Capacity and efficiency of reactive distillation bale packing: Modeling and experimental validation

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie970050l· OSTI ID:538239

Subawalla, H; Gonzalez, J C; Seibert, A F; Fair, J R ^[1]

---

1. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States). Separations Research Program

The geometry of catalyst-containing bale packing is characterized in this paper. The calculated packing parameters (specific surface area and void fraction) are employed in conjunction with a model to predict two-phase pressure drop, maximum capacity, and height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP). Experimental data obtained in a 5.3-cm (2.1-in.) column, operated at total reflux, are presented for two systems (cyclohexane/n-heptane and acetone/methyl ethyl ketone) at pressures of 138 and 241 kPa (20 and 35 psia). Model predictions for pressure drop and HETP are validated with experimental data obtained under nonreactive conditions. An appropriate procedure for scaleup of HETP and pressure drop, with associated limitations, is also discussed.

• OSTI ID: 538239
• Journal Information: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 36; ISSN IECRED; ISSN 0888-5885
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CAPACITY
CATALYSTS
COLUMN PACKING
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT
EFFICIENCY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PRESSURE DROP
SURFACE AREA
VOID FRACTION