Liquid distributor

Proper distribution of the liquid onto the packed bed or structured packing is accomplished by the appropriate liquid distributors. It is important to distribute the liquid flow equally across the column area in order to secure an intensive mass transfer between the phases. An important design criteria is the irrigation density; the number of drips points in relation to the column area.
In addition to the task of regular liquid distribution, the component has to meet the following requirements:

• Low pressure drop in the gas phase
• Resistance against dirt or solids in the liquid
• High turn down ratio
• Low droplet entrainment
• Prevention of irregular gas distribution
• Prevention of wall effect on liquid flow

The following types of liquid distributors are available:

• Distribution Tray
• Rough-type Distributor
• Ladder-Type Distributor
• Spray Nozzle-type Distributor

The following principles of liquid distribution are used:

• By orifices at the bottom of the distribution troughs or by drip tubes perforated at the sides
• Overflow distribution by slots at the side of the troughs or by overflow spouts
• Nozzles