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In determining the column diameter, we need to know what is the limiting (maximum) gas velocity that
can be used. This is because the higher the gas velocity, the greater the resistance that will be
encountered by the down-flowing liquid and the higher the pressure drop across the packings.
Too high a gas velocity will lead to a condition known as flooding whereby the liquid filled the entire
column and the operation became difficult to carry out. High pressure will crush and damage the packings
in the column.
We will begin our analysis by examining the relationship between the gas pressure drop and gas
velocity. Refer to the Figure below that shows a typical gas pressure drop in a packed column.
The horizontal axis is the logarithmic value of the gas velocity G, and the vertical axis is the logarithmic value of
pressure drop per height of packing [ pressure drop in a packed bed is the result of fluid friction that is created by the
flow of gas and liquid around the individual solid packing materials ].
Note: Each packing has its own characteristics pressure drop chart as reported by the manufacturer - for
example, see the Figure above (right).
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Analysis of Gas Pressure Drop in Packing
With a dry packing (i.e. no liquid flow, L = 0), pressure drop increases as gas velocity increases
according to the linear relationship as shown by line a-a. This is a straight line on a log-log plot.
With liquid flowing in the column, the packings now become wetted (irrigated). Part of void volume in
the packings now filled with liquid, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area available for gas flow.
At the same gas velocity, the pressure drop is higher for wetted packings compared to dry packings. For
example, compare the case for L = 0 vs. L = 5. The line for DP/L under wetted condition lies to the left of
line a-a.
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