an essential base for fluid dynamic model approaches, which in turn provide a bridge to technically relevant systems and operating conditions. In combination with other valuation methods, such as test mixture analyses or mathematical models, they can make a very important contribution to the safe and pinpoint design of column internals. Possibilities, but also limits of cold flow experiments are shown and related to tests with organic systems.

Quantification of Entrainment Using an Optical Inline Probe

“…The height of the outlet weir and the downcomer clearance are set to 35 mm and 10 mm, respectively, to prevent the downcomer from gas blowing. In the cold flow experiments, air and water at ambient temperature were used with compressed oil‐free air as purge medium.…”

Optimization of the Liquid Distributor in a Falling Film Evaporator by Means of Air‐Water Experiments

“…Cold‐flow experiments with air and water as model fluids can make an important contribution to the characterization of column internals . Other liquids with different viscosities and thermodynamic properties may have a different behavior than water.…”

“…In contrast, cold‐flow experiments can be performed with comparatively low effort and are mainly used to study the hydrodynamic performance of equipment and internals. A classic example is the characterization of column trays for distillation columns, where phenomena like entrainment and weeping are studied which influence the tray efficiency , . Cold‐flow performance tests for liquid distributors are also common and are usually carried out at manufacturers test facilities .…”