Sulzer Chemtech

Internals
for packed columns

0699 2501

Table of contents

Page

Introduction

Column types

Liquid distributors

Selection of liquid distributors

Splash-plate distributor VEP

Channel-type distributors VKG and VKR

Collector / distributor VS

4
4
5
67
8

Distributors for corrosive media

Distributors for further applications

9 10
11 13

Distributor hole size

Liquid collectors

14
15 16

Support and locating systems

Gas / Liquid inlet systems

17
18 19

Introduction
This brochure provides an overview of Sulzer Chemtech Column Internals, which have be developed in Sulzer Chemtechs extensive test
facility and used in commercial applications for many years. The following pages will provide you with detailed information on our internals for structured and random packings.
At Sulzer Chemtech, decades of design, construction and manufacturing experience are combined with on-going development and state-of-the-art production methods to guarantee you products of the
highest possible quality.
In order to comply with your specific requirements, our sales engineers and specialists will always be ready to discuss detail inquiries
with you personally.
We look forward to working with you to develop a customized
packed tower solution that will exceed your expectations.

Internals for packed columns

Column type
When preparing column internals
specifications, you must know
whether you will be using a flanged
column or a welded vessel. If your
column is a welded vessel, then you
must know the inside diameter of
the manhole.
Prior to beginning engineering of
your column and internals, Sulzer
Chemtech will verify with you the
overall column height, and the manhole inside diameter.

0600 2508-2

0600 2508-4

Flanged columns

Welded vessel columns

Packings and internals are installed through the column flange.

Packing and segmental internals

are installed through manholes.

Liquid distributors

Selection of liquid distributors

For every process application, Sulzer Chemtech can offer you a solution fitted to your own particular
needs.
When selecting the optimal distributor, professional advice from
Sulzer Chemtechs specialists is
always valuable. Our decades of

experience and well-founded expertise make your distributor selection decisions easy.
Peak performance of your column
is achievable only if you precisely match your column internals to
both your packings and their specific process application.

The following chart shows a choice

of Sulzer Chemtech distributors to
match your own particular liquid
loading and column size. Sulzer
Chemtech specialists will help you
select just the right liquid distributor
for your process application.

200

Collector/distributor, VS
0600 2512-3

100

Channel-type distributor, VKG

High-liquid
load distributor, VKH/VEH

Specific liquid load (m3/m2h)

50
:
20

0600 2507-6
0600 2503-3

Channel-type distributor
VKG1)

VKR1)

Splash-plate distributor, VEP

1.0

Splash-plate distributor, VEPW

0.5

Low-liquid load distributor,

VKRPW1)

fi
0.25
1)

0600 2507-2

Midget load distributor VEPK

0.8
Column diameter (m)

4.0

8.0

Can be supplied in a flanged version, also for diameters > 0,8 m

These distributors are suitable for most applications. For very difficult applications, Sulzer Chemtech can provide
customdesigned distributors that will fit your specific requirements.
4

Liquid distributors

Splash-plate distributor VEP

The splash-plate distributor VEP
is Sulzer Chemtechs most widely
used distributor.
Its patented discharge system has
several advantages:
Fewer lateral holes, due to the spreading effect of the splash-plate.
Larger hole diameters than conventional discharge systems.
Anti-plugging, due to large holes
and the lateral discharge of liquid.
The feed liquid is pre-distributed at
a precisely controlled rate from a
main channel (mounted above) into
the individual arm channels.

0600 2503-3

Splash-plate distributor VEPW

For low liquid flow rates, the special
splash-plate distributor VEPW is
used to accommodate liquid loads
as low as 0.1 m3/m2h.
Low pressure drop and no entrainment up to F 4.5 Pa0.5

0600 2514

Discharge system VEP

Specifications
Diameter

> 0.8 m

Liquid load

0.5 to 30 m3/m2h VEPW: 0.1 to 1.0 m3/m2h

Drip-point density

40 to 200 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio

3:1 max.

Gas load

F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2

Sensitivity to contamination

Slight

Construction details

Can be levelled by a device supported on the packing

Special note

If required, this distributor can be constructed as a self-supporting unit

(e.g. for use with random packings)
5

Liquid distributors

Channel-type distributor with

bottom holes VKG
The channel-type distributor VKG
has been successfullly used for
many years in columns up to 2 m
diameter.
It is one piece distributor with integral channels attached, suitable
for installation through a removable head of a vessel. A segmental
version can be installed through a
manhole in larger vessels.
The liquid is fed into a large center
channel, then distributed through
holes in the individual channel bottom onto the packing. The VKG distributor is not recommended at low
liquid loads when suspended solids
are present.

