Can a low feed rate in a packed tower result in a high pressure drop in the tower?
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The workshop is equipped with a graphite-packed distillation tower; the feed volume is generally around 10 m3, and the pressure drop across the tower remains at around 35 kPa； Meanwhile, there is also a light-end removal column in the workshop (with similar main components, except for a water content that is about 5% higher); the feed volume is around 40 m3, and the pressure drop across the column is only 8 kPa. When performing hydraulic modeling of the distillation column using ASPEN, it shows that the operating point is below the flooding line. So, can a low feed volume result in a high pressure drop across the column?
A low feed rate does not directly cause a high pressure drop in the tower. The tower pressure drop is influenced by various factors, including the type of packing in the tower, the packing layer configuration, operating pressure and temperature, feed composition and state (such as liquid or gas phase), flow rate, etc. An ASPEN simulation operating point below the leakage line may indicate that the actual operating conditions do not match the design or selection of the packing; it may be necessary to adjust the operating conditions or check whether there are issues such as blockages or damage in the packing. The effect of feed rate on pressure drop is usually related to the fluid distribution pattern and the efficiency of gas-liquid contact; it is recommended to thoroughly examine the operating parameters and the conditions inside the tower. .
It’s best not to get stuck on the existing metrics; instead, those metrics should be compared with the performance specifications outlined in the device’s manual. The production capacity of a tower is subject to certain limitations; there is usually a minimum and a maximum load. This should be verified during the commissioning phase, and it shall serve as a standard for adjusting production in the future. In a packed tower, there must be a certain ratio between the upward airflow inside the tower and the mass and heat transfer that occur on the fins of the packing; a loss of this balance can lead to problems. For reference.