Simulation study on pressure distribution and pressure drop in corrugated plate packing with different structural parameters

Structured packing is extensively employed in gas-liquid separation processes due to its provision of a large specific surface area and elevated porosity. However, this configuration concurrently induces an increase in system pressure drop. A comprehensive understanding of the influence of packing structural parameters on hydrodynamic characteristics becomes imperative for achieving enhanced separation efficiency and optimized energy consumption in industrial applications. This study constructed a high-fidelity corrugated double plate model considering parameters such as holes and plate thickness. A systematic numerical investigation employing the k-ω shear stress transport model was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the hydrodynamic effects of key geometric parameters (thickness, hole diameter, hole spacing, corrugated inclination angle, and corrugated tooth angle) on the double-plate model of corrugated plate packing. The reliability of the model was confirmed through comparing it with previous studies. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the internal flow field and pressure distribution were conducted under different geometric and structural parameters of the double-plate model. The underlying mechanisms of different structural parameters on the dry pressure drop in a corrugated plate were determined. The influence of each parameter on packing performance was explored. A predictive method for dry pressure drop was proposed. These results hold crucial implications for elucidating the influence mechanisms of structural parameters on packing performance and for optimizing and designing new packings to reduce energy consumption.