0600 2507-6

0600 2507-7

Discharge system VKG

Specifications

Diameter

0.25 to 2.0 m; flanged design above 0.8 m

Liquid load

1 to 100 m3/m2h

Drip-point density

40 to 200 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio

3:1 max.

Gas load

F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2

Sensitivity to contamination

At low liquid loads

Construction details

Can be levelled by means of locating or suspension device

Special note

In addition, a pre-distribution system is used at high liquid loads and

larger column diameters

Liquid distributors

Channel-type distributor with

lateral tubes VKR
The channel-type distributor VKR
resembles the distributor VKG except that it uses tubes at the side
of the channels rather than holes in
the channel bottom to distribute the
liquid onto the packing. This feature makes the distributor VKR less
susceptible to plugging.
The multiple-stage version is able to
handle broad liquid loading ranges,
up to 10:1. The range of liquid loading must be carefully considered
when designing a distributor VKR.
0601 2503

Low-liquid load distributor

VKRPW
For extremely low-liquid loads, the
special channel distributor VKRPW is used to accommodate liquid
loads as low as 0.05 m3/m2h. Its has
a supplemental liquid distribution
system beneath each tube to distribute extremely low liquid volume
evenly to the packing.

0601 2501

VKR

0600 2507-10

Discharge system VKRPW

Specifications
Diameter

> 0.25 m

Liquid load

1 to 20 m3/m2h for VKR; 0.05 to 1 m3/m2h for VKRPW

Drip-point density

40 to 200 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio

3:1 max.; multiple-stage distributor, 10:1

Gas load

F-factor up to 5 Pa1/2 for VKR; up to 3.5 for Pa1/2 for VKRPW

Sensitivity to contamination

Slight

Construction details

Can be levelled by means of locating or suspension device

Special note

The low-liquid load distributor is constructed in diameters up to 4 m

Liquid distributors

Collector / distributor VS
The collector/distributor VS is used
whenever collection and redistribution of liquid is required at very high
liquid loads. It resembles a chimney
tray; however the chimney arrangement is custom designed for your
applications liquid distribution and
pressure drop requirements.
For moderate liquid loads applications, where liquid mixing is important, a separate accumulator tray
must collect the liquid and feed it to
a liquid distributor located below it.
0600 2512-3

Specifications

Diameter

0.25 - 8.0 m

Liquid load

>30 m3/m2h

Drip-point density

40 to 160 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio

3:1 max.

Gas load

F-factor up to 3 Pa1/2

Sensitivity to contamination

Slight

Construction details

Tray construction, bolted and supported on ring with chimney types

corresponding to hydraulic requirements

Special note

Truss supports are used in large column diameters

Liquid distributors for corrosive media

Plastic distributor
The bottom-hole distributor VEG
and the channel-type distributor
VKR are available in PP, PVDF, PVC,
and other plastic materials.
The maximum operating temperature is 60 to 100 oC depending on
plastic material.

0600 2503-7

Specifications
Diameter

0.25 - 6 m

Liquid load

1 - 20 m3/m2h

Drip-point density

80 to 200 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio

3:1 max.; multiple-stage, 10:1

Gas load

F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2

Sensitivity to contamination

Slight for VKR

Construction details

Supported on the packing

Graphite distributor VSTG

The one-piece distributor VSTG is
constructed of graphite for use in
highly corrosive environments. It
uses tubes with lateral outlets to
distribute the liquid onto the packing. It is installed in flanged column only.
Graphite distributors VSTG can be
used to collect and redistribute liquids between packed sections.
0600 2512-1

Specifications
Diameter
Liquid load
Drip-point density

0.25 - 1.6 m
1 to 20 m3/m2h
40 to 160 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio
Gas load
Sensitivity to contamination
Construction details

3:1 max., multiple-stage, 10:1

F-factor up to 3 Pa1/2
Slight
Supported on the packing
9

Liquid distributors for corrosive media

Glass distributor VRGG

The distributor VRGG is made of glass
for use in small columns. The patented closed tube discharge system
has special outlets on the underside of the distribution tubes to distribute the liquid onto the packing.
It is a one-piece distributor that can
be installed through a column flange
by following the prescribed installation procedures.

