Measuring cells as a potential tool for the design and retrofit of columns with structured packings

In-depth experiments regarding the separation performance and pressure drop within a novel measuring cell, for the determination of structured packing characteristics for distillation processes, are presented. Furthermore, experiments with a pilot plant column (DN 250) were conducted and compared to the retrieved results from the measuring cell. Additionally, it could be demonstrated that the separation performance of a DN 250 column can be predicted using a rate-based model with mass transfer coefficients obtained from the measuring cell when the level of maldistribution is identified. Changing the packing type within the measuring cell revealed that the measuring cell can give reliable and reproducible results for packings with specific surface areas of 500 m2 m−3 and 250 m2 m−3, while at the same time investigating a close boiling system. The presented results indicate that the measuring cell is a promising tool for supporting the retrofit and design of columns with structured packings.