Is it true that the backflow of liquid in the downcomer back to the upper tray can cause flooding in the equipment?
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1. Is it true that the backflow of liquid in the downcomer back to the upper tray can cause flooding in the equipment? Why?
Strictly speaking, no. Liquid does not flow from bottom to top. However, when the liquid drop rate exceeds the capacity of the downcomer, the downcomer becomes filled with liquid, leading to flooding.
It is due to a large amount of foam being entrained, with the gas and liquid phases unable to be separated; there is also a substantial layer of foam in the downcomer, which causes flooding as the flow of the liquid phase is hindered.
The liquid phase in the downcomer does not flow backward; only when there is a large volume of liquid will the downcomer experience flooding, and in severe cases, the entire tower may flood as well!
I can close the thread after answering: This is typical liquid flooding in a downcomer.