0600 2511-3

Specifications

10

Diameter

0.25 - 1.2 m

Liquid load

1 to 20 m3/m2h

Drip-point density

40 to 200 drip points per m2

Turndown ratio

3:1 max.

Gas load

F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2

Sensitivity to contamination

High

Construction details

Supported on the packing

Liquid distributors for further applications

Spray nozzle distributor VRD

The spray nozzle distributor VRD is
specially designed for and used in
refinery and scrubber columns. Proper spray nozzle selection is crucial
to the operation of your columns.
Sulzer Chemtech specialists will
help you chose from a variety of fullcone, axial, and tangential nozzles
to customize your spray patterns to
your specific applications requirements.
0600 2511-6

Midget load distributor VEPK

This distributor is applied for very
low liquid loads < 100 l/m2h
The orifices are placed in sidewalls
to allow catching of sinking dirt.

0609 2500-3

High-liquid load
distributor VKH/VEH
The distributor VKH is used for
high liquid loads, e.g. greater than
20 m3/m2h. This is an excellent nonplugging distributor. The liquid is
discharged laterally from rectangular channels onto the packing.

0609 2500-5

11

Liquid distributors for further applications

Bottom-hole distributor VEG

The distributor VEG resembles the
widely used splash-plate distributor VEP. The difference is that the
liquid is discharged through holes
in the channel bottoms rather than
laterally against a vertical baffle. It
is not recommended for liquids containing solids.

0600 2503-6

Lateral distributor VER

The liquid is discharged laterally
and guided by conducting elements
to the packing surface.
The distributor allows high vapor
loads F > 5 Pa1/2.

0609 2500-3

Tube distributor VRG

The distributor is non sensitive on
moving conditions like columns
operated off shore or on vessels. Liquid is discharged from the underside of the tubes. This distributor is
not suited for liquids containing solids or contamination.

0600 2511-5

12

Liquid distributors for further applications

Extraction distributor VRX

The distributor VRX is a two-stage
distributor for use in packed liquidliquid extraction columns. Its special design, specific for continuous
and dispersed phase, prevents emulsions from occurring, even when
surface tensions are low.

0600 2511-1

Radial distributor VFS

The distributor VFS was developed
and especially designed for emulsions and liquids with high solids
contents. It uses open, radial channels with deflector plates to direct
the liquid onto the packing.
The distributor is a cost efficient solution for applications where somewhat increased liquid maldis-tribution can be tolerated.

0600 2502-1

Slotted distributor VES

The distributor VES is used to distribute liquids containing catalyst residues. It uses open channels with
lateral slots and deflector plates to
distribute the liquid.

0600 2503-8

13

Liquid distributors

Outlet hole sizes in distributor channels

The following table enables the determination of approximate distributor channel hole sizes at normal
liquid loadings.

The hole size can be roughly determined in relation to the liquid load
and the required drip-point density. The choice of drip-point density
must be made in accordance with
the specific surface area of the packing used. Exact hole sizes will be

Drip point density (VD) figures consider the distribution effect of the
splash-plate.

hole size (mm)

VEP splash-plate

determined by Sulzer Chemtechs

specialists after all necessary parameters have been defined. In this
way your distributor will be con-figured to match your application
and achieve optimal hydraulic conditions.

4
6
8
10
12

5
VD 80

10

15
L (m3/m2h)

VD 160

20

25

VD 200

30
VD 330

0
hole size (mm)

Hole sizes in other distributors

4
8
12
16
20

20

40

60
L (m3/m2h)

80

100

120

Distributor test rig

All Sulzer Chemtech liquid distributor configurations are routinely performance tested in Sulzer Chemtechs
liquid distributor test rig prior to delivery. Minimum and maximum flow
rates measurements are always
performed. Surface area measurements are possible, with the detection of standard deviations.

Distributor test rig

14

0600 2511-3

0600 2566-1

Liquid collectors

Vane collector SL
The collector SL is used as a separate unit to accumulate liquids from
packed sections within a column.
This collector requires a ring channel welded to the column wall.
The pressure drop of this collector
is negligible.

0600 2509-2

Collector support grid SLT

The collector SLT combines a packing support grid with a vane collector. As a packing support, it can
support the direct load of packings
with surface areas up to 350 m2/m3.
For finer packings, additional drip
plates are used.
This non-welded collector SLT is
often used in applications where
space between packed beds is critical. This collector requires a support ring inside the column.

0600 2509-4

Collector SLF
The collector SLF is designed to be
installed between the column flanges
in smaller flanged columns.

