Tower Internals

The internals of a packed tower consist of key components that facilitate the gas-liquid mass transfer process and impact the efficiency of the tower. These components typically include packing material which provides a large surface area for mass transfer; a liquid distributor to evenly distribute liquid over the packing; support plates, domes, or grids to support the packing material inside the tower; and optionally, a gas distributor for even gas flow distribution.

The components of a packed column include the following: The packing material which can be saddles or structured packing made either of plastic, steel, or ceramics; a liquid distributor to provide a uniform liquid distribution over the packing; and support plates, dome, or grids, which serve to support and stabilize the packing material within the column. At the top, you have either a demister or candles to retain the liquid mist from reaching another part of the plant.

Understanding the effect different tower internals can have on packing performance enables us to select the best tower internals for their application. An effective liquid and gas distribution system within the packed tower is critical for the optimal performance of the tower. The gas to be absorbed is pushed through the packing in countercurrent to the liquid being distributed over it, to facilitate the mass transfer processes such as absorption, distillation, or chemical reactions within the column, leading to the desired separation or reaction outcomes.

The efficiency of a packed tower is determined by its ability to achieve the desired mass transfer or separation objectives while keeping energy consumption – pressure drop – and operating costs to a minimum.