Mass transfer study on catalytic structured packings for reactive separations

This paper presents the results of a study carried out to examine the effective mass transfer area of the modular catalytic structured packing Katapak-SP. Information has been gathered by using the chemical absorption method and monitoring the composition profiles along the packed bed. Liquid load ranged between 5 and 27 m3/(m2h). A procedure was developed taking into account the complex geometry of the packing. The use of both volumetric mass transfer coefficients correlations from the literature and data from own measurements, allowed chosing the proper operating conditions. A simple model to calculate the effective area is presented. The model is based on the packing geometry and the liquid flows distribution within the hybrid structure of the packing