0600 2509-1

15

Liquid collectors

Chimney tray collector SK

The collector SK is an established
and versatile accumulator tray design, available either as bolted or
sealwelded construction. It is generally used in large diameter columns
with high liquid loads.

0600 2506-1

Pressure drop is a function of the

type and configuration of the chimneys. Sulzer Chemtech specialists
can design your collector SK to
your process specifications. Whether you need a total draw-off, a
flash tray, a gas distribution device,
or a unique chimney configuration,
the collector SK can be custom designed to meet your specific application needs.

16

0600 2506-3

0600 2506-2

Support and locating systems

Support grids TEB / TSB

TEB and TSB are used with structured packings. Both require support rings to be welded to the column wall. TEBs are grids for flanged columns. The segmental grids
of the TSB pass through manholes
and are clamped together for convenient installation. The grid is a
non welded construction.
TEB and TSB support grids are ideal for applications requiring expensive alloys.
Certain high performance packings
require additional drip plates.

0600 2513-4

Support grids TE / TS
TE and TS are intended for structured packings with surface area
over 350m2/m3 packing volume.
They are designed with drip plates
to prevent premature flooding of the
packing.
These support grids rest on support
rings or gussets welded to the column shell. For columns over 3 m
ID, additional supports and major
beams may be required.

0600 2513-2

Random packing support grid

GIS / EMS
GIS and EMS are used with random
packings and serve as gas injection
trays to distribute the gas to bottom
layers of the packing. Both grids
have an open cross sectional area
of 0%, GIS and EMS differ only in
their overall height.
EMS is used in small column up to
1.2 m diameter. GIS is used in larger
diameter columns.
0600 2513-6

Retaining grid for random

packings RPB
Retaining grids, consisting of wire
mesh welded to the underside of
grid frames, are required above
random packing beds. Such grids
may be either suspended from a liquid distributor above it or bolted to
a support ring welded to the column
wall.
0600 2513-5

17

Gas inlet systems

When preparing column specifications, the method of feeding the

column, drawing off liquids, and removing gases must not be over-looked. They are as important as se-

lecting of the optimum packing and

matching it to the proper internals
to get peak performance from your
packed column.

Owing to years of experience and

continuous development at Sulzer
Chemtech, we are always in a position to offer you both standard gas
inlet systems and specialty tailored
solutions based on CFD studies.

Gas inlet systems

GITV

0600 2505-1

0600 2505-3

Cyclon inlet
GD
Open inlet

CFD-simulations to analyse and

improve vapour distribution

0600 2505-4

GIG

0600 2505-2

Tube inlet
GDP
Splash plate inlet
GIV
Vane inlet
18

0600 2505-5

Liquid inlet systems

Liquid inlet systems

LRR inlet

LV inlet

Super-heated liquid feeds

100% liquid feeds to small diameter

columns

0600 2504-2

0600 2504-4

LV (2) inlet

0600 2504-1

100% liquid feeds to larger diameter

columns

LRP inlet

0600 2504-3

Liquid feeds containing gases

19

www.sulzer.com
Please check for your local contact

Sulzer Chemtech Ltd, a member of the Sulzer Corporation, with headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is active in the field of process engineering
and employs some 4000 persons worldwide.
Sulzer Chemtech is represented in all important industrial countries and
sets standards in the field of mass transfer and static mixing with its advanced and economical solutions.

The activity program comprises:

Process components such as fractionation trays, structured and random packings, liquid and gas distributors, gas-liquid separators, and
internals for separation columns
Engineering services for separation and reaction technology such as
conceptual process design, feasibilities studies, plant optimizations including process validation in the test center
Recovery of virtually any solvents used by the pharmaceutical and
chemical industry, or difficult separations requiring the combination of
special technologies, such as thin film/short-path evaporation, distillation under high vacuum, liquid-liquid extraction, membrane technology
or crystallization.
Complete separation process plants, in particular modular plants
(skids)
Advanced polymerization technology for the production of PLA and
EPS
Tower field services performing tray and packing installation, tower
maintenance, welding, and plant turnaround projects
Mixing and reaction technology with static mixers
Cartridge-based metering, mixing and dispensing systems, and disposable mixers for reactive multi-component material

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22.51.06.40 - V.13 - 20 - Printed in Switzerland

Legal Notice: The information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not to be construed as implying any
warranty or guarantee of performance. Sulzer Chemtech waives any liability and indemnity for effects resulting from